KUCHING: Sarawak is looking to establish direct flights between Kuching and Kuantan through its state-owned airline, AirBorneo.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that through joint promotions, cultural exchanges, and enhanced air and land connectivity, Sarawak and Pahang can together showcase to the world the true beauty of Malaysia: a nation blessed with diversity.
“When we commence our flights through AirBorneo, Kuantan and Kuching will be connected,” he said.
He said this during the ‘Malam Mesra Sarawak-Pahang’ event held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex here last night.
It was attended by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his wife, Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar Al Haj; Head of State of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar; and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Abang Johari further stated that both Sarawak and Pahang are blessed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
“From the highlands of Cameron and the vast National Park in Pahang to the tropical rainforests and traditional villages in Sarawak, both states possess immense potential to jointly develop integrated tourism packages based on eco-tourism and local culture,” he said.
Sarawak, he said, is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Gunung Mulu National Park and the Niah Caves complex – as well as 47 national parks, 15 nature reserves, five wildlife sanctuaries, and the Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
“All these offer tremendous opportunities in the high-value eco-tourism sector,” he said.
Kuching, he added, has been recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrated for its distinct culinary heritage such as Sarawak laksa, mee kolok and kek lapis Sarawak.
“Sarawak also continues to record strong tourism growth, with RM8.2 billion in revenue as of August 2025, well on track to meet its tourism revenue target of RM12.7 billion,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the closing of the Pahang Heritage Festival at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Kuantan last September, Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah proposed the creation of a direct flight connecting Kuching, Kuantan and Melaka.
His Majesty made the suggestion in light of the newly established AirBorneo, which he believes has the potential to serve as a catalyst for strengthening cooperation and connectivity between the three cities.
He also said that it had earlier been discussed with Melaka’s Head of State Tun Seri Setia Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, and is also expected to receive attention from the Sarawak leadership.
“I hope that the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak can consider this proposed route as a strategic destination in an effort to strengthen the brotherhood and family spirit among us.
“Even twice a week is enough to allow the people of Pahang, Sarawak and Melaka to visit each other, thus further strengthening friendships,” he said.
