KUCHING: Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said Malaysia Airlines will be operating 24 additional flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festive period, to cater for the expected surge in travel demand.

He said that of the additional flights, six flights will be added on the Kuala Lumpur–Kuching route, 16 flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Sibu route, and two flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Miri route, providing increased connectivity and more travel options for Sarawakians returning home for the festive celebrations.

“These festive periods are especially meaningful for families. As East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia are separated by the South China Sea, air travel remains the only practical means of connectivity.

“This is why, ahead of every major festive season, the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOTS) will engage with airline operators to request additional flights, so that Sarawakians can return home and celebrate with their families,” he said on Wednesday.

Dato Sri Lee added that Malaysia Airlines is also offering a fixed all-in one-way fare of RM339 for flights to Sarawak, with a travel period from 11 to 23 February, providing greater certainty and affordability for passengers planning their festive journeys.

According to a statement issued by MOTS, this follows a courtesy visit on Tuesday by representatives from Malaysia Airlines Group (MAG), during which they briefed the minister on Malaysia Airlines and Firefly’s Q1 2026 festive services for Sarawak.

Dato Sri Lee said MOTS welcomes the additional flight capacity and fare initiatives introduced for the Chinese New Year period.

He added that Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are also expected to increase flight frequencies during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period to meet the anticipated rise in passenger demand, particularly for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

Dato Sri Lee reaffirmed MOTS’ commitment to working closely with airline operators, the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to ensure sufficient flight capacity and seat availability to Sarawak during peak festive periods, while also maintaining reasonable airfares for the travelling public.

Other airline operators are also expected to adjust and increase their flight schedules to meet overall passenger demand.

During the briefing, MAG representatives also updated him on changes to the group’s senior management team, which will take effect from 1 February 2026.

Dato Sri Lee expressed his appreciation to Malaysia Airlines Group for its continued engagement and cooperation with the Sarawak Government in strengthening air connectivity to Sarawak, particularly during major festive seasons.

MOTS will continue to engage closely with all stakeholders to ensure smooth, adequate and affordable air connectivity for Sarawakians, especially during peak travel periods.

Those present included Malaysia Airlines Group Head of Government and Industry Relations Nita Malek, Head of Network Planning Leong Chuo Sheng, Station Head Kuching Muhammad Yasser Rabusah, MOTS Permanent Secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng and MOTS Head of Aviation Division Dayang Nurhayati Abang Ahmad. -UKASnews