KUCHING: The full operation of AirBorneo is expected to resolve the predicament of Sarawakians residing abroad regarding flight issues often faced during festive seasons due to high ticket prices.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the takeover and operation of the airline are currently still in a transition period, consequently causing several challenges that have not yet been optimally managed.

"However, I pray that by next year, we will have at least six months before the Gawai celebration and other festivals to try and resolve the flight problems being faced.

"This will enable the mobility of our people working outside of Sarawak to return home, and at the same time facilitate those working in Sarawak to return to their respective hometowns," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after the Gawai Dayak 2026 Open House celebration at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex here on Monday.

He explained that the approach of establishing AirBorneo is appropriate considering that this airline allows the Sarawak Government to continuously assist the people in having a cheaper flight alternative.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also hoped that more subsidies could be channelled to help address flight issues, particularly during festive seasons which witness an increase in demand for flight tickets.

He added that the state government will continue to strive to find the best solutions to ensure the people can enjoy better travel conveniences in the future.

In the meantime, the Sarawak Premier expressed his appreciation to media practitioners who always play a role in promoting Sarawak's culture and uniqueness to all Malaysians.

He added that the dissemination of content through digital platforms such as social media also helps to introduce the uniqueness of Sarawak's culture to the international community.

"This will attract their interest to learn about the lives of Sarawak's multi-ethnic and multi-religious people. Through festivals like this, the outside community can get to know the culture and lifestyle of Sarawakians more closely.

"Therefore, I would like to thank the journalists because they also play a joint role in enlivening our culture," he stated.

Also present were the Sarawak Premier's daughter Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, line-ups of Sarawak cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, heads of departments, and other dignitaries. — UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos By: Ibanez Jeffery
Translator: Ryan Lim