Two more air links approved from Sabah to Singapore

Kota Kinabalu: Two more air routes to Singapore from Sabah have been approved by the Federal Government, in addition to the existing Kota Kinabalu-Singapore route. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the talks to negotiate the landing rights for the new air routes to Singapore, from Tawau and Sandakan, were held in Singapore on April 14.

Speaking to reporters after holding a three-hour dialogue with the Sabah Chinese community and business leaders at SM Kian Kok here, Friday, Ong who is also the MCA President said the service "should be okay by June".

He said similar to the Kota Kinabalu-Singapore service, AirAsia would be servicing the new routes.

However, Ong said it would be better for AirAsia to announce on the frequency of flights and other details because "I am not duty bound to give them free promotion".

"What is important is there are now three major towns in Sabah connected by air to Singapore," he said, adding the Ministry was fully confident that the establishment of the air routes would act as a catalyst to the economic development in Sandakan and Tawau.

"Of course, it will definitely boost the tourism sector. We want to attract tourists (not necessarily from Singapore but) who are on transit in Singapore to come to Sabah and Sarawak," he said, adding he had also made the announcement during the dialogue.

On the Cabotage Policy, Ong said the business community leaders from Sabah had been raising the matter and he assured that his Ministry "is quite ready to table the Cabinet paper on its proposal for the Federal Cabinet consideration".

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