Two Indonesian plantation workers first reported victims of rising water levels in Bekenu

BEKENU, Dec 9, 2025: Two Indonesian oil palm workers became the first reported victims of risng water levels when a fast flowing current swept them away while they took their bath at Ladang Surai Simpang Lapok, here this afternoon.

Caption: Firemen from  Bekenu station searching for the bodies of the victims of rising water levels 

However, the body of Aidil, 20, was found by a search and rescue team from Bekenu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) hours later.

A spokesperson said the search and rescue operation has not found body of 18-year old AIrfan, yet.

According to her, Bomba Lopeng station received an emergency call about 3.10pm saying that two Indonesian nationals had been swept away by the current while they took their bath at the river.

A search and rescue operation was later initiated and it  found the body of Aidil entangled at the riverbank.

His lifeless body was later handed over to the Bekenu police for further action.

Large areas in Bekenu, Niah and Bintulu have been experienced severe flooding due to pouring rains over the last few days.

AirBorneo now on a full dry run and system testing, says Lee Kim Shin

KUCHING, Dec 9, 2025: Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said today that AirBorneo will launch its official website live tomorrow, calling it an important step toward the airline’s operational readiness. 

Lee Kim Shin:The go-live launch of the website will serve as the public’s first engagement point with Sarawak’s own airline. 

He said the airlines is currently carrying out a full dry run and system testing phase to ensure that all digital functions perform smoothly ahead of the public launch.

“AirBorneo’s progress is encouraging,” he said, adding that the ongoing system testing is essential to ensure a seamless, reliable and user-friendly platform for future passengers.

 “This milestone reflects the team’s commitment and the hard work that has been put in over the past months,” Lee said in a statement.

“The go-live of the website will serve as the public’s first engagement point with Sarawak’s own airline.

“I am confident the team will deliver a platform that showcases professionalism and the spirit of service,” he said.

Lee said  AirBorneo, formerly MASwings and now transitioning under Sarawak’s ownership, is undergoing final preparations for its inaugural operations, which will support improved rural air services and strengthen connectivity across the Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.

In a separate statement, AirBorneo said the launch of its website and call centre marks the commencement of ticket sales for the takeover of MASwings at the end of December 2025.

It said effective Dec 10, purchasing new tickets for travel on or before  January 13, 2026 will

continue to purchase MASwings tickets through current MASwings’ website

(www.maswings.com.my), for travel on or up to 13 January 2026

It added purchasing new tickets for travel on or after January 14, 2026 will be on AirBorneo’s website (www.airborneo.com).

Alternatively, customers can also purchase tickets via AirBorneo’s call centre at

1-300-22-1388 (toll-free for local callers) or (+60)82-537 555 (for international

callers)

Status of Existing MASwings Tickets: All current MASwings tickets and bookings

remain valid, with no changes to flight times and dates. Passengers with existing

MASwings tickets for travel on or after 14 January 2026 will receive individual

communications regarding the reissuance of their tickets under AirBorneo.

For more information, travellers can visit www.airborneo.com and review the General FAQs.

Travellers can also call at 1-300- 22-1388 (toll-free for local callers) or +(60) 82-537 555 (for international callers).