AirBorneo takes off in inaugural flights to Mukah and Tanjung Manis

KUCHING, Jan 2 2026: State-owned AirBorneo took off in its inaugural flights this morning, the destinations being Mukah and Tanjung Manis.

AirBorneo Holdings Bhd chairman Abu Bakar Marzuki speaking to reporters after the launch of the inaugural flights to Mukah and Tanjung Manis. On his left is Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin - Picture by Ukas
 

The Kuching-Mukah flight took off with 54 passengers and Kuching-Tanjung Manis departed with 15 passengers.

Speaking to reporters, AirBorneo holdings Bhd chairman Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said he acknowledged that time is needed for the airline to mature, calling on the public, communities and the media to extend their support and understanding during the early stages of operations.

“We cannot expect something to be perfect at the first step or the second step. What is important is that we move forward, improve continuously, and stay focused on serving the people,” he said.

He also reaffirmed AirBorneo’s commitment to providing the best possible service standards, while balancing operational realities and long-term sustainability.

He added AirBorneo will adopt a collaborative and progressive approach as it moves into its next phase of operations, with a clear focus on improving services while strengthening Sarawak’s aviation ecosystem, following its inaugural flight launch.

He said the establishment of the airline reflects the Sarawak government’s far-sighted vision to enhance transportation infrastructure for the benefit of the people.

He expressed appreciation to Premier Abang Johari Openg for his long-term mission in strengthening connectivity, describing AirBorneo’s launch as the first step in a longer journey towards a more resilient and people-centric aviation sector.

“Every journey must start with one step. Moving forward, we will continue to look at how we do things and how we can improve in order to serve the people better,” he said when addressing the media after the launch of the inaugural flight at Kuching International Airport today.

Abu Bakar, who is also the Sarawak Government Secretary, said AirBorneo will not operate in isolation, but instead adopt a collaborative model by working closely with strategic partners and industry allies to deliver reliable and efficient air services.

He stressed that cooperation across stakeholders is essential, as no single entity can build a strong aviation ecosystem alone, particularly in a state with unique geographical and connectivity challenges like Sarawak.

He noted that the airline’s development will be guided by a people-first philosophy, ensuring that connectivity improvements translate into tangible benefits for communities across Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak TransportM Minister Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Ministerof Transport Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Abdullah Saidol, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Attorney General Safri Ali, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel and Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Wong Hee Sieng.

Sarawak government to upgrade rural airports so to strength air connectivity

KUCHING, Jan 2 2026: The state government will conduct a comprehensive studies to review and upgrade rural airports as part of the broader efforts to strengthen air connectivity and support the future expansion of regional air services in the state.

Lee Kim Shin: At present aircraft operations at certain rural airports are constrained by short runways, limiting passenger capacity for safety reasons. 

Minister for Transport Lee Kim Shin said these include assessing existing rural airstrips that may require improvements, particularly those serving areas not easily accessible by road or other modes of transport.

He said several rural airports fall under federal jurisdiction, and proposals for upgrading, including runway extensions, will be brought up with the federal government to enhance operational capacity and safety.

“One of such projects currently underway is the extension of the runway at Bario Airport, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, allowing it to accommodate twin-engine aircraft more effectively,” he told reporters after witnessing the inaugural flight of state-owned AirBorneo at the Kuching International Airport today.

He explained that at present, aircraft operations at certain rural airports are constrained by short runways, limiting passenger capacity for safety reasons despite aircraft being capable of carrying up to 90 passengers.

He noted that Sarawak’s aviation development is being implemented in phases, with the current focus on strengthening existing rural air services before progressing towards the next phase of becoming a regional airline.

“This next phase will require compliance with additional regulatory requirements, including changes to our air operator’s licence, and will involve detailed studies on aircraft types and operational models,” he said.

He stressed that all decisions will be made professionally based on expert studies, adding that no announcements on aircraft selection or regional jet operations will be made prematurely.

Touching on the inaugural flights earlier in the day, Lee said the Kuching–Mukah flight recorded 54 passengers, while the Kuching–Tanjung Manis flight carried 15 passengers.

He described the figures as an encouraging start for the airline in 2026, particularly for routes that play an important role in connecting coastal and rural communities.

He added that Sarawak has long-term aspirations for the growth of air services in areas such as Mukah, in line with broader development and connectivity goals.

Dr Sim: Tok Nan's New Year's wish was longevity, 11 days later, he passed away

KUCHING, Jan 2 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian recalled he and the then Chief Minister Adenan Satem were in a hotel in Melbourne, Australia, just before the New Year’s eve countdown to 2016.

Caption: Former Chief Minister the late  Adenan Satem and Dr Sim Sim Kui Hian visiting the Shrine of Remembrance in Victoria, Australia. Facebook/Dr Sim Kui Hian 

He said he asked Tok Nan:”Tan Sri, in an hour’s time, it will be 2017. Do you have any wish for 2017?

He recalled Adenan’s reply: “ None.”

Dr Sim said he asked again:” Tan Sri, surely you have one wish?”

Tok Nan looked at him in his eyes:” Longevity.”

He said he and Tok Nan, as he was fondly known, were talking their wishes when a New Year’s wish was brought up.

“Eleven  days later, Tok Nan passed away after we returned home to Kuching from Melbourne on Jan 1, 2017,” Dr Sim wrote on his Facebook today.

He said he accompanied Tok Nan who was on a year-end break in Australia at the end of the year 2016.

Dr Sim said he did not realise it was Adenan’s final overseas trip as 11 days later, he passed away 11 days later, on January 11, 2017.

“(I have) few vivid memories which I was very fortunate, privilege and honour to have the opportunity to learn from Adenan’s wisdom,” Dr Sim wrote.

“When we walked around the park of Shrine of Remembrance for Australia New Zealand War Memorial (ANZAC) It was built to honour the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I.

 “Adenan commented: ” Sim, after this war, the Australians finally grew up into adulthood! No longer just a UK colony!” he recalled.

Dr Sim said he recently drove drove past the Shrine in St Kilda Road,  and he started reminding himself of what he and Tok Nan wanted Sarawak nation building enter adulthood.

Dr Sim and his family were in Australia recently for a year-end break.