Direct AirBorneo flights under discussion as Sarawak, Perak explore transport collab

KUCHING (Jan 29): The establishment of direct AirBorneo flights linking Sarawak and Ipoh is now under discussion following a courtesy visit by a Perak state government delegation to the Sarawak Transport Ministry today.

The delegation, led by Perak State Exco for Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Loh Sze Yee, met Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at his office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur.

“Discussions centred on exploring strategic cooperation between Sarawak and Perak, particularly in the areas of transportation and air connectivity, including the potential establishment of direct AirBorneo flights linking Sarawak and Ipoh,” the ministry said in a statement.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on Sarawak’s transport development strategies and ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable growth and enhancing regional connectivity.

Lee said his ministry oversees the development of land, air and maritime transportation in Sarawak, with a strong emphasis on building a future-ready and integrated transport ecosystem.

Among the initiatives highlighted were the recent commencement of operations by Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, which is currently under active construction.

Lee noted that Sarawak’s ART system is the first hydrogen-powered ART system outside China, adding that feeder bus services supporting the ART network are also hydrogen-powered.

“To enhance long-term sustainability and cost efficiency, Sarawak is moving towards producing its own hydrogen, alongside continuous research and development efforts to further reduce energy costs,” he said.

According to Lee, Sarawak’s transport initiatives have attracted growing interest from both local and international parties. Delegations from the Penang and Johor state governments, as well as representatives from Brunei, Indonesia and the Netherlands, have previously visited Sarawak, with many experiencing the ART system firsthand.

Meanwhile, Loh said Sarawak’s rapid development in recent years has drawn widespread attention, prompting the Perak government to visit for direct engagement and mutual sharing.

He noted that Sarawak and Perak share several similarities and expressed interest in exchanging ideas while exploring opportunities for both states to move forward together.

Loh also expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen relations between the Sarawak and Perak governments, paving the way for closer cooperation in economic development, tourism growth and inter-state relations.