Abang Johari fields questions from the media. – Ukas photo

KUCHING (Feb 1): AirBorneo is prepared to hold discussions with the federal government on the provision of flight warrants for civil servants nationwide, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the Sarawak government already has plans in place for such arrangements, adding that discussions could proceed once AirBorneo’s jet operations begin.

“This is not an issue, and we can hold discussions with the federal government, as there are already plans in place for this,” he said, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He said this when met after officiating the Walk for Health Programme at the Sarawak Botanical Garden in Petra Jaya today.

Abang Johari said the commencement of jet operations is expected after July, following which broader route planning would be implemented.

On a related matter, the Premier said AirBorneo’s jet services would also connect Kuching to international destinations, including Japan, South Korea and Asean countries.

According to him, regional routes within the Borneo island such as Balikpapan, Samarinda and Pontianak would be served using ATR aircraft, which will be reconfigured to improve passenger comfort for short-haul flights.

He said these developments would be supported by the state’s growing medical tourism sector, which has shown a steady increase based on statistics.

“That is why we have invested in the construction of private hospitals, which include Gleneagles Hospital in Batu Lintang, a hospital development at NorthBank in Tabuan, as well as the expansion of Borneo Medical Centre.

“All of these would further strengthen Sarawak’s position as a medical tourism destination,” he said.

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