SINGAPOREAN budget carrier Scoot will increase its flight frequency between Kuching and the island republic to twice weekly from next month, while its Malaysian counterpart, Malindo, will double its number of flights from seven to 14 on the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route.

Other domestic airlines – Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and MasWings – will also increase their number of flights after Sarawak’s Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) approved their requests to increase the frequency of scheduled flights until the end of August, Sarawak Transport Minister Lee Kin Shin announced today.

All flights to Sarawak were stopped when the state closed its borders to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The SDMC later allowed some flights between the peninsula and Kuching to fly Sarawakians home during the movement control order (MCO) period, but the frequency was limited to only once a week, and permission to fly only given to Malaysia Airlines.

However, due to rising demand, AirAsia and Malindo submitted requests for permission as well.

Both airlines were given permission to fly between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching once a week in March and June, while Malaysia Airlines could fly three times a week between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching in the two months.

The number of flights between the peninsula, Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak is now up to 331 a week from 115 previously.

“The SDMC’s decision to approve and increase the frequency of flights between West Malaysia (and) Sarawak, and vice versa, was made after taking into consideration various factors, namely the improvement of the Covid-19 situation in the state, the need to stimulate domestic economic growth, especially the tourism sector, and to facilitate movement of goods and people for business, official and personal reasons,” Lee said.

He reminded all agencies connected with flight operations that, although approval has been given to increase flight frequency and allow 100% flight capacity, they must strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“These include screening of body temperature before entering the airport terminal, requirement of face masks by the crew and passengers, and the use of hand sanitisers,” Lee added. – June 30, 2020.