Batik Air agrees to resume Miri-KL flights after deputy minister’s request
MIRI, Sept 2 — Batik Air has agreed to resume its Miri-Kuala Lumpur services following a formal request by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man.
The Miri MP said the commencement date, flight frequency and schedule would be announced by the airline in due course.
Chiew said he had received increasing feedback from Miri residents over the difficulty of securing flights between Miri and Kuala Lumpur, particularly during weekends, public holidays and peak travel periods.
“Flights are often heavily booked, and airfares can become very expensive when seat availability is limited,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said he had formally written to Batik Air’s chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, urging the airline to review the commercial viability of the Miri-Kuala Lumpur sector and consider returning to Miri.
Chiew said current market conditions should be reassessed, noting that while the airline’s previous operations had been affected by challenges such as volatility in fuel and aviation costs, demand for travel between Miri and Kuala Lumpur remained strong.
He also stressed that Miri’s potential should not be assessed based solely on the city’s population, as it serves a wider catchment area encompassing northern Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei Darussalam.
“With suitable flight timings and competitive fares, there is further potential to attract Bruneian passengers who use Miri as an alternative gateway to Kuala Lumpur and onward destinations,” he said.
Chiew welcomed Batik Air’s positive response, describing the return of another airline operator as important for Miri.
He said additional capacity would give passengers more choices, improve connectivity and help ease pressure on seat availability during periods of strong demand.
“Greater competition and additional capacity can also contribute towards a healthier and more competitive airfare environment for travellers.
“Improved air connectivity is also important for Miri’s wider economic and tourism development,” he said.
Chiew said in his capacity as Miri MP and deputy minister, he would continue working with airlines and relevant stakeholders to strengthen Miri’s connectivity.
He added that his office was prepared to support Batik Air in developing the route, including facilitating engagement with tourism industry players, travel agents, business associations and other relevant stakeholders in Miri and Brunei.
He also thanked Batik Air Malaysia’s management for listening to the concerns and needs of Miri residents and responding positively to the request.
