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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Direct flights between Pontianak, Kuching and KL to boost tourism, economic ties
Azizul delivers his speech during the launch of AirAsia's flight routes between Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and Pontianak. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu PONTIANAK (July 27): The resumption of direct flights between Pontianak and the Malaysian cities of Kuching and Kuala Lumpur is set to boost visitor arrivals, especially from West Kalimantan to Sarawak and Malaysia's capital, said Malaysian Consul in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim. Speaking at the launch of AirAsia's flight routes between Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and Pontianak, held in conjunction with the Sarawak Travel Fair 2025 at Ayani Megamall here yesterday, he said the reinstated services would not only boost tourism, but also strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries. 'In addition to tourism, it will also facilitate access to educational and healthcare services in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak,' he said. Azizul added that the initiative aligns well with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, during which a wide range of tourism, education, and cultural programmes are expected to take place across the country. 'Last year alone, some 500,000 West Kalimantan residents entered Sarawak via land, while nearly 400,000 Malaysians travelled to West Kalimantan through the same means. 'This clearly demonstrates the strong tourism, education, and trade potential between Sarawak and West Kalimantan — a potential that will only grow stronger with improved flight connectivity,' he remarked. He noted that Sarawak and West Kalimantan share the longest land border between Malaysia and Indonesia, stretching approximately 900 kilometres. 'West Kalimantan is the only Indonesian province with the highest number of land entry points into Malaysia. These include the Tebedu–Entikong, Biawak–Aruk, and Lubok Antu–Nanga Badau crossings,' he said. Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) marketing director Barbara Benjamin Atan said the Sarawak Travel Fair 2025, held from July 25 to 27, aims to promote tourism, healthcare, and education ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. She said the event reinforces Sarawak's image as a trusted tourism partner committed to long-term collaboration, marked by the participation of over 40 delegates from Sarawak. 'STB remains committed to working closely with industry partners in West Kalimantan. We believe that with shared commitment, mutual trust and strong communication, we can build a sustainable tourism relationship that benefits both regions,' she added. Airasia Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim direct flights flight routes tourism
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bookings now open for AirAsia's new routes to Pontianak from Kuching, KL
Ria (front, fourth left) in a group photo with other distinguished guests during the launch of AirAsia's new travel routes in West Kalimantan. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu PONTIANAK (July 26): AirAsia's new flight routes between Kuching and Pontianak, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Pontianak, are now open for bookings from today until August 3, 2025, for travel between September 12, 2025 and March 28, 2026. Flights from Kuching to Pontianak are available from as low as RM149 one-way, while flights from Pontianak to Kuching start from IDR467,371. Meanwhile, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pontianak start at RM159 one-way, with return flights from Pontianak priced from IDR499,000. According to West Kalimantan Governor Drs H Ria Norsan, these new routes serve the interests of all three cities as they not only facilitate easier access for travellers, but also boost trade, investment and tourism flows. 'West Kalimantan stands ready to welcome more Malaysian visitors, while providing convenient access for Indonesians seeking business opportunities, leisure travel and medical services in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur,' he said when launching the AirAsia flight routes in conjunction with the Sarawak Travel Fair by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) at Ayani Megamall here today. He added that the route is especially important as many Indonesians, particularly from Pontianak, seek medical treatment in Kuching, as well as in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. This expansion follows AirAsia's rapid growth in Indonesia, including the recent launch of the Kuala Lumpur–Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur–Semarang route in September. With the addition of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will serve a total of 17 destinations in Indonesia, operating 223 weekly flights between Malaysia and Indonesia, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network serving the archipelago. The launch of these routes also enhances regional connectivity and supports both governments' tourism targets, Malaysia's goal of attracting 4.3 million Indonesian visitors in 2025, and Sarawak's target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. It also contributes to Indonesia's national goal of recording 16 million international tourist arrivals, with Malaysia remaining one of its top source markets. In March 2020, the flights between Kuching and Pontianak, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Pontianak, were fully suspended, following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, compounded by the temporary reclassification of Supadio Airport to domestic status. This year, the route has resumed following the reinstatement of Supadio Airport in Pontianak as an international airport, as stated by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin in a recent statement. Previously, former Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, had commented that direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak would greatly benefit both regions—particularly in view of Indonesia's capital relocation from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan. Lee also acknowledged Raden's vital role, noting that his support and coordination were instrumental in the route's reinstatement. Bookings are now available on the AirAsia MOVE app and at Also present at the event were Consul of Malaysia in Pontianak Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim, STB's marketing director Barbara Benjamin Atan, AirAsia's head of commercial Liyana Mahizzan, and other distinguished guests. Airasia bookings kuala lumpur Kuching lead Pontianak flights
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Repeat offender in Kuching sentenced to over five years' jail, caning for drug abuse
Lai (right) being escorted out of the court after proceedings at the Kuching Court Complex. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (July 21): The Sessions Court here today sentenced a 40-year-old mechanic to five years and three months' imprisonment and one stroke of the cane for abusing amphetamine and methamphetamine. Judge Iris Awen Jon meted out the sentence against Lai Muk Loi after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952, punishable under Section 39C(1)(b) of the same Act. The Section provides for a prison sentence of between five and seven years, as well as up to three strokes of the cane, upon conviction. In addition to custodial sentence, Iris also ordered Lai to undergo police supervision for two years following the completion of his prison term. Lai committed the offence at the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department of the Bau District Police Headquarters at about 1.05pm on Jan 25, 2025 . He has three previous convictions for the same offence in April 2015, June 2016, November 2019. Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Aiman Mutallib Mohamad Shariff prosecuted, while Lai was unrepresented by legal counsel. drug abuse Kuching lead Sessions Court
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Samarahan online seller jailed total 36 years for drug trafficking, possession
Dayang Nurhanisah is escorted after proceedings at the Kuching Court Complex. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (July 11): The High Court here today sentenced an online seller to a total of 36 years in prison for trafficking 3.6675kg of cannabis, as well as for possession of cannabis and ketamine four years ago. Judge Leonard David Shim handed down the sentence against Dayang Nurhanisah Awang Khalid, 39, after finding the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. For the first charge, she was convicted under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952, punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, for trafficking 3.6675kg of cannabis at a shophouse in the Samarahan Land District, Desa Ilmu, around 6pm on July 9, 2021. The Section carries the death penalty or life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 strokes of the cane upon conviction. For the second charge, she was found guilty of an offence under Section 6 of the DDA 1952 for possession of 18 grammes of cannabis at a house in Taman Desa Ilmu, Kota Samarahan, at 4.50pm on the same day. The Section stipulates a maximum fine of RM20,000, or up to five years in jail, or both, upon conviction. For the third charge, she was convicted under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 12(3) of the same Act, for possession of 0.57 grammes of ketamine at the same location and time. The Section provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both, upon conviction. Shim ordered for the prison sentences to run concurrently from the date of her arrest on July 9, 2021. A total of 10 prosecution witnesses were called to testify in the case, while two witnesses, Dayang Nurhanisah and her daughter, were called for the defence. Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Fillany Siji prosecuted the case, while Dayang Nurhanisah was represented by counsel Roland Thomas.
Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Kuching motorist who brandished airsoft gun gets 3 days' jail, fined RM2,500 for drug abuse
Mohammad Afif (front, left) being escorted out of the courtroom at Kuching Court Complex. – Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (June 23): The Magistrates' Court here today sentenced a 22-year-old motorist who brandished an airsoft pistol while driving along Jalan Kereta Api (Jalan Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zaidi Adruce) last Thursday to three days in jail for possessing an imitation firearm. Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan handed down the sentence to Mohammad Afif Izzuddin Bujang following his guilty plea to a charge under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960, which carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment, a fine up to RM5,000, or both. Mohammad Afif committed this offence at an intersection of Jalan Kereta Api around 4:30pm on June 19, 2025. According to the facts of the case, police managed to trace his car's registration number from a viral video showing him brandishing the fake pistol while driving. A police report was subsequently lodged, leading to his arrest. Further investigation revealed that Mohammad Afif brandished the gun in an attempt to scare off the driver behind him, as he was dissatisfied that the driver had not given way and was following too closely. In separate proceedings before Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali, Mohammad Afif was fined RM2,500 in default three months imprisonment after pleading guilty to abusing amphetamine and methamphetamine. The court also ordered him to undergo two years of supervision upon either paying the fine or completing the custodial sentence He was charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952 for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine abuse, an offence punishable under Section 15(1) of the same Act. This Section stipulates a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment term not exceeding two years. In addition, upon completion of the sentence, the offender must undergo supervision for a period of not less than two years and not more than three years. Mohammad Afif committed the offence at the Kuching District Police Narcotics Crime Investigation Department office at around 3.50pm on May 18, 2021. Prosecuting officers ASP Arman Ibrahim and Insp Nur Syafiqa Nyaie Ilin handled the prosecutions, while Mohammad Afif was not represented by legal counsel. airsoft gun lead Mohammad Afif Izzuddin Bujang
