SANDAKAN: The vice- president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Robert Chong, has called on Transport Minister Anthony Loke to address the need for additional air flights between Sandakan and Tawau.
Chong expressed concern that residents of Sandakan are at a disadvantage when it comes to travelling to Tawau and back.
He pointed out that currently, there is only one flight available per day for this route.
“The flight schedule is set at 10.40 am, with the return flight at 11.40 am to Sandakan. This lack of options hampers communication between the two towns. Some individuals may have meetings at 9 a.m., but due to the limited flight schedule, they are forced to stay in Tawau for 2 to 3 days,” Chong said in a statement today.
He said that some people opt for an alternative route, flying from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu and then to Tawau.
However, the only airline operating on this route is Maswing.
Chong expressed hope that the minister will understand the desire of Sandakan residents and consider adding extra flights or inviting Airasia to operate on this route.
“When we compare the flight schedules from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, it is evident that we are being left out due to the heavy air traffic between KK and Tawau. Increasing the flight schedules will undoubtedly boost local tourism and business connections,” he added.
Chong also emphasised the need for the ministry to address the issue of high pricing during holidays and weekend flights. Encouraging locals to travel within the state will contribute to boosting the local economy.
Chong expressed his hope that the Transport Minister will take into account the concerns of Sandakan residents.
