MIRI – Bintulu MP and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has joined the chorus of lawmakers and civil society groups in calling for cheaper flight fares to Sarawak ahead of the state polls.
He said he has personally received a lot of complaints from the people in Sarawak on the lack of flights and costly fares.
“Even when I was on my working visit to Lawas, the people there spoke about their issues with flights.
“I will be heading to Kuala Lumpur and meet Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong on these matters,” he said in his updates to his constituents.
Tiong was weighing in on the growing concerns of expensive flights, lack of seats and unpredictable flight schedules to Sarawak.
Many are worried that Sarawakians working elsewhere may not be able to come back to vote on December 18.
PDP is a component party of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
Tiong said he also wants the lack of rural flights to be dealt with comprehensively.
“I will discuss the possibility of adding more rural flights as this is one of the biggest issues raised during my visit to Lawas.
“It’s important now to ensure there are enough available aircraft and cheaper flights, especially with the polling day ahead of us.
“We need the flight connections confirmed now because the Brunei border is still closed, so voters from Limbang and Lawas will have no choice but to travel by air from Miri.”
Tiong was in Lawas town while on a working visit to Ba’Kelalan state constituency that takes seven hours by timber road.
PDP is contesting the seat for GPS and its chosen candidate is lawyer Sam Laya.
Laya will challenge incumbent Baru Bian, who is in the opposition under Parti Sarawak Bersatu.
Also expected to join the fray in Ba’ Kelalan is PKR candidate Samuel Labo, a senior bank officer.
Agnes Padan is also keen to contest as an independent. She is former Sarawak PKR women chief.
All the candidates are from the Lun Bawang minority group.
Sarawak heads to the polls on December 18, with nomination day on December 6 and early voting on December 14. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
