Batik Air agrees to resume Miri-KL flights after deputy minister’s request

Miri's Deputy Minister Chiew Choon Man has requested Batik Air to resume its Miri-Kuala Lumpur flights. The need for a return was highlighted due to the difficulty of finding flights between Miri and Kuala Lumpur, especially during weekends, public holidays, and peak travel periods. Chiew wrote a formal letter to Batik Air's CEO, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, urging the airline to reconsider the commercial viability of the sector and return the service.

Chiew noted that while fuel and aviation costs can be volatile, there is still a strong demand for travel between Miri and Kuala Lumpur. He also emphasized that Miri serves a wider catchment area, including northern Sarawak and Brunei. Chiew welcomed the airline's positive response, stating that additional capacity would provide more choices for passengers, improve connectivity, and help ease pressure on seat availability.

He stressed that increased competition and capacity can lead to a healthier and more competitive airfare environment. Chiew, as Miri's MP and deputy minister, will continue working with airlines and stakeholders to strengthen Miri's connectivity, including supporting Batik Air's development of the route.