KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Malaysia Airlines Bhd will resume once-weekly service between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Miri and Kota Kinabalu starting this week, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

At the same time, MASwings Sdn Bhd will resume its flights between Miri and Bintulu, Kuching and Sibu, and Sibu and Bintulu.

"If demand increases, they will add more flights to Kuching, Miri or Kota Kinabalu starting next week," he added.

Wee was responding to comments by Sarawak State Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday, who was reported as saying that the Sarawak state government had urged the country's three airlines Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia Group Bhd and Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd to reconsider their decision to stop flights to the state during the movement control order (MCO) period, which ends on April 28.

In his Facebook post today, Wee said his ministry never directed the three Malaysia-based airlines to stop flights between the peninsula and East Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air have grounded most of their fleet and temporarily suspended flights since last month as travel demand drops because of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and cross-border travel restrictions.

"However, Malaysia Airlines has emphasised that their cargo service, especially in carrying essential goods such as food and medical supplies to Sarawak, continues during the MCO period," said Wee. 

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