More Bruneians travel via Miri

MIRI - More people from Brunei are using this oil capital as their embarkation point for overseas destinations, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, The Star reported.

The state government will use this as a selling point to lure Australia's Qantas Airlines to start direct flights from Perth, he said.

"The latest statistics from Miri Airport on the exact percentage (in the increase in passenger volume) are still being compiled but based on the general information received, there has been an increase in the number of people from Brunei who crossed into Miri to fly to other destinations in Malaysia and overseas.

"One of the factors contributing to this increase is the completion of the trans-boundary bridge at the border at Kuala Baram which enabled the hassle-free flow of travellers.

"We (state government) have already written to the Transport Ministry to seek permission for Miri Airport to handle direct flight services to overseas destinations. We hope MAS can start the Miri-Perth service soon," he said after meeting Sarawak Tourism Association board members and the Miri Airport management yesterday.

Dr Chan said the state was confident it could lure Qantas Airlines as Miri Airport expected more passengers with the recent RM300mil upgrading of its terminal and runway.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin