MIRI, Nov 2 — The sky over the city here is expected to be busier starting next year when Scoot Tigerair Pte Ltd (Scoot) commences its direct passenger air service between Singapore and Miri.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said his ministry had received the green light from the Federal Transport Ministry and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) on Scoot Tigerair Pte Ltd application to operate two times weekly flight between Singapore and Miri starting in the mid-January.
“The Sarawak government welcomes Scoot Tigerair Pte Ltd proposal to fly direct between Singapore and Miri. This is mainly because Miri has been established as the northern gateway to Sarawak and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state,” he said in a statement today.
Lee said it would be timely for Scoot to operate to Miri city and other towns in Sarawak to expand its current operation of three times a week flight between Singapore and Kuching.
“We believe the number of visitors from Singapore entering Sarawak will gradually return to normal once the COVID-19 pandemic situation is greatly improved with the state’s fully-vaccinated adult rate more than 91 per cent,” he said.
Lee said Scoot’s plan augured well with the development in Miri as Shell Malaysia would be moving its upstream activities headquarters to the city and expected to station around 2,000 staff here to reflect the company’s confidence with Sarawak as a preferred investment destination, especially in the oil and gas sector.
“Therefore, with Scoot flight connecting Singapore and Miri, any Shell personnel from overseas that need to be in Miri will be able to fly direct via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur,” he added.
