KUANTAN – The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has suggested the introduction of a new direct air route connecting Kuching in Sarawak, Kuantan in Pahang, and Melaka.
The proposal was put forth during the Closing Ceremony of the 2025 Pahang Heritage Festival held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Kuantan.
His Majesty emphasized that this initiative aligns with the creation of Air Borneo, a new airline owned by Sarawak, which holds promise as a key player in enhancing ties between the three cities.
The Sultan revealed that the idea had previously been discussed with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka and expressed hope that Sarawak’s leadership would also consider the plan seriously.
“I hope that the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak can consider this proposed route as a strategic service that will foster brotherhood and strengthen family ties among our states. Even operating twice-weekly would enable residents from Pahang, Sarawak, and Melaka to visit each other more conveniently,” His Majesty stated.
The Sultan also highlighted the importance of bonding beyond physical connectivity, stressing the value of cultural exchange and heritage as fundamental to the nation’s identity.
The Pahang Heritage Festival, held from 1 to 7 September at the Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village in Pulau Keladi, Pekan, was jointly organised by the Pahang State Department of Culture and Arts and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts.
The festival showcased a broad spectrum of cultural activities, including traditional crafts, ethnic dances, art workshops, and handicraft exhibitions.
It also featured international contributors from Turkey, Laos, Singapore, and Indonesia, drawing significant attention from local visitors.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Pahang Menteri Besar Dato Sri Diraja Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and other state officials and royalty.
This proposal for enhanced air connectivity is seen as a step toward increasing tourism and cultural exchange, as well as strengthening economic and social ties between these regions.