06/02/2025

THURSDAY | FEB 6, 2025

FOLLOW

ON YOUTUBE

6

Malaysian Paper

/theSunMedia /

Air services lifeline for remote areas o Subsidised govt initiative cuts land travel time of six hours to less than 60 minutes despite the availability of alternative logging road access. subsidies are critical to sustain it,” he said, adding that private airlines should also consider contributing to the service as part of their corporate social responsibility.

connectivity to all its people,” he said. The recent completion of negotiations between the Sarawak government and the Malaysia Aviation Group on the takeover of MASwings marks a new chapter in the evolution of RAS. The transition brings opportunities and challenges as the state takes charge of managing the essential air links independently. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg recently said the state had finalised the takeover of MASwings, paving the way for the state to have its own airline. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said a longer-term deal for

“This route is still needed because the alternative way is via Brunei, which is very inconvenient and requires a passport. I believe this sector will remain essential and should continue to be served by RAS.” Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan lauded the

He also said the RAS subsidies should continue even after the Sarawak government acquisition of MASwings is finalised. “RAS should not be viewed with the mindset

KUCHING: Rural air services (RAS) remain a vital lifeline for East Malaysia’s remote communities, where rugged terrain and limited road infrastructure make air travel the most practical means of connection. For decades, RAS has bridged these isolated areas, providing services to remote and sparsely populated areas such as Lahad Datu in Sabah and Ulu Baram in Sarawak, ensuring residents are able to access essential services and connect with major towns within hours rather than days. Initially set to end in December last year the federal government decision to extend RAS subsidies until the end of this year underscores its commitment to maintaining connectivity in rural communities. To sustain the service, the government allocates RM209 million annually for operating costs and aircraft leasing. Regional airline MASwings operates 40 routes in Sarawak and Sabah, using ATR72 and Twin Otter Viking aircraft. Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau lauded the subsidies, preserving the essence of Javanese wedding customs, a mak andam (bridal make-up artist) from Indonesia embarked on a journey of over 1,500km from Ponorogo in East Java to Malaysia to introduce traditional elements to a wedding ceremony. Fadila Rahmatika, 40, said she felt a calling to revive the authenticity of Javanese wedding customs as many ceremonies in Malaysia had veered from tradition. She said most Javanese-themed

describing RAS as a community service crucial for the people of Ulu Baram, Bernama reported. “The service, provided through the Long Akah airport in Long San village, Ulu Baram, caters to several surrounding villages. It significantly reduces travel time between Ulu Baram, Miri and Marudi. “Travelling by air cuts the six hour journey (to Miri and Marudi) by land to less than an hour. In medical emergencies, this can save lives,” he said, urging the government to maintain the subsidised low fares. In Ba’kelalan, where RAS has operated since the 1960s, air services remain indispensable for transporting goods, responding to emergencies and connecting isolated villages. “It is amazing that many of our people transport building materials such as cement and zinc roofing sheets through these RAS flights. Tourists visiting Ba’kelalan also rely on these flights,” its assemblyman Baru Bian said. He also emphasised the importance of the Miri-Lawas-Miri route, adding that it remains essential weddings held here often focus solely on the bridal attire, adding that a true Javanese wedding is incomplete if only the bride and groom embrace the theme, while others such as family members and rewang (wedding helpers) do not. Traditionally, women wear kebaya , and men wear batik shirts, creating a cohesive and authentic atmosphere. She was speaking on her involvement in the wedding of local couple Nik Nur Elly Ezlieana Salikhin and Muhammad Iqbal Sairi recently.

of making money or profit, but must be balanced by social responsibility considerations to the people. Some routes may incur losses due to low demand, but it is the government’s moral obligation to provide

government’s stance, calling it a moral duty to connect rural areas. “RAS is inherently (a non profit undertaking) due to its low passenger volume. Government

the service would be renegotiated after the takeover.

MASwings operates 40 RAS routes in Sarawak and Sabah. – BERNAMAPIC

Couple ‘imports’ help for Java-themed wedding BATU PAHAT: Dedicated to

Jogja Javanese and Sundanese customs, adapted to Muslimah attire.” The bride, Nik Nur Elly Ezlieana said the choice of a Javanese theme was her way to honour the heritage of her ancestors from East Java. “Most Javanese style weddings in this country are blended with modern concepts, which has diluted their authenticity,” she said. Elly had reached out to Fadila, who has more than 20 years of experience, through social media to bring her traditional vision to life. – Bernama

including rawon, kulit lembu, asam pedas urat lembu, sambal goreng and bakso , and entertained by a Barongan performance. In addition to the bridal attire, the pelamin (wedding dais) was adorned with floral and coconut frond decorations, that played a role in highlighting the distinctiveness of Javanese wedding traditions. “In Javanese wedding customs, the bride and groom also wear several outfits representing different regional traditions, such as Solo Javanese,

Fadila, who runs a bridal make-up business with her two children, said meticulous planning is crucial for an authentic Javanese-themed wedding, as every detail must adhere to the customs and original traditions practised in Java. “For this wedding, we had to prepare everything within three weeks. This included the dishes, traditional performances and many other essential elements.” She also said guests were treated to authentic Javanese cuisine,