04/04/2025

FRIDAY | APR 4, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

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Air travel provides highway to world for Mulu society

MMEA cook unsung hero at sea during Raya KUALA LUMPUR: Not many may know the significance of the role played by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) junior maritime officer Samsuri Halib. He bears the responsibility of preparing meals for the MMEA crew when they are on duty in the middle of the ocean, thousands of kilometres away from home, braving storms and waves to safeguard the nation’s waters. Samsuri has to ensure every meal he prepares not only provides sufficient energy for the crew to perform their duties optimally but also tastes like home-cooked food. “A cook is one of the most sought-after persons on a ship. When hunger strikes, everyone heads to the kitchen. We may be far from our families but food is what brings us together. At the very least, when we enjoy a meal, our hearts feel closer to them. “Among the crew’s favourite dishes are nasi dagang, kampung -style dishes with fresh herbs that evoke memories of eating with their families and barbecue-grilled lamb.” Sharing his experiences as a cook, Samsuri, who joined MMEA in 2005 and served in the operations, weaponry and logistics divisions before taking over duties in the kitchen, admitted that he initially worried about how the crew would receive his cooking. This was because he had no formal experience in the culinary field. However, instead of feeling discouraged, the challenge fuelled his determination to learn to cook and provide the best meals for the crew. Knowing that it would not be easy for him to look up recipes online when aboard the ship as there is no internet access in the middle of the ocean, he took the smart approach by collecting recipes in advance before setting sail. Fellow crew members also shared their own recipes. When asked about the experience of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri at sea, Samsuri said while most Malaysians were enjoying ketupat and rendang with their families, the crew could only gaze at the vast ocean, carrying a longing that is difficult to express in words. “It is a truly heavy sacrifice. However, I am determined to bring a little bit of the kampung atmosphere to the ship. With whatever ingredients available here, I will be preparing traditional dishes, such as beef rendang , peanut sauce, kuih-muih and other local delicacies to soothe our longing.” – Bernama

o Poor road networks present challenges to navigating vast terrain

KUCHING: Tucked deep in northern Sarawak, the Mulu state constituency spans nearly 10,000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest in the state. But its sheer size comes with a challenge, namely navigating the vast terrain, which remains a struggle due to poor road networks, with most routes consisting of rugged logging roads. For many in this remote region, air travel is not a luxury but a necessity. Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala stressed that Rural Air Services (RAS) remain the backbone of connectivity for villagers and longhouse communities scattered across the constituency. “Travel by road could take anywhere between seven and 13 hours from Miri, depending on the terrain and weather. In some cases, the journey may not even be possible,” he told Bernama in a recent interview. Mulu stands out as a constituency with an exceptional number of airports, which is a testament to its vastness and the vital role of air transport in daily life. The five Short Take-Off and Landing airports in Mulu are located at Mulu National Park, Bario, Long Banga, Long Seridan and Long Lellang. These airstrips are lifelines for locals, ensuring access to medical aid, supplies and transport. The RAS programme, subsidised by the federal government, provides essential, non-commercial air services to remote parts of Sarawak and Sabah, where air travel is often the only viable mode of transport. MASwings, which has operated RAS flights since 2007, continues to serve as the link between these rural settlements and the outside world.

Gerawat urged the government to continue subsidising RAS until a safe and reliable road network is established. – BERNAMAPIC

He shared his vision for Bario to become a transit hub, capable of accommodating larger ATR aircraft, which can carry up to 60 passengers and more cargo. “Bario could serve as a gateway to the new Indonesian capital Nusantara and major towns in Kalimantan, such as Samarinda, Balikpapan and Malinau. This would bring significant economic benefits to the local community,” he added. On Feb 12, Transport Minister Anthony Loke reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to subsidising RAS in Sarawak and Sabah, following the Sarawak government’s takeover of MASwings. He announced that RM209 million had been allocated for RAS operations last year, ensuring continued connectivity for rural communities. MASwings operates 40 routes across Sarawak and Sabah, using ATR72 and Twin Otter Viking aircraft, Bernama reported. For the people of Mulu, air travel is more than just a convenience; it is a lifeline. Until roads improve, the skies will continue to be their primary highway to the world.

According to Gerawat, RAS remains the most efficient and cost-effective means of transport for the community. Beyond passengers, flights are also crucial in delivering essential goods, including food and medical supplies. He highlighted the unpredictability of road travel as landslides, collapsed log bridges and poor road conditions frequently cut off access to villages. “Transporting goods over these rough roads is costly and unreliable. In contrast, air transport, despite being subsidised, is often the more practical and affordable option,” he explained. He urged the government to continue subsidising RAS until a safe and reliable road network is established, emphasising that affordable fares, especially discounted rates for senior citizens, have been a great relief to the local community. Gerawat expressed hope that the community would see upgrades to the airport terminals in Mulu, particularly at Bario, which is the busiest RAS destination with three to four daily flights.