12/03/2026

THURSDAY | MAR 12, 2026

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Berjaya Air launches business-class-only flights

‘Demands for MA63 rights must align with nation-building’ KUALA LUMPUR: Demands for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must go hand in hand with the responsibility of building a harmonious nation, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. “As we fight for our rights, we must never forget that we also have a responsibility to build this nation. We want to pass on a harmonious country to the next generation.” He said this principle would guide his approach in resolving outstanding matters related to the agreement. On the progress of MA63 negotiations, he said of the 29 issues raised, 13 have been resolved, one has been settled on an interim basis and 15 remain under negotiation. As part of efforts to address the pending issues, Mustapha said he has held discussions with Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, as well as other prominent figures. “We have conducted engagement sessions with federal civil servants in Sabah and Sarawak, each numbering more than 130,000 personnel. “As policy implementers, they must have a clear understanding of MA63, particularly department heads who can help execute the agenda in a structured manner.” On infrastructure development in Sabah, an issue often linked to MA63, Mustapha said he would be involved in a special committee tasked with monitoring delayed or troubled projects in Sabah and Sarawak to accelerate their implementation. He said inspections have begun on several stalled and new projects to ensure early-stage monitoring and prevent implementation problems. He said basic infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak, particularly water supply, electricity and road networks, must be prioritised and implemented to demonstrate the government’s commitment to resolving the issues. “I do not want us to fight for MA63, including securing the 40% revenue entitlement and other rights, only to find that roads remain damaged and schools are still in poor condition. “At that point, we cannot blame the people if they question the value of the MA63 struggle when basic infrastructure problems remain unresolved.” – Bernama can be improved, especially in how we communicate during disruptions.” Among the improvements being rolled out are clearer visual information for passengers, including station mapping that shows where shuttle buses or alternative services can be accessed as well as updates on waiting times. Prasarana is also expanding its pool of rapid-response personnel, known internally as “troopers”, to allow faster mobilisation during disruptions and improve on-ground assistance for commuters.

o Flight packages include RM3,996 to Koh Samui, RM1,847 to Medan, RM3,569 to Redang, RM4,902 for Seletar–Redang

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Air, the aviation arm of Berjaya Property, has taken off internationally, launching business-class-only flights from Subang to Thailand’s Koh Samui and Indonesia’s Medan, marking a significant expansion in Southeast Asia’s lifestyle travel sector. Berjaya Property Bhd Group CEO Syed Ali Shahul Hameed said the move reflects the group’s vision to enhance regional connectivity while elevating the travel experience for discerning leisure and business travellers. “By linking Subang to premier destinations such as Koh Samui, Medan and Redang, we are making it easier for travellers to access some of Southeast Asia’s most compelling island and cultural retreats.” The new routes, scheduled to commence on April 22, offer direct, three-times-a-week flights to Koh Samui and Medan, removing the need for transit stops or airport transfers. Designed for resort-bound travellers, the service promises a calmer, more considered start to journeys, blending speed with comfort and exclusivity. “This approach reflects our belief that regional travel is increasingly about meaningful, high-quality connections between destinations. “Berjaya Air responds to this shift by offering a premium, business-class-only experience for those who value comfort, exclusivity and the ability to reach exceptional destinations with ease.” The Koh Samui route makes Berjaya Air the only direct gateway from Subang to the sought-after

Flights will operate on a world-first 26-seat, all-business-class ATR 72-600, designed to offer a spacious, boutique-style cabin. – PICS COURTESY OF BERJAYA AIR

experiencing a technical fault. A higher MKBF reflects stronger system reliability and fewer service disruptions. On improvements following recent service issues, including incidents on the Kelana Jaya line, Amir said the company conducts a detailed postmortem after every disruption to strengthen response as well as communication with passengers. “Every time there is a disruption, we conduct a post-mortem. We look at feedback from passengers, even if they are dissatisfied, and identify what Fewer passengers mean boarding is swift, the cabin remains composed and travel feels relaxed. Passengers enjoy dedicated check-in counters, personalised boarding, lounge access and in-flight dining inspired by Berjaya Hotels’ culinary standards, including signature dishes such as Pak Mus Beef Rendang, Ocean Salmon with lemon herb sauce, and Russel Oxtail Assam Pedas, complemented by Malaysian heritage kuih and gourmet bites. Beyond Koh Samui and Medan, Berjaya Air continues its Subang–Redang–Seletar route, providing seamless access to Redang’s crystal-clear waters and the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort. Flight packages, reflecting the airline’s boutique positioning, include RM3,996 to Koh Samui, RM1,847 to Medan, RM3,569 to Redang and RM4,902 for Seletar–Redang. Each package includes 30kg check-in baggage, 7kg cabin allowance and a RM200 Berjaya Hotels and Resorts voucher. Flight packages are available at berjaya-air.com, with updates on Berjaya Air’s official social media page @berjayaair.

adjusted to match the lower ridership during the festive period.” Amir said the revised schedule would mirror service patterns typically seen during weekends or off-peak hours, adding that commuters should have no concerns about relying on public transport during the holidays. Prasarana is also maintaining its target of achieving a minimum Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF) of one million by mid-year, a key reliability indicator that measures the average distance trains travel before “Travellers today are more deliberate about how they spend their time. They prefer fewer transit points, less congestion and journeys that feel smooth from the outset. “Our direct flights reduce travel time to Koh Samui from roughly four hours with ferries or buses to just two hours in the air, ensuring a swift and hassle-free experience.” Flights will operate on a world-first 26-seat, all-business-class ATR 72-600, designed to offer a spacious, boutique-style cabin.

for duty as usual. He said passenger numbers typically drop by more than 50% during the festive period, particularly on the day of celebration itself, and service frequencies will be adjusted accordingly under operational guidelines set in the company’s licence. “Operations remain the same. Our staff will still be working as usual, including technicians and those on the ground. “The only difference is the frequency of services, which will be Thai island, famed for its pristine beaches, private villas and understated luxury. Meanwhile, the Medan connection opens the door to Indonesia’s vibrant cultural capital, offering easy onward travel to Lake Toba and other nature-led getaways, while streamlining business trips across the region. Berjaya Air general manager Mohd Amri Mohd Akib highlighted the growing demand for seamless regional journeys.

Prasarana to adjust service frequency during Aidilfitri season

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport will continue running across the Klang Valley during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season, with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd adjusting service frequencies but maintaining full operations despite a sharp drop in passenger numbers. Its president and group CEO Amir Hamdan said all services, including rail, buses, vans and Rapid On-Demand, will remain fully operational, with technicians and frontline staff reporting