Sarawak seeks more flights and buses to bring voters home for state election

The Sarawak government is seeking more transport services to ease travel demand as voters prepare to return to their constituencies. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 8:30 AM MYT

KUCHING, Oct 28 — The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) has written to airlines and express bus operators to explore additional services before and after polling day for the upcoming 13th Sarawak State Election.

MOTS said in a statement yesterday that the move aims to support Sarawakians returning to their registered constituencies to fulfil their civic duty.

It said the ministry recognises that many Sarawakians work in various states in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and Sabah, and may face challenges in arranging their journeys home during periods of high travel demand.

“For air travel, MOTS has requested airlines to plan for increased flight frequencies during the week before and the week after polling day, to accommodate voters travelling home to vote and their return journeys afterwards.

“For express bus services, MOTS has advised and encouraged operators in Sarawak to temporarily increase trip frequencies from three days before polling day until three days after polling day,” according to MOTS.

MOTS also encourages travellers to plan their journeys early and refer to operators’ official channels for accurate information on schedules, fares and bookings.

On October 23, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg announced that the State Legislative Assembly would be dissolved on Monday (October 26), paving the way for the 13th state election. — Bernama