KUCHING: The proposed Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Brunei is a positive development for Sarawak's tourism industry, as it continues to recover from the pandemic, says the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

       Welcoming the proposal, STB chief executive Sharzede Salleh Askor said the opening of Brunei's borders would bode well for Miri, Limbang and Lawas, which were located close to the sultanate.

       "Sarawak has always been a state that attracts travellers from Brunei and around the world.

       "We are encouraged by the announcement made by the Malaysian and Brunei governments, as we believe that this decision will aid in boosting the country's economic recovery, in tandem with the growth of the tourism sector," she said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 17).

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Tuesday (Feb 15) that Malaysia and Brunei had agreed in principle to implement air and land VTL between both countries.

       He said a proposal was also made for four flights a week between Brunei and Malaysia once the VTL is implemented.

       Sharzede also said STB was heartened by Scoot Tigerair's expansion of its routes to Sarawak, with direct flights from Singapore to Miri to commence on Feb 23.

       This is in addition to its existing flights from Singapore to Kuching.

       "The opening of this new route between Singapore and Miri reinforces the confidence the airline has in Sarawak as an investment destination, given the stability and growth potential of the state.

       "It is very timely for the airline to operate from Singapore to Miri, which is the northern gateway to Sarawak," Sharzede said.