Big boost for Sarawak

Kuching joins Malaysia Airlines’ BST programme

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 September 2025 – Sarawak made a big splash at MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur 2025 with the exciting announcement that Kuching is now part of Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme. This means that international travellers flying with Malaysia Airlines on international tickets can now add Kuching to their itinerary at no extra cost. They just need to pay the local taxes.

The official launch took place today at MAG Arena, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), here, with a handshake ceremony between the CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor and Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dersenish Aresandiran. This is a major step forward for Sarawak’s tourism efforts as the State gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Kuching is the first and only destination in Borneo to be included in the BST programme. This will encourage overseas visitors to explore more of Malaysia, Kuching included, during their trip. This achievement is the result of a strong partnership between STB and Malaysia Aviation Group that was formed in 2024 to boost air travel and promote tourism together. With this new opportunity, Sarawak is now easier for global travellers to reach.

Sarawak offers a breadth of culture, adventure, nature, food and festival (CANFF) experiences. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Gunung Mulu and Niah National Parks, enjoy local dishes like Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, Midin, and Pansoh Manuk in Kuching, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and attend world-class events like the multi award-winning Rainforest World Music Festival. And there is so much “More to Discover” in Sarawak, and the State’s ability to offer a complete experience makes it a thoroughly unique destination for travellers.

“Inclusion in Malaysia Airlines BST programme reflects the strong partnership we have built with Malaysia Aviation Group since the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding in 2024,” said Sharzede.

“This milestone demonstrates how collaboration with our national carrier can create real opportunities for Sarawak, by making it easier for international travellers to include us in their journey. Through this initiative, Sarawak is broadening its international reach and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism growth as we prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” she added.

Working with Malaysia Airlines helps Sarawak in welcoming more international guests and share its plethora of tourism offerings with the world. While the BST programme targets international tourists, MATTA Fair KL (held from Sept 5-7, 2025) also gives Sarawak a chance to connect with Malaysian travellers.

The Sarawak Pavilion (Booths 1Q03–1Q22) at MATTA Fair KL features 19 exhibitors, cultural performances, and hands-on activities like batik painting, tattoo art, indigenous handicrafts, and traditional music, including sape and nose flute. Families can enjoy games, giveaways, and special travel deals.

With its mix of culture, adventure, nature, food, and festival, Sarawak continues to grow as one of the top travel destinations within Malaysia. And MATTA Fair KL is the perfect platform to celebrate this new chapter and invite everyone to discover more of what Sarawak, the Gateway to Borneo, has to offer. For more info, visit http://www.sarawaktourism.com or follow @sarawaktravel on Instagram and Facebook.