Ipoh: Batik Air airline is expanding its domestic routes by launching the Ipoh-Singapore route starting today. State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the launch marked another success in Perak's aviation and tourism development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loh emphasized that the new route demonstrates Batik Air's confidence in Perak's potential and aligns with ongoing efforts to establish Ipoh as an international tourism gateway. He made these remarks during a press conference following the launch at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS). Earlier, he welcomed the arrival of the first 73 passengers on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Singapore, landing at approximately 11.30 am.
Currently, LTSAS accommodates flights on the Ipoh-Singapore route with Scoot and the Ipoh-Johor Bahru route with Air Asia, while Batik Air now offers flights seven times a week. Loh highlighted that the new service is expected to significantly benefit the local economy, providing opportunities for various sectors including hotels, travel agencies, and small businesses.
He noted that this development aligns with strategies leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Additionally, the state government is open to more local and international destination routes from existing or new airlines in line with the LTSAS upgrade.
Meanwhile, Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy stated that the Ipoh-Singapore service is a meaningful network addition, reflecting the airline's commitment to connecting Malaysian cities with regional markets. He noted that Singapore is Malaysia's largest source of visitors, and the direct route to Ipoh creates new opportunities for tourism and business exchanges.
Chandran added that the launch is part of a strategy to enhance national connectivity ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, providing travelers with more direct routes across Malaysia. He emphasized Batik Air's investment in routes like Ipoh-Singapore aims to support long-term tourism growth, stimulate regional development, and position Malaysia as a connected destination in Southeast Asia.