Malaysia: Malaysia is looking at increasing the number of direct flights to and from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) in Henan, China, as part of efforts to enhance connectivity and boost tourism, trade, and investment. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today that improved air links are vital to unlocking economic opportunities between Malaysia and Henan province, which has a population of more than 100 million people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized the importance of encouraging local airlines to increase flights between Malaysia and Zhengzhou, not limiting the initiative to Kuala Lumpur but including other cities like Penang, Johor, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching. He expressed a desire to promote Malaysia more aggressively in Henan province, capitalizing on China's vast population of 1.4 billion, with Henan alone housing 100 million people. Loke's remarks were made during a press conference following the Zhengzhou-Kuala Lumpur Air Silk Road Forum for International Cooperation.
The minister highlighted the significance of both cargo and passenger traffic as key components of bilateral engagement, noting that local carrier Raya Airways already operates daily cargo services between the two cities. Loke pointed out that current connectivity is insufficient, with only one daily flight, and expressed hope that other airlines would offer additional direct services.
Loke also underscored the need for streamlined customs clearance procedures to support Malaysia's twin-hub air cargo cooperation with China, linking Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. He emphasized that this would be crucial in positioning KLIA as a regional transshipment hub and attracting more ASEAN countries to route their cargo through Malaysia.
He further stated that ensuring efficiency is paramount, noting that China is simplifying customs clearance for goods entering from Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia must be ready with the necessary infrastructure and efficient processes, including customs clearance, at KLIA.
The Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) plan to consult with the Customs Department on simplifying procedures. Loke added that streamlining these processes will increase efficiency, reduce costs, and make Malaysia a preferred hub for ASEAN countries to channel cargo to China. He mentioned that while direct routes may be challenging and costly, Malaysia's advantage lies in its robust connectivity within ASEAN. Airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia already serve extensive networks, including over 10 destinations in Indonesia, which can reinforce KLIA's role as a regional hub.