In a statement here today, Liew, who is also the state tourism, culture and environment minister, expressed surprise that the Kota Kinabalu-Tawau and Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan routes would be discontinued by the rural air services provider.

These were among six routes considered “commercial routes”, she said.

“This is definitely not good news for the people of Sabah. Just when the tempo of tourism growth is gaining momentum, they (MASwings) decide to stop operating the routes.

“Such a move will have an undesirable impact on the economy and tourism industry,” she said.

She said MASwings had been complementing the services of major airlines such as Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia.

“Undoubtedly, we depend on MASwings to fly passengers to smaller towns,” Liew said.

“We urge the transport ministry and the Malaysian Aviation Commission to reconsider the decision as this will adversely affect the people in Sabah.”

The Tawau MP is also concerned over the possible suspension of the Tawau-Tarakan (in Kalimantan, Indonesia) route.