News

KUALA LUMPUR : AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) will suspend its Kuala Lumpur–Nairobi service effective 1 September 2025, as part of an ongoing network optimisation exercise driven by lower-than-anticipated travel demand. The long-haul budget carrier confirmed that all affected passengers have been notified in advance and provided with a range of Service Recovery Options (SROs) to facilitate alternative travel plans. “These options include a full refund, conversion to a credit account, or a complimentary one-time flight change for travel on or before 31 August 2025,” AAX said in a statement issued via the AirAsia MOVE platform on Saturday. The airline emphasised that it continuously evaluates its route network and adjusts operations based on market trends and demand to maintain commercial sustainability and provide optimal value to its customers. AirAsia X launched its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi on 15 November 2024, establishing the first and only non-stop air connection between Malaysia and the African continent. The route currently operates four times a week. –The Edge Malaysia

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has formed a strategic marketing partnership with Brunei Tourism and Royal Brunei Airlines, aiming to enhance Sarawak’s appeal to West Asian and Indian travellers. This collaboration was announced during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from April 28 to May 1. In a statement released on Friday, STB highlighted the partnership’s focus on promoting Sarawak as an ideal holiday destination by capitalising on increased flight frequencies connecting Dubai, Brunei Darussalam, and Kuching. These developments will enable seamless travel between these regions, supported by Royal Brunei Airlines. The Dubai-Brunei route now operates three times a week, while the Brunei-Kuching service runs four times a week, offering convenient access to Sarawak’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Sharzede Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of STB, expressed confidence that the growing international visibility of Sarawak underscores the Board’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism experiences. He noted that the collaboration strengthens regional ties and enhances accessibility for travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and India, offering unique, Muslim-friendly travel options rooted in nature and culture. At ATM 2025, the Sarawak Tourism Board also hosted a Business-to-Business and Latest Product Development session, attracting 50 travel agents from Dubai, UAE, and other GCC countries. –Astro Awani

KUALA LUMPUR : Global e-hailing platform inDrive has confirmed it is in discussions with Malaysian regulators after receiving a notice from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to revoke its Intermediation Business Licence (IBL), citing non-compliance with regulations introduced in 2019. According to reports, APAD has issued the company a three-month window to return its IBL. In response, inDrive said it has proactively initiated dialogue with the relevant authorities to clarify the basis of the notice and to explore avenues to maintain uninterrupted service for its users. “We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible mobility solutions to the tens of thousands of people across Malaysia who rely on our platform daily,” the company said in a statement to national news agency Bernama. “As a global mobility and urban services platform, inDrive operates with the utmost respect for local regulations and the communities it serves.” The company assured that further updates would be provided as discussions progress and greater clarity is obtained. It also expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and understanding of its Malaysian user base. The development comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of foreign e-hailing operators in Malaysia. A similar notice was issued to another Russian-founded firm, Maxim, in 2023. Founded in 2013 in Yakutsk, Russia, by current CEO Arsen Tomsky, inDrive—formerly known as inDriver—is now headquartered in California and operates in over 700 cities worldwide. –Bernama

LABUAN: Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA) has announced the appointment of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) chief services officer Affendi Rashdi as its director general for a two-year term, from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2027. The appointment was made by the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Labuan FSA said in a statement on Thursday. Affendi brings over two decades of experience in financial sector development, policy, and institutional services. At BNM, he held senior roles, including director of the finance department, and was part of the Financial Sector Blueprint team. He also contributed to the corporatisation of Bank Pertanian Malaysia Bhd (Agrobank), the establishment of Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd, and the review of the Development Financial Institutions Act 2012. Labuan FSA said Affendi holds degrees from Harvard University and Universiti Teknologi MARA, and is a member of several professional accounting bodies. The board thanked outgoing director general Nik Mohamed Din Nik Musa, whose term ended on April 30, 2025, for his contributions to the Labuan IBFC’s growth. “With the appointment of Affendi Rashdi as the new director general, Labuan FSA is confident that the centre will continue to innovate and grow, building on its success and further strengthening its position as a preferred financial centre in Asia,” it said.–BERNAMA