Melaka: Cambodian Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak has urged Malaysia Airlines and its subsidiaries under the Malaysia Aviation Group, including Firefly, to increase the number of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh, and to launch new direct routes connecting Kuala Lumpur with Siem Reap and Preah Sihanouk provinces.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the request was made during his meeting with Mr. Dersenish Aresandiran, a representative of Malaysia Airlines, in Melaka city, Malaysia, on Sept. 30, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Retreat.

H.E. Huot Hak expressed appreciation for Malaysia Airlines’ contribution to boosting tourist arrivals in Cambodia and enhancing people-to-people connectivity. He emphasised that such achievements stem from the strong cooperation between Cambodia and Malaysia, underpinned by more than 68 years of diplomatic relations and close collaboration across various sectors, particularly tourism.

The Minister voiced optimism that Cambodia’s upgraded aviation infrastructure-including the 4F-category Techo International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Preah Sihanouk International Airport-will further strengthen tourism growth, not only between Cambodia and Malaysia but also by attracting international travellers transiting through Kuala Lumpur.

To this end, the Ministry of Tourism and Malaysia Airlines will jointly promote tourism through coordinated marketing campaigns aimed at drawing more Malaysian and international visitors to Cambodia.

Malaysia Airlines currently operates four daily direct flights on the Phnom Penh-Kuala Lumpur route.