“I received a text from the CEO yesterday and he informed me that they will not be implementing the new airfare for foreigners, supposed to come into effect from Nov 1.

“MASwings will issue a letter on Friday to retract the circular (on the implementation of the new airfare) issued last week,” he said.

Under the new rate, foreigners were to be charged RM1,037 for a round trip from Miri to Bario, RM922 from Miri to Marudi and RM908 from Miri to Labuan. For Kuching to Mulu, the rate for foreigners was to be RM1,386.

On Sunday, Lee described the move as “irrational” and said it would affect the state’s tourism industry.

He said Sarawak’s geographical conditions were far different from the peninsula.

“Decision-makers in the peninsula must have a better understanding of the situation in Sarawak.

“Our infrastructure, including the condition of the roads here, are far behind that of the peninsula. They cannot apply whatever they have in the peninsula to Sarawak,” he said.

He said after making a “strong” appeal against the decision, it was rescinded and he thanked MASwings and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) for maintaining the current airfare for foreigners in the state.