By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 29: Sarawak’s intention to have its own boutique airline is still being discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The latter hopes a decision will be made within three months.
“We are also still in talks with the State Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and Khazanah Nasional Berhad about establishing our own boutique airline to boost our tourism industry,” he said.
He told this to reporters when asked about direct flights to Kuching after attending a business delegation dinner organised by the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (NCCIM) and Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) held at Pullman Hotel in Kuching last night.
Abang Johari further stated that negotiations with the Prime Minister are still ongoing but that the latter has been very receptive to it.
During his speech earlier, Abang Johari also said that tourists nowadays prefer direct flights, which are more convenient and time-saving.
“Having our own airline enables us to bring tourists directly to Kuching, which benefits Malaysia as a whole.
“Through this airline, we will also be able to penetrate to important hubs for tourism,” he added.
He went on to say that if Sarawak is prosperous, Malaysia will be prosperous as well. ― DayakDaily
