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KUCHING, July 31: As a fast-growing economic hub for business, trade, and industry, Sarawak needs to have direct connectivity with other countries.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple president Shankar Ram Asnani held the view that Sarawakians need to understand the significance of Sarawak having her own airline.
“As a fast-growing economic hub for business, trade, and industry, with new advanced sectors emerging in recent times, among others, the development of green hydrogen and methanol plants at the Bintulu Petrochemical Industrial Park, production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel from cultivation of microalgae in Sejingkat, we need our own airline, controlled 100 per cent by the Sarawak government to improve connectivity and to facilitate air travel into this region,” said Shankar when contacted.
Citing a fast-growing economy like India, he said Air India and IndiGo had recently ordered 470 and 500 jetliners, respectively, spending billions in a bid to increase India’s air connectivity in its domestic network and to promote international connectivity to boost business and trade, which would undoubtedly contribute to the country’s economic growth and expansion.
He said India’s spending on aviation is not an oddity as China’s big three state-owned airlines have also pledged to buy nearly 300 Airbus Jets, highlighting the importance and urgency of improving air connectivity.
“In our case, we need direct connectivity with these huge economies like China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines and perhaps later to Australia, Europe, and even the Americas,” said Shankar.
He believed that most Sarawakians received the idea of having Sarawak’s own airline well and lauded Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for taking such proactive steps.
“Strangely, the Opposition seems to be negative about the whole idea and disgruntled, criticising and demanding disclosure of financial details.
“Do they realise that the airline industry is extremely budget sensitive and apart from disclosure required by the authorities, certain information is not for the public to keep the competitive edge over rivals?
“The Opposition seems to be very quick to criticise not in a constructive way but holding Sarawak back.”
Shankar said recently it was published that the RM209 million that has been set aside to subsidise air transportation for rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak each year will continue even after the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd by the Sarawak government.
To him, this came as wonderful news to Sarawakians, and he questioned the Opposition’s lack of acknowledgement of the good works of the Sarawak government.
“Why can’t the Opposition learn to give credit where credit is due?
“As we move forward, it is essential to acknowledge the Sarawak Government’s achievements in other vital projects.”
He said the connectivity of roads and bridges undertaken by the Sarawak government and the blueprint for expanding basic utilities such as water and electricity to cover the length and breadth of Sarawak by 2030 are initiatives that deserve due credit.
“These projects are pivotal in promoting accessibility and fostering the well-being of Sarawak’s people. Can’t anybody see that connectivity is so important for Sarawak?” Shankar questioned. — DayakDaily
