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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 4: Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasises that Sarawak’s own airline is expected to begin operations by the end of the year or early next year.
Abdul Karim mentioned this during the ‘ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) 2023 Opening Night’ on Wednesday night (Aug 2) at the Old Courthouse Courtyard here.
“I am very sure by the end of this year or early next year, we will have our very own airline flying around Southeast Asia, and probably in the next AIFFA, those within the region can fly direct to Kuching, without the need for transit, using our own airline,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg recently stated that he is optimistic that Sarawak will be able to acquire Bintulu Port and MASwings this year.
Abang Johari said that Bintulu Port and MASwings are among three important matters in Sarawak being overseen by the Federal government, which are in the negotiation process to be returned to the State.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been reached between Sarawak and MASwings’ parent company, Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG), to initiate discussions on the airline’s acquisition.
Additionally, Abdul Karim had previously stated that the proposed airline would operate not only in Sarawak and Sabah but also in Peninsular Malaysia.
He stated that Southeast Asian cities, such as those in the Philippines, Southern Thailand, and Indonesia, were also targeted, as well as the possibility of flying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from Kuching, which has been designated an umrah gateway.
Moreover, Sarawak Premier will share his concerns on acquiring MASwings and Sarawak’s role as one of the Asean tigers on Money Matters, TV3’s business flagship programme, airing this Saturday (Aug 5) at 5pm. — DayakDaily
