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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 29: Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah welcomes Sabah’s proposal to establish its own airlines, as it is expected to attract more tourists to Sarawak.
Abdul Karim then pointed out that it would also target the Sarawakian market, increasing airline competition and, consequently, lower airfares.
“Well, if they (Sabah) are happy to have their own airline, I’m happy for them also.
“The more the merrier. Because the airline will definitely be looking into Sarawak as one of the destinations.
“When more airlines are coming into Sarawak, that means the competition among the airlines will be there also,” he told reporters at a press conference following the launch of the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) Management and Online Application System (MOAS) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
He continued by stating that Sarawak’s own airlines are not focused on profitability, but will instead strive to cap flight ticket prices during the holiday season for the benefit of Sarawakians.
“That is the main reason why Sarawak wants to have their own airline because we see come Hari Raya, Gawai, Chinese New Year, the airlines now matter how much you appeal to them they will still maintain the economy of scale – more demand equals to higher prices.
“So, Sarawak, we open up our own airline and we will set the ceiling price. Once you set the ceiling, the others will also have to follow us. Because we are not looking at profitability,” he added.
When asked if there had been public suggestions for Sarawak and Sabah to join forces and form a single airline, Abdul Karim responded, “Well, if there are requests of attempts to do something like this and it is good for the two states, why not?
“Because at the end of the day, what is important is the consumers, the people of Sabah and Sarawak are able to benefit from this airline.”
Meanwhile, several news reports indicated that Kenny Chua, chairman of Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd (SAASB), stated that Sabah’s own airline is expected to take off by next year.
Chua is expected to sign agreements to lease at least three aircraft, not limited to Airbus or Boeing, by the end of this year.
“Negotiations are going on in stages. Who knows, we may even launch earlier than Sarawak,” he said, referring to Sarawak’s acquisition of MASwings, as quoted by news reports. — DayakDaily
