By Shikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 27: A joint working committee is set to explore the possibility of including the Sabah government in the equity acquisition of MASwings in the interest of rural air services in Sabah.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced this development as part of today’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Sarawak government, Hornbill Skyways Sbd Bhd and Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) for the Management of Rural Air Services (RAS) by Acquisition of Shares in MASwings Sdn Bhd held in Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The MOU is a crucial step in advancing and finalising the negotiations between both Sarawak and Federal Ministries of Transport including Khazanah Nasional for the MASwings takeover, which will eventually become Sarawak’s own airline.
“The objective is to expand air connectivity and regulate the aviation market and ensure a fair competition within Sarawak and the region. While it may not be profit-oriented, our ambition is clear, that is to serve our people better by ensuring affordable air fares.
“We cannot give too much emphasis on profit but to offer reasonable air fares and as long as we can cover the cost,” he said when addressing the MOU signing ceremony.
Abang Johari said it cannot be measured in terms of figure only, but to look into the intangible benefits out of this transportation network.
“I don’t expect to make a profit out of ART (autonomous rapid transit) as well. Many questioned me if Sarawak can make money from it. My response was this is not about generating revenue.
“When you build roads, was there question on how much the roads will give the returns? That is never the question. But it is part of infrastructure that will generate economic growth and people will get benefit out of the economic activities including rural communities,” he pointed out.
“That’s why I told the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) that we need this airline for Sarawak and Sabah.
“And we are open to Sabah to come on board. But for a start, let Sarawak start it first. Then we provide the services for the Borneo region. We work together for the benefit of all Malaysians,” he added.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Federal Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and MAG Group chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin were among those present. — DayakDaily
