By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 27: Sarawak will be able to determine its own flight routes and flight frequencies that could boost its tourism industry, especially in rural areas through its recent MASwings takeover.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who attended the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the management of Rural Air Services by acquisition of shares in MASwings Sdn Bhd today, said with the airline takeover, Sarawak will have the largest equity and control over the flight destinations.
“This will give us the opportunity to elevate the tourism industry especially in rural areas.
“In the past, it was very difficult for us to prepare or make arrangements but now we have that (MASwings) in our control,” he said when met by reporters after the event held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Abdul Karim further concurred with Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s announcement that the MASwings airplanes would fly continuously with only stops for maintenance or repair.
“This way, flights to rural areas and regional areas would be increased and this would further boost tourism sector in Sarawak because half of the flights would be directed to and from Kuching,” he added.
He also conveyed his wish to see the Sia Sitok programme organised by its ministry to be elevated through the projected increase of number of flights. — DayakDaily
