By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 14: It is more cost-effective to purchase new aircraft rather than leasing, which is more expensive in the long run, says Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching assistant publicity and information secretary Jong Zhen Xiang.
He said this in a statement to respond to Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak secretary George Lam Li Kang’s statement criticising the Sarawak government’s decision to purchase new aircraft for AirBorneo instead of continuing to lease them for the State’s rural air services.
“While leasing may have lower short-term costs, accumulated rental fees over time could far exceed the purchase cost.
“Moreover, owning aircraft not only reduces long-term operational expenses but also enhances autonomy, ensuring stable flight operations without being subject to leasing companies’ constraints,” he said.
He said before AirBorneo’s establishment, the Sarawak government, in addition to its strong financial position, had conducted comprehensive research and financial planning, making Lam’s claim that the decision was ‘rushed’ baseless.
Jong also compared the move to when the opposition was the ruling government, saying that they struggled to implement effective infrastructure projects and have now turned to criticising an initiative aimed at improving Sarawak’s air connectivity.
“AirBorneo is meant to break monopolies and ensure that Sarawakians can enjoy more convenient and affordable air travel services.
“This decision prioritises the well-being of the people, and it is certainly not the ‘wasteful expenditure’ George Lam claims.”
At the same time, Jong called on the opposition to offer solutions and provide data as to how leasing is more cost-effective in the long run.
He also said that Lam’s claim that the government has not clarified the source of funds is ‘fearmongering’.
The State government, he said, has always maintained transparent governance, with all major policies to be communicated to the public at the appropriate time—including AirBorneo’s funding sources, fleet size, and development plans.
“The establishment of AirBorneo is for the benefit of Sarawakians, not to cater to certain opposition politicians looking to stir controversy. We welcome rational discussions, but we will firmly refute any baseless and misleading statements,” he said. — DayakDaily
