By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Feb 7: Sarawak is set to sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the acquisition of MASwings airline this February 12.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, revealed this during the Borneo Cross Border Cycling Tour 2025 programme dinner at Grand Margherita Hotel earlier tonight.
He shared that daily flights between Kuching and Jakarta have increased from three times a week to daily, with each flight operating at over 80 per cent capacity.
The number of flights is expected to rise further once Sarawak establishes its own airline.
“God willing, this month, on February 12, the Sarawak government will have its own airline as we take over MASwings,” he said.
Later, when met by reporters, Abdul Karim stressed that after the signing ceremony to acquire MASwings, the Sarawak government will announce its next steps in managing the airline.
“You cannot develop an airline overnight. At this moment, the airline company only have a few aeroplanes and there is also a possibility of changing its name,” he added.
“We will leave all this to Sarawak Pemier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to make decisions, as this is his ‘baby’. From there onward, we can arrange the destinations that we want.”
Abdul Karim pointed out that having its own airline does not mean Sarawak will sever its relationships with Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. Instead, the airline will connect these regions with cities in Southeast Asia and other major cities worldwide.
“The Sarawak Premier always mentions cities in Korea, Japan, Thailand, the Middle East, and Europe. This will take time, as we also plan to build a new airport. It will grow together,” he highlighted.
Abdul Karim said February 12 is another milestone in Sarawak’s aviation history, as having its own airline will enhance connectivity.
“And of course, as someone overseeing the tourism industry in the State, I am very excited because Sarawak is on an ‘island,’ and the only way to reach here is by sea or air.
“So if we have our own airline, we can determine the destinations we want and the way we do our promotions would be in accordance with these destinations.
“With our airline, and as a minister in charge of sports, we could organise our sports events, and that will be our carrier,” he elaborated.
Abdul Karim is optimistic that the airline will help increase visitor arrivals to Sarawak in the years to come. — DayakDaily
