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By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 20: “We cannot swim to Sarawak”, said Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in emphasising the State government’s determination to establish its own airline through the takeover of MASwings that aims to provide affordable air connectivity to the people of Sarawak and the business community.
Abang Johari revealed that planning and finalising details for the MASwings takeover are ongoing between the Sarawak government and Khazanah, with two criteria that must be considered, ensuring zero liability and expanding the airline’s services beyond domestic routes to include regional routes outside Borneo island (Sarawak and Sabah).
“We want to start (with a) clean (slate), but MASwings does not have significant liabilities. The Sarawak government will take over its shares,” he told a press conference after witnessing the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the takeover of Rural Air Services (RAS) by Sarawak government at a hotel here today.
Reiterating that the motive behind having Sarawak’s own airline is not driven by profit, Abang Johari recognised the essential role air connectivity plays in meeting the needs of Sarawak’s people, including the business community and investors.
“As long as we can cover the cost (of operation), it is enough,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari pointed out the burden and difficulties faced by Sarawakians, especially during festive seasons, as commercial airlines often take advantage of the high demand to increase airfare.
“For Sarawak, we cannot swim to go home, especially for Sarawakian children studying outside the region, as well as Peninsular Malaysian students in Sarawak who rely on air services to travel back and forth,” he stated.
Abang Johari emphasised that the Sarawak government had thoroughly conducted cost-benefit analysis and risk assessments for the takeover of MASwings.
The primary objectives are to stabilise airfares on routes between Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia, benefiting people on both sides of Malaysia, especially students and families.
He further explained that the airline business might face questions about profitability, but in economics, losses in one area are often offset by gains elsewhere as taking a macroeconomic approach is essential to stimulate the economy.
“We see comprehensive and macro benefits,” he added.
In addition to benefiting the general populace, the establishment of Sarawak’s airline would also serve the business community, as it would attract and facilitate foreign investors and boost the tourism sector. This, in turn, would play a vital role in the economic development of Sarawak.
“Investors needs this. Tourism sector need this. But it is harder for them to come to Sarawak unless we have better direct connectivity.
“The progress of Sarawak will lead to progress for Malaysia as a whole. When investments come to Sarawak, they benefit the entire country. Strengthening our economy will benefit all Malaysians,” he added.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke were also present. — DayakDaily
