KUCHING: A boutique airline owned by the state government could be a game changer in Sarawak’s transportation system if it is affordable for the people, according to political observer Datuk Peter Minos.
With Sarawak being the largest state in Malaysia, he said affordable air transportation is needed for its people to improve the transportation and communication systems.
“Just imagine how wonderful it would be if flights from Kuching to Sibu the fare would be about RM50, RM100 to Bintulu, Rm120 to Miri, RM150 to Limbang and RM200 to Lawas.
“If the Sarawak government can get these to happen, (they have my respect) because that will surely make Sarawak more developed, more progressive, more united and definitely more happy making life better and easier for the people,” he said in a statement today (Apr 22).
He emphasised that air travel in the state is currently unaffordable for ordinary folks.
Minos also criticised the Democratic Action Party (DAP) for doubting the state government’s capability to establish a boutique airline.
He urged the government to push through with the proposed plan, which can be expanded to serve throughout Borneo Island.
He highlighted that modern and progressive nations have railways, highways, and air transport, just like Indonesia, which is advancing and progressing rapidly, adding that Java Island in Indonesia, which is similar in length to Sarawak, has airlines, roads, highways, and railways, including high-speed trains built by China, that will be operational in 2025.
Minos said he believes that if the state government can make air travel within Sarawak affordable, it will contribute to the development, progress, unity, and happiness of the people.
