KUCHING: Sarawak is drawing up plans to also serve the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) when its own airline commences operations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is in the process of establishing a state-owned airlines through the acquisition of MASwings.
In addition to enhancing the domestic aviation sector, he said Sarawak plans to expand the airline’s operations and provide services to the Bimp-Eaga region.
“The strategic advantage of having a Sarawak airline will allow us control over route preferences.
“We will not be limited to the decisions of private airlines because we can tailor our flight offerings to cater to destinations in the Philippines, Indonesia and also to Bandar Seri Begawan,” he said.
Abang Johari said this at the closing of the Sarawak Transport Conference 2023 held at a hotel here, Wednesday (Sept 6).
In addition to passenger services, Abang Johari believes there isa huge potential for air cargo movement within the Bimp-Eaga region, especially across the vast archipelago of Indonesia and the Philippines.
Given the unique geographical challenges of this region, he said the provision of airline services is critical.
“While private sector interests are often profit-driven, Sarawak’s goal extends to expanding our exports into this region.
“As a result, the government is poised to intervene by offering these essential services through our own airline, ensuring seamless connectivity for trade and commerce,” he said.
He added that the Bimp-Eaga region needs to have good connectivity to connect with each other in order to grow in terms of trade, investment and also as tourist destinations.
“When we can be seamlessly connected, our industries and markets can overlap to create new opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth.
“This integration allows for efficient movement of goods, capital and people, reducing trade barriers and increasing our region’s economic competitiveness,” he said.
Abang Johari said Borneo is poised to become one of the growth areas of the future and in order to realise this potential, he said it is imperative to establish strong transborder connectivity not only within Borneo’s countries but also integrate them into the global economy.
“The infrastructure investments made today will pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Jerip Susil, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Buckland Bangik and Ministry of Transport permanent secretary Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling.
