KUCHING: The state government will look into setting up its very own airlines company.
One of the main reasons, according to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, is so that the state could have more direct international flights.
“When we have the additional fund, we will either buy our own airplane or set up our own airlines company,” he said during ‘Experience Sarawak’ Programme at Kopi-O Corner, Jalan Satok, on Sunday night.
He said when Sarawak has its own airlines its tourism industry would get boosted as more foreign tourists would find it easier to visit the state.
On an unrelated matter, Johari said the increasing number of mass communication graduates who do not have many job opportunities in Sarawak is an important reason for the state government to set up its own television channel/station.
“During a town hall session of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), one of our members asked me how the government can help the youths especially those with art talents. I think it is better that we have our own television channel/station,” he said.
He said the channel/station will it be used to promote Sarawak’s products, create more jobs, and produce more local talents such as television or drama directors.
“We have a few talented movie directors from Sarawak. One is from Sibu who is now in Hong Kong, and one is from Kuching who is based in Hollywood,” he said, adding that we should not forget the famous director and actor Tan Sri P Ramlee from Penang.
“Television is an everyday thing, so we have to create a lot of content for the different segments in the channel. These include news, drama, and information about Sarawak’s economy,” he said.
