DARO: A detailed study needs to be conducted because managing an airline company is not cheap and involves significant capital expenditure, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) said that while he personally supports it, a detailed study needs to be carried out to ensure that the government’s responsibility in managing MASwings Sdn Bhd does not affect the state government’s expenditure.
“The intention of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, led by the Premier, is to possibly reduce flight costs, especially for flights in Sarawak and to Peninsular Malaysia, with the acquisition of this airline company.
“Flight fares are always a concern during festive seasons, and I believe that this situation can help to some extent, especially disadvantaged individuals, particularly those living in rural areas,” he was quoted as saying in Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) news report.
Abdullah said this after attending the 2023 Unity Gawai Programme held at Rh Jinga Igon, Sg Kelai, Bruit recently.
Previously, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had said that Sarawak has agreed in principle to take over MASwings as proposed by the federal government instead of proceeding with its own boutique airline.
On the programme, he said the main objective is to strengthen the bond and understanding among the different ethnic groups in the community of Pulau Bruit.
“Through cultural programmes like this, the community, especially the younger generation, will be exposed to and appreciate the various customs and cultural practices of different ethnic groups.”
“Our unity in Sarawak will remain strong because we continue to understand, tolerate, and appreciate the beautiful and unique diversity among our multicultural society,” he said.
Abdullah, who is also the Semop assemblyman, contributed grant worth RM5,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rh Jinga Igon.
Also present were UKAS director Samuel Simon, Daro district officer Bujang Rahman Seli and others.
