BINTULU: Sarawakians are set to benefit from subsidised flight tickets through the state-owned boutique airline, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah said the fare rates offered would be reasonable and affordable for passengers, acknowledging that a significant number of Sarawakians seek work and educational opportunities beyond the state, including in Labuan, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia.
As such, he said the acquisition of MASwings is expected to bring substantial benefits to the people.
“By having our own airline, it would enable us to offer more affordable fares, with subsidies from the Sarawak government,” he told reporters after attending a dinner with the Bintulu Melanau Association at a hotel here last night (Oct 27).
Yesterday, the Sarawak Government and its wholly owned company Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the management of rural air services by the acquisition of shares in MASwings Sdn Bhd with the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG).
Following the signing of the MoU, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg told reporters that the completion of the MASwings takeover is expected to occur within three months, pending the completion of due diligence.
On the same note, Fadillah asserted that the handover of the Bintulu Port to Sarawak had been agreed to in principle and was undergoing negotiations to determine the compensation amount that the state government should pay.
He added that if this could be realised, it would provide advantages to the people of Bintulu, especially in terms of employment opportunities.
