KUCHING: The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and the state government will enter a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure a smooth acquisition of MASwings.
This was revealed by Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil who said the MoU is expected to be inked this month.
“On July 24, a Sarawak delegation led by Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin paid a visit to MAG to brief and discuss the acquisition of its subsidiary, MASwings Sdn Bhd. This meeting was a follow up to the announcement made by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The MAG is looking at this matter on a positive note because it will complement the aviation industry. We are looking to working and complementing each other as a large number of services are delivered in Sarawak,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune.
Dr Jerip said the acquisition of MASwings for the state’s boutique airline will enhance direct flights from regional areas to Sarawak.
“We want to have a boutique airline so we can fly to regional areas particularly in the Borneo Island and other destinations like surrounding Asean countries. With upcoming sectors and tourists interested to travel to the state, having the connectivity will spur the number of people coming to this region,” he said.
In July this year, a MoU for the takeover of Rural Air Services (RAS) was inked between the federal and state government.
Following this, Dr Jerip said the services to all areas will be maintained and that there are plans to further improve it.
“We also hope that the subsidy for RAS will be maintained or increased in the future,” he said.
At the same time, Dr Jerip explained that the acquisition of MASwings for the state’s boutique airline will not hinder other airlines in the industry.
He said the idea is to help airlines like Malaysia Airlines by providing services to accommodate high demands.
“For example, we understand that Malaysia Airlines can only provide certain number of flights during festive seasons to destinations in Sarawak. The state boutique airline can provide extra flights in this period because we do not want our people to pay too much or be burdened by high airfare prices.
“The state boutique airline will also have early morning flights to accommodate people like businessmen who need to get to Kuching or Miri because of the oil and gas (O&G) industry. It will be easier for us to make connectivity arrangements in view of our increasing industrial activities,” he said.
