KUCHING: The Sarawak government has denied rumours it is taking over MYAirline Sdn Bhd, following the airline’s suspension today due to financial problems.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state is focusing on negotiations to take over MASwings, a proposal from the federal government, in its bid to set up its own boutique airline.
“No, we are not (going to take over MYAirline),” he told reporters after attending the inauguration ceremony of a new factory in Sama Jaya High Tech Park here today.
He also denied that his son Abang Abdillah Izzarim is the potential new investor of MYAirline.
“I think it is unfair to speculate that my son is going to take over the airline when he was merely just attending the dialogue with his friends. I also ‘kesian’ (sympathise) with my son as everyone is talking about him (being the new investor),” he said.
“But, I can tell nothing happened,” he added.
It has been reported that Abang Abdillah, who started his professional career as a commercial pilot, is believed to have attended a meeting with MYAirline representatives on Oct 9 as well as a town hall recently.
It is said that the majority shares currently held by entrepreneur Datuk Goh Hwan Hua would most likely be sold to Abang Abdillah
Earlier today, MYAirline Sdn Bhd in a statement announced that it has suspended its operations effective today until further notice due to financial pressures.
The low-cost airline said it has come to this “extremely painful decision” because of financial pressures that have made it necessary to suspend operations pending a shareholder restructure and recapitalisation of the airline.
“We deeply regret and apologise for having to make this decision as we understand the impact it will have on our loyal passengers, dedicated employees and partners.
“We have worked tirelessly to explore various partnership and capital-raising options to prevent this suspension. Unfortunately, the constraints of time have left us with no alternative but to take this decision,” its board of directors said.
Nevertheless, MYAirline noted that it would be committed to assisting those impacted through the situation and advised the affected passengers to seek alternative travel arrangements.
