KUCHING: The Ministry of Transport (MoT) Sarawak welcomes the allocation of RM209 million to subsidise air transportation for rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak.
Its deputy minister (Aviation and Roads) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the ministry welcomes the subsidy, especially for rural air service (RAS), to ensure the isolated settlements continue to be connected with major towns by air connectivity.
“Some places in Sarawak, especially the highland areas in Miri division, are totally without road connectivity to the nearby towns. Therefore, our people depend so much on rural air connectivity which is the fastest way to connect to towns.
“The RAS is not something new as MASWings is currently operating using this subsidy. With the rural connectivity subsidy, MASWings will be able to continue providing air service for the people,” he said today (Feb 25).
On the announcement of wheelchair ramps for seven airports in Sarawak and Sabah, Dr Jerip pointed out that this facility is crucial for airport and STOLport.
“We must provide friendly facilities for all, including the less fortunate people with restricted mobility. I believe this facility will enable MASWings to facilitate the movement of the people in a safer way and more efficiently,” he said.
At the same time, he hoped that Sarawak will get a fair share of the RM150 million allocated for the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme.
He said his ministry had an engagement with the federal Ministry of Transport on the SBST programme.
Through the SBST programme, he said the ministry will upgrade bus services in Kuching which is in line with the initiative to promote public transport.
“We will engaged with our bus operators to seek their views on the way forward for the SBST programme in Kuching. The ministry will also communicate further with the federal MoT on the details,” he added.
