KUCHING: The Prime Minister has in principle agreed to Sarawak’s proposal to establish its own boutique airline to boost air connectivity to the state.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this would be among the issues discussed in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
“Yes, I agreed to the proposed Sarawak-owned boutique airline. Thus, it will be discussed during the Cabinet meeting this week,” he said at the official opening of Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching here yesterday.
Apart from improving the state’s air connectivity, he believed, the airline could help to tackle the sky-high fares, especially during festive seasons.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said owning and running an airline company was not an easy task as it involved high operating costs.
However, he was confident with Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership and Sarawak’s focus on hydrogen economy, renewable and reliable energy, among others.
These, he said, proved that Sarawak was able to manage its economy and finances prudently.
“It (Sarawak) is leading from the front; it has proven itself by its strong economy and financial stability without (strongly) relying or burdening the federal government.
“Hence, I don’t see any reason to disagree to Sarawak‘s proposal to establish its own boutique airline, especially in the spirit of unity government and the close relationship between the federal and state governments,” he added.
In November last year, it was reported that Sarawak was waiting for a licence to be issued by the transport ministry so that its new boutique airline could start operations soon.
Meanwhile, a study has been done and the operational aspects of the airline have been finalised for international tourists to be flown directly to the state, bypassing Kuala Lumpur.
