Premier: MASwings acquisition talks expected finalised by year-end
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is expected to finalise its discussion on the acquisition of MASwings by the end of this year, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier pointed out that once the acquisition is finalised, this would enable the state government to address the issue on costly airfares especially during festive seasons.
“We want to help lighten the burden for Sarawakians who are based in Peninsular Malaysia to return home during festive occasions.
“Right now, whenever there’s festive occasions, the airfare will increase. For instance, an air ticket to Kuala Lumpur can cost around RM1,000.
“That is why the state government decided to step in to help our fellow Sarawakians, especially the students,” he said when closing the Kabong International Kite Festival (KIKF) 2024 yesterday.
At the same time, Abang Johari said the state government is currently assisting Sarawakian students who are studying in the peninsula, Sabah or Labuan through the ‘Inisiatif Graduan Pulang Sarawak’ (i-GPS).
“The Sarawak government is providing a subsidy to assist these students so that they can purchase tickets to return home,” he said.
The Premier also touched on the 12 bridge projects that will serve to connect the ‘missing link’ along the state’s coastal roads.
“Once the Batang Lupar Bridge is completed, it is estimated that travel time will be shortened from six hours to two-and-a-half hours from Kuching to Sibu.
“This will also contribute to development in the coastal areas, including Kabong, where the journey to reach here (from Kuching) will be less than two hours,” he said.
On KIKF 2024, Abang Johari said the festival serves to promote unity, understanding and harmony between the participating countries.
“We in Sarawak live in harmony like one big happy family and through events such as KIKF, which includes the participation of other countries, this will foster harmony and unity among the people,” he said.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Kabong assemblyman Mohd Chee Kadir, Senator Pele Peter Tinggom, and Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas.