THE Sarawak government’s decision to take over MASwings has sparked significant public interest and discussion across the state.
Many view this bold move as a step forward in enhancing connectivity and improving the quality of air travel, especially in rural and remote areas.
There is much delight and optimism, with many expressing confidence that local management will better address the unique needs of Sarawakians.
Benedict Martin, 37, former Sarawak state football player and currently assistant coach:
Personally, for me, the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings is a strategic step aimed at boosting the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
This move will not only allow for greater control over the state’s aviation services but also help tailor these services to meet the specific needs of Sarawak’s population and visitors.
By managing its own airline, Sarawak can ensure that its transportation needs align with its broader development goals.
From an economic perspective, the move should also create new jobs in the aviation sector, contributing to employment and skill development in the region.
For tourism, increased flights and connectivity will likely attract more visitors, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
On top of that, a stronger airline network can help promote Sarawak’s diverse tourism offerings, including eco-tourism, culture, and adventure tourism.
Kelvin Hii, 33, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth vice chairman:
First, congratulations to the Sarawak government and the people, as we are the first state to own an airline company.
Second, I hope Sarawak will have more direct international flights, involving both passengers and cargo flights.
Third, we hope Sarawakians can have special flight ticket prices or enjoy special promotions to make Sarawak feel the benefit directly.
Tasha Jenkins, 26, working in media related industry:
With Sarawak officially taking over MASwings, there’s hope that domestic air travel will finally cater to the needs of Sarawakians with proper services.
Reliable flight schedules, better aircraft maintenance, and improved passenger experience should be the priority.
Since air travel is a necessity for many, especially those from rural areas, this transition should focus on making flights more accessible and efficient for everyone.
One major improvement would be reducing ticket prices, making air travel more affordable for Sarawakians. A staff discount programme would also be a great way to support those working in the industry.
These changes would not only ease the financial burden on passengers but also encourage more people to choose flights over long road journeys, improving overall connectivity.
Ultimately, we all hope that this move helps Sarawak’s aviation industry grow, creating more job opportunities for those passionate about flying and airline operations.
With better management and investment, this could open doors for more career prospects in aviation, benefiting both the industry and the state’s economy.
Andy Jong, 46, Lions Club of Batu Niah immediate past president:
With this acquisition, Sarawak will have the capacity to independently plan domestic flight routes and optimise schedules to better serve both local communities and tourists,
It is important for a Sarawak-owned airline to improve connectivity to remote areas and introduce affordable ticket pricing, which could stimulate growth across the tourism, trade, and investment sectors.
As such, the airline should focus on route expansion, increasing flight routes to interior regions to improve connectivity and schedule optimisation, ensuring stable flight services to rural destinations, adopting a people-friendly pricing policy to prevent market monopolisation and reduce the financial burden on passengers.
It should also focus on service quality by enhancing aircraft maintenance and the passenger experience to position MASwings as a premier aviation brand in Sarawak.
The stability of the aviation industry is critical to driving economic growth, particularly in tourism, trade, and logistics.
And the Sarawak government shoud collaborate with local businesses and tourism stakeholders to maximise the potential of the newly acquired airline.
Sawing Bajing , 56, worker at a private company:
It’s a good move because only the Sarawak government will have its own fleet. By having this fleet, hopefully, the state government can regulate ticket prices, making air travel more affordable for everyone.
Samuel Mukat, 24, teacher in Bario:
The news about Sarawak taking over MASwings is very exciting, especially for frequent travelers like me. I hope this takeover will bring significant positive changes, particularly in improving service quality, airfare affordability, flight schedules, and more.
As for the government I hope they will focus on improving MASwings’ connectivity, especially to rural areas, ensuring better accessibility for communities that rely on air travel.
