SIBU: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed hope that Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, will assist in securing landing rights for Sarawak’s state airline.
Abang Johari stated that Sarawak would take over MASwings and establish its own airline by next year.
“Datuk Seri Tiong, by 2026, Sarawak will have its own airline, and we hope to secure landing rights in new markets,” he said.
He said this at the United Chinese Association (UCA) Chinese New Year celebration, which was attended by over 1,000 guests at a hotel here last night (Feb 1).
He also hoped that Tiong will actively promote Sarawak in line with the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 campaign.
Meanwhile, on the Year of the Snake, Abang Johari expressed his hope that it would bring the best of luck to Sarawak as it moves towards becoming a developed state by 2030.
“The year 2024 was a good year for Sarawak, including in terms of the economy, as our revenue increased.
“Some say that if the water rises, wealth follows. In 2025, Sarawak will focus on the new economy and green energy,” he said.
He added that the government had previously taken over Affin Bank Berhad and the Bakun Dam and was now in the process of acquiring the airline for the benefit of Sarawakians.
“This initiative is possible because Sarawak has a strong economic foundation. The acquisition is not free; we have to pay for it.
“Therefore, with the support of the business community, I believe we can continue to develop the state based on our new direction, including in the hydrogen industry,” he added.
Abang Johari also revealed that he had been invited by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore on Feb 10.
“I have been asked to deliver a public lecture and share insights on Sarawak’s economy and renewable energy direction,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Micheal Tiang, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee and UCA Sibu Chairman Lau Ing Siong.