KUCHING: A task force will be established to ensure a smooth acquisition process of MASwings prior to setting up Sarawak’s own boutique airline.
Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin led a delegation for a courtesy call to Federal Minister of Transport Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on Friday (June 30).
Lee said the primary objective of the meeting was to discuss the establishment of Sarawak Airline through the acquisition of MASwings.
He added that the meeting is a follow-up to the announcement made by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on June 15, stating that the state government has agreed in principle to take over MASwings.
“During the fruitful meeting, both parties reached an agreement to establish a task force dedicated to ensuring a smooth acquisition process. The Sarawak delegation, consisting of members representing the state government, will actively participate in the task force.
“It was also decided that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed to initiate further discussions and facilitate the takeover,” he said in a press statement on today (July 1).
The Sarawak delegation included Deputy Minister for Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Sarawak Attorney General Datuk Seri Talat Mahmood, Sarawak Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datuk Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, MOTS Permanent Secretary Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling, Sarawak Economic Planning Unit Director Lester Matthew, MOTS Aviation Technical Advisor Sio Yew Hua, and Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Miron Kumer Ganguly.
During the courtesy call, Lee also highlighted the proposed RM60 million optimization plans for Miri Airport, which Loke assured would be the ministry’s top priority in obtaining approval from the federal government.
“The proposed optimization plan for Kuching International Airport was also addressed in the discussion. I have also made a request for the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme under the federal government funding in Kuching to be carried out by a local consortium of bus operators,” he added.
