KOTA KINABALU: The State Government hoped to see more companies invest in the aerospace industry in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
To this end, Tangau who is also Trade and Industry Minister said he welcomed any collaboration such as the agreement signed by MASwings and Singapore-based ST Engineering, here, Thursday.
“Such agreement gives us a lot of hope in our efforts to bring the aerospace industry in the State to the next level,” he said after the agreement signing ceremony.
“A fact that a company like ST Engineering with more than 40 years of experience is here to provide its services goes to show that there is a need and opportunity for the aerospace industry to be developed in Sabah.
“And that is why the State Government had lain a foundation to prepare for the future and that is also why we have the proposed KKIP Aerospace project.
“We have just started with the project and it is still a long way to go for us.” He added it is important that all stakeholders and industry players to realise that there is an emerging aerospace industry in Sabah.
“KKIA (Kota Kinabalu International Airport) is the second biggest airport in Malaysia and also a gateway to the East.
“We welcomed companies with vast experience like ST Engineering as we have a lot to learn from them,” he said.
To this, ST Engineering Vice-President cum General Manager Ku Kay Choon has indicated that the company is keen to discuss further on contributing towards the progress of the local aerospace industry.
“When we hear about KKIP and the suggestion by the Deputy Chief Minister, I think there is room to find out more about this and discuss it.”
Earlier, Tangau said if ST Engineering is willing to invest in KKIP Aerospace, its benefits will be expanded to three main elements – the employment rate, transferring of technology and possible increase in Sabah’s economy.
“I hope the future KKIP Aerospace will have the ability in becoming the next MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) provider in Sabah which will benefit so many others and probably MASwings too,” he said. Tangau also said the decision of the Indonesian government to relocate its capital city from Jakarta to Kalimantan will present a huge opportunity for the State in various sectors, including aerospace.
“As such we are making preparations in many areas.”
Meanwhile, MASwings Chief Executive Officer Aminuddin Zakaria did not disregard the possibility of re-opening its route to Balikpapan, Indonesia.
“We will evaluate the Balikpapan route…since the capital city is moving there, I see that there is an opportunity to be explored.
“So now, we will bring it back to the table for discussion. If it makes sense then we will open it again,” he said.
Signing the agreement were Aminuddin and Ku, while being witnessed by Tangau. Through the agreement, ST Engineering will provide facility and expertise to overhaul MASwings’ ATR72 landing gear as approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
