Kuala Lumpur: It is not too late for Sabah to also make a joint bid with Sarawak for MASwings with the support of the Federal Government, said Senator Datuk John Ambrose, Wednesday.
He said an airline jointly owned by the Borneo Bloc states would greatly benefit East Malaysians, including students studying in the peninsula.
“If Sarawak is to acquire MASwings, they may put the interests of Sarawakians first. Sabahans will continue to pay hefty air ticket prices, especially during school holidays and festive seasons,” he said.
Ambrose was commenting on the inking of a memorandum of understanding between the Sarawak Government and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of MASwings Sdn Bhd, to discuss the airline’s acquisition.
The MoU was also to establish clear parameters, define the scopes, set timelines, and facilitate a smooth process of the exercise.
“With a joint airline, tourism can be better promoted and more tourists as well as locals able to visit the two neighbouring states connected by air.”
He believes there are about 500,000 Sarawakians in Sabah.
Last month, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg said the State agreed in principle to take over MASwings as proposed by the Federal Government instead of proceeding with its own boutique airline.
Ambrose said joint ownership of MASwings would enable both states to work together on air connectivity to international routes, especially China and South Korea.
“As of now, most Sarawakians travelling to China, Taiwan or South Korea have to stop over in Kota Kinabalu for one night before catching the connecting flight.
“With a joint East Malaysian airline, arrangement can be made for Sarawakians travelling to these countries to only have a brief stopover in KKIA before flying off to their destinations the same day.
“Likewise, tourists coming to Sabah may be tempted to visit Sarawak and vice versa due to the availability of regular flights.
Trade and investments in the two states will increase,” he said.
