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KUCHING: Sarawak has made arrangements to acquire new ATR 72-600 aircraft for its rural air services (RAS) operations, said State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin. 

He said that the current aircraft would be replaced once their lease period expires in two years. 

“This will be done after the lease period ends, as the existing ones are still under lease. However, arrangements have already been made to acquire new ATR 72-600 models.

“As for the Twin Otter aircraft, they are still relatively new, so we have not made any decision to replace that model yet,” he told a press conference, here, Wednesday.  

He also stressed that Sarawak’s airline, AirBorneo, will maintain the RAS which was previously operated by MASwings Sdn Bhd. Lee added that more aircraft would be acquired as the state-owned airline expands its services in the region.

Meanwhile, he said that his Ministry is taking proactive measures to ensure sufficient flight availability between Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak, for those returning home for the Aidilfitri celebrations.

“We want to ensure there are enough flights so that everyone can return home to celebrate Hari Raya. We will coordinate with airlines to provide additional flights,” he said.

On the upcoming Aidilfitri celebration, Lee said that the state Road Safety Council will launch its 2025 Hari Raya Road Safety Campaign in Mukah this March 17, to raise awareness of safe driving practices.

“We will be giving out special edition ‘Sampul Duit Raya’ (green packets) as part of the campaign, which incorporates festive Hari Raya elements while carrying essential road safety messages on the back,” he said.