BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & JAMES WONG
KUCHING: Sarawak’s very own boutique airline will allow Sarawakians to have flying options instead of depending on existing airlines.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government’s boutique airline will help ease the burden of average Sarawakians who intend to fly home to their respective hometowns on festive occasions.
“Many of our people could not head home because of the overwhelming high flight fares.
“Therefore, for us to be able to have our airline, it would ease the burden of our people, as we would be able to dictate our prices,” he said this in response to Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen who questioned the state government’s plan to set up the boutique airline.
“The least that he could do is to support the government’s initiative because it is good for our people,” the minister said, adding that once the government is able to dictate the fares, other airline companies would follow suit.
“However, we should also understand that it all depends on supply and demand, especially during the festive season.
“For instance, if some airline companies charge RM1,000, we might put it at RM500,” Abdul Karim said during a press conference on the upcoming Spartan Race 2023 at Baitul Makmur II building here today.
Earlier, Yii called on the state government to disclose information about the cost of the boutique airline project, alongside the cost-benefit analysis and parties involved.
He said that it is in the best interest of all Sarawakians to know the details, especially in light of the huge investment and quality expertise needed, as well as the tough regulations and requirements of the aviation industry.
“The decision may require a lot of public funds, and it may be tough to sustain the business model and maintain assets as Sarawak may not have the economic scale to keep it sustainable,” the MP said.
