Task force to be set up to ensure smooth takeover of MASWings

KUCHING - The federal government and the Sarawak state government have agreed to establish a task force dedicated to ensuring a smooth acquisition process of MASWings.

Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said this was agreed upon following his meeting with Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said the primary objective of the meeting was to discuss the establishment of Sarawak Airline through the acquisition of MASWings.

"The Sarawak government's delegation, consisting of members representing the Sarawak 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 statement, here, today.

On June 15, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has agreed in principle to take over MASWings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB), to be rebranded as a boutique airline owned by the state government.

Abang Johari said MASWings, which currently only operates in the interior region of Borneo, would be given a new lease of life with the addition of flight destinations.

On April 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed in principle with the Sarawak government’s proposal to establish a boutique airline.

Anwar said the establishment of the airline could bring down expensive fares, especially between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. - BERNAMA