A SABAH-Brunei-Sarawak regional airline could have reshaped Borneo’s economy—if Sabah’s government had acted.
Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the plan, discussed in 2019, aimed to lower fares, boost tourism, and create jobs.
“I met the Sultan of Brunei. I told him, Brunei has an airline, Sarawak has a license, and Sabah has Sabah Air. Let’s do this together,” he said.
But the initiative stalled when Warisan lost power in 2020.
Shafie said a regional airline would have freed Sabah from high fares dictated by Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.
“We wouldn’t be at the mercy of overpriced tickets. We would be in charge,” he said.
The airline could have also created jobs, from pilots to cabin crew, while bringing in more international visitors.
“It’s not just about flights. It’s about opening Sabah to the world,” he said.
Instead, the plan was abandoned.
“Sarawak went ahead. Sabah? Nothing,” he said as he was referring to the recent takeover of MasWings by the Sarawak government to form the AirBorneo airline firm.
Shafie cited his government’s RM300 million loan to AirAsia as proof Sabah had the leverage to shape its aviation industry.
“I told (AirAsia boss) Tony Fernandes, I’ll lend you RM300 million, but you must pay back. If not, I’ll take five planes,” he said.
The deal ensured jobs for Sabahans and AirAsia repaid over RM200 million, while Sabahans are hired to work in the company.
But under the current administration, no similar effort has been made.
Shafie questioned why the state government did not continue the initiative, calling it a failure of leadership.
“We had a plan. We had the discussions. The opportunity was there. Why didn’t they continue it?” he said.
Sabah, Shafie said, could have done the same—but didn’t.
“We started something important. But this government? Nothing,” he said. - February 17, 2025
