KOTA KINABALU – It is time to set up a civil aviation authority in Sabah and Sarawak to address issues such as pricey airfare and flight delays, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
He also proposed to name it the Borneo Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA).
“There are talented and qualified Sabahans, including those educated, trained and certified in the US to staff the BCAA.
“Their focus will also be looking after the people’s interests, including having better control over airfares.
“In the longer term, the BCAA could benefit not only Sabah but the national aviation industry,” he said here today in view of the ongoing spat over higher airfares to Sabah and Sarawak during the recent Hari Raya holidays.
He added that the squabble between the former and present transport ministers, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and Anthony Loke, exposes a decades-old system of neglect and the burden East Malaysians have been enduring.
Kitingan said the setting up of the BCAA is timely as Sarawak plans to establish its boutique airline and Sabah is in the midst of entering into the air cargo sector with an established logistic group.
Sabah is also looking to upgrade Sabah Air into a regional airline firm serving Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
“I will raise the issue at the next MA63 federal cabinet committee meeting.”
Air travel is important for Sabah’s economy as the Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the second busiest airport in the country, handling many direct international flights as well.
Kitingan said air travel should not be burdensome as it is the only mode of transport for East Malaysians unlike their peninsula counterparts who enjoy low-cost land routes during the festive seasons. – The Vibes, April 25, 2023
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