KUALA LUMPUR – The Sarawak government has inked a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of MASwings Sdn Bhd, to discuss the acquisition of the regional airline.
The MoU is also to establish clear parameters, define the scopes, set timelines, and facilitate a smooth takeover, according to a statement by the state’s transport minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, in conjunction with his visit to Khazanah Nasional Bhd yesterday.
Lee led a delegation from the state with the primary objective to brief Khazanah on the proposed takeover of MASWings.
The delegation was a follow-up from the meeting with Transport Minister Anthony Loke last June 30 in Putrajaya.
The meeting also discussed the existing air connectivity issues affecting Sarawak, especially involving direct international flights.
Sarawak presently has only three direct international routes, namely Singapore, Bandar Seri Begawan, and Jakarta.
“There is, therefore, a need for a concerted effort to establish more direct international routes to promote tourism, trade, and investment,” said the statement.
“In this connection, the Sarawak government has decided to set up its own airline through the acquisition of MASWings.” – Bernama, July 8, 2023
