KENINGAU MP Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has proposed restructuring Malaysia's civil aviation regulator to give Sabah and Sarawak more control over their aviation sectors.
He recommended creating three sub-regional authorities under the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), allowing separate oversight for Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Kitingan believes these changes would make air travel more affordable and accessible for East Malaysians, who have seen one-way ticket prices jump from RM300 to over RM1,000, despite previous promises to cap fares at RM199.
“To help resolve these issues, I recommend that CAAM be restructured to give Sabah and Sarawak greater roles within the aviation authority,” he said during the 2025 Supply Bill debate in Parliament.
He argued that the restructuring would enable Sabah to manage its own flight frequencies and pricing. He cited the UAE’s model, where Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah each have regional aviation authorities, as a suitable example of East Malaysia’s unique needs.
He noted that rising airfares and fewer flights between Kuala Lumpur and East Malaysia have hurt local businesses, discouraged tourists, and stifled economic growth.
“We need a fairer, more effective aviation structure to support East Malaysia’s economy,” he added, urging the government to adopt the proposal for the direct benefit of Sabahans and Sarawakians.
Beyond aviation reform, Kitingan proposed new revenue-generating sectors to support Malaysia’s economy, particularly through Sabah’s Blue Economy initiative, which was launched by the Prime Minister and has the potential to generate substantial income.
He called for federal support of the Blue Economy, emphasising its long-term benefits for national revenue.
Kitingan also advocated for greater control over Sabah’s oil and gas resources, allowing the state to manage these resources beyond reliance on Petronas.
Additionally, he highlighted opportunities in Sabah’s Green Economy, including Carbon Capture projects and carbon credit trading, as sustainable revenue sources.
To further boost economic growth, Kitingan suggested transforming Sabah into a “Tourist Shopping Haven” with family-friendly attractions, theme parks, and even casinos to attract global visitors.
He believes these developments would provide steady economic benefits for the state. - November 5, 2024
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