Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that he has agreed in principle to a proposal from the Sarawak State Government to set up its own state-owned boutique airline.
In a Facebook post yesterday (17 April 2023), Anwar shared several photos and updates from his short visit to Sarawak’s capital city of Kuching where he met with Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and other state leaders.
In relation to the proposed boutique airline, Anwar asserted,
“I agree with the proposal by Abang Johari for Sarawak to establish a boutique airline and this will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.”
“Surely, the establishment of the new airline can stabilise the airfare prices, especially from Peninsula Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak.”
The proposal for a Sarawak-owned boutique airline is not something new and has been pushed by the Sarawak Premier and his State Government since 2021.
In fact, according to Malay Mail, the setting up of the boutique airline was part of Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) manifesto for the 2021 Sarawak State Election.
The price of airfares, especially flights from Peninsula Malaysia to East Malaysia has been a hotly contested topic recently after airlines allegedly hiked up prices for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
So, what do you guys think of the proposed Sarawak-owned boutique airline? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: PM Anwar: Govt to Discuss on Plans For Subsidised Flight Tickets For University Students