KUCHING: The Sarawak government has dismissed claims that the state is wasting funds by setting up AirBorneo.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the decision to have a state-owned airline is driven by the need to improve connectivity, reduce reliance on costly flights, and support the state’s growing cultural and tourism industries.
“The only state having an airline owned by the state government is Sarawak.
“Today (Nov. 28), as confirmed by our State Secretary, there is a new CEO. We are putting the best brains to run our airline,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Development Institute’s (SDI) 30th anniversary dinner at local hotel here on Friday night.
Abang Johari further said that AirBorneo will operate on a distinctive model designed to meet the the state’s needs.
“Our airline’s model will be different; it will give us the network and connectivity,” he said, while adding that high ticket prices have been a challenge for visitors wanting to travel to Sarawak.
“We have all these. Our Borneo Cultures Museum, it is better than the Louvre in Paris according to international assessments. We also have UNESCO sites namely Niah, and Mulu, with another geopark on the way.
“The only issue is that it’s difficult for people to come because tickets are expensive. That is why we need to have AirBorneo,” he said.
He stressed that these investments, including major infrastructure like the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), are not a waste of money.
“More importantly, we also continue to look for ways to generate revenue for Sarawak, for our future,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s progress in the creative industry, noting that the state remains the only one in Malaysia with its own television station – TVS.
“I started it five years ago. It wasn’t easy to start a TV channel. But now our performing arts, culture and heritage have a platform.
“TVS is also now working to establish networks with Thai television for film, documentary and drama exchange. Not long from now, our Sarawak actors will become famous,” he said.
He stressed that these developments form part of the “soft industry” the state is nurturing.
At the same event, a special publication titled ‘Sarawak Civil Service – Administration and Development: Reflections and Reminiscences over 60 Years’ was also launched, documenting the experiences, challenges and contributions of the state civil service in implementing six decades of transformation.
“The only state having an airline owned by the state government is Sarawak.
“Today (Nov. 28), as confirmed by our State Secretary, there is a new CEO. We are putting the best brains to run our airline,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Development Institute’s (SDI) 30th anniversary dinner at local hotel here on Friday night.
Abang Johari further said that AirBorneo will operate on a distinctive model designed to meet the the state’s needs.
“Our airline’s model will be different; it will give us the network and connectivity,” he said, while adding that high ticket prices have been a challenge for visitors wanting to travel to Sarawak.
“We have all these. Our Borneo Cultures Museum, it is better than the Louvre in Paris according to international assessments. We also have UNESCO sites namely Niah, and Mulu, with another geopark on the way.
“The only issue is that it’s difficult for people to come because tickets are expensive. That is why we need to have AirBorneo,” he said.
He stressed that these investments, including major infrastructure like the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), are not a waste of money.
“More importantly, we also continue to look for ways to generate revenue for Sarawak, for our future,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s progress in the creative industry, noting that the state remains the only one in Malaysia with its own television station – TVS.
“I started it five years ago. It wasn’t easy to start a TV channel. But now our performing arts, culture and heritage have a platform.
“TVS is also now working to establish networks with Thai television for film, documentary and drama exchange. Not long from now, our Sarawak actors will become famous,” he said.
He stressed that these developments form part of the “soft industry” the state is nurturing.
At the same event, a special publication titled ‘Sarawak Civil Service – Administration and Development: Reflections and Reminiscences over 60 Years’ was also launched, documenting the experiences, challenges and contributions of the state civil service in implementing six decades of transformation.