Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah (left) presenting new helmets to Grab delivery riders when launching the state-level Hari Raya road safety campaign in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The Transport Ministry is studying Sarawak's proposal to form a boutique airline in order to fine-tune the details, says its Deputy Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
He said although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approved the airline in principle, there were details that needed to be looked into.
"How it will operate, its licence and terms, all of that needs to be fine-tuned. But it is considered approved in principle," he told reporters after launching the state-level Hari Raya road safety campaign here on Wednesday (April 19).
On Monday (April 17), Anwar had agreed in principle to Sarawak's request to form the boutique airline as the state had a proven track record of good management.
He also said he would bring up the matter for discussion at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, after which an official reply would be given to the state.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who requested the approval, said a boutique airline would help stabilise airfares and bring in international visitors to the state.
Meanwhile, Hasbi also said the Transport Ministry was constantly monitoring the airfares for flights from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak, particularly during the festive season.
He said AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) had added more flights for Hari Raya to increase the availability of cheap seats.
"AirAsia has added 62 flights to help bring prices down. They also offered 11,000 seats at RM199 from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak and RM249 to Sabah. MAS has also added more than 50 flights," he said.
On the road safety campaign, which will run until April 27, Hasbi said the Sarawak Road Transport Department would carry out patrols at 53 accident-prone locations in the state.
"This will increase the perception of being caught to encourage better compliance with traffic regulations," he said.
