KUCHING: Sarawak has completed the takeover of MASwings Sdn Bhd, paving the way for the state to have its own airline, revealed Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"MASwings beres (MASwings is settled). This means we have taken over MASwings," the Premier said on Monday (Jan 13).
He told reporters this after giving a special address in conjunction with his eighth anniversary of taking office as Premier.
Abang Johari said Sarawak had acquired MASwings at an agreed price, which he did not disclose.
He said a signing ceremony on the takeover would take place in a month's time, likely to be in Kuching.
Asked about the airline's new name, he said it would be announced after the signing ceremony.
Last month, Abang Johari said Sarawak's takeover of MASwings was expected to be completed in the first quarter of this year, pending a valuation of MASwings' assets.
He had said a third-party audit had been commissioned to determine the appropriate value, due to differences in asset valuation by the state government and MASwings,' parent company Malaysia Aviation Group.
In his special address, Abang Johari said the acquisition of MASwings would position Sarawak as a gateway to Asean.
"With increased fleet capacity and enhanced services, our goal is to boost both domestic and international connectivity, particularly within a four- to seven-hour flight radius," he said.
He added that this would boost trade, tourism and investment in the next five years.
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