MAS should not wait till Feb 18

Kota Kinabalu: State Industrial Development Minister, Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah, said Malaysia Airlines (MAS) should resume the cancelled Kuala Lumpur-Sandakan flights immediately instead of waiting till Feb 18 in view of the coming Chinese New Year.

"Not only should MAS resume those cancelled flights, the airline should have considered additional flights to cope with the larger number of family members who wish to return to Sandakan for the Chinese New Year family reunions.

"Being a national airline with such a long record of aviation capability, it should have been able to provide more seats for this route for this festive season. MAS should realise this and act accordingly," he said.

Tan said the big question is why should MAS wait for Feb 18 to reestablish these flights when they should be doing so right away.

He was commenting on the fom Prime Minister's Department on Monday that after a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and senior management officials of MAS, the 11 times weekly direct flights between Sandakan and the main terminal of KL International Airport (KLIA) are expected to be resumed on Feb 18.

"This development goes to show that the Barisan Nasional Government is a responsible government that has the people's interest at heart.

"I am especially happy to see and thankful that the Prime Minister himself has responded so quickly to the plight of the people of Sandakan.

He has personally taken the matter up with MAS directly and produced positive result to correct a wrong action on the part of MAS," he said.

Tan said MAS made the wrong move to cancel the direct flights.

"Those direct air links from Sandakan, the second largest town in Sabah and the main commercial and industrial centre of the east coast of the state, are crucial to the tourism industry and other economic interest of the state.

"The people of Sandakan were rightly unhappy with the cancellation of the MAS direct flights. They had in fact expected those flights to be increased, instead of being cancelled," he said.

Continue reading at: MAS should not wait till Feb 18
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Sabah Air told to start with chartered flights

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air can start with chartered flights or engage strategic partners prior to running a full-fledged airline due to the complexity involved.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun suggested that Sabah Air should begin with chartered flights as it was an easier alternative to get the feel on how to run an airline.

His second suggestion, that is to engage strategic partners, will allow the company to run the airline with people with expertise.

Masidi was commenting on Sabah Air chairman Datuk Yusoff Mohd Kasim’s recent announcement that Sabah Air was looking at serving regional routes such as to Korea, Japan and Australia.

“Although it is a good concept, the process is complicated, starting with buying or leasing an aircraft.

“Buying an aircraft is not easy because there are only a few manufacturers in the world – Airbus and Boeing, and the waiting period is five years,” he said in an interview after officiating at a book launch here yesterday.

In addition, he said most leased aircraft were used ones.

Masidi also cautioned Sabah Air that there were more airlines losing money than making a profit worldwide.

For instance, airlines who do make money include Singapore Airlines while those expanding at a very fast rate are Middle Eastern companies such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, he said.

The minister meanwhile welcomed Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to have another discussion and find a better solution rather than cutting routes.

“I believe tentatively that they have read all the comments in the paper and they are disturbed with the reaction from Sabahans.

Continue reading at: Sabah Air told to start with chartered flights
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Govt opts for foreign airlines to serve Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said with or without Malaysia Airlines (MAS), the state government will continue to talk to other airlines since Sabah will lose several direct flights to international destinations.

He said the state government had several high level talks with MAS, with one involving Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

“MAS have expressed commitment to look into our request but they have also stated that they cannot turn back on their decision… meaning to say we are definitely going to lose these direct flights.

“I think we should look into long-term and not short-term solutions. I am aware of their financial problem and I know they have serious financial problem, but at the same time I believe cutting down the air routes is not the only answer,” he said to reporters after representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman at the launching of Suria Sabah shopping mall here yesterday.

Masidi added the airline’s recent decision to suspend the routes servicing the Eastern Hub would only temporarily solve the problem facing MAS, but promoting Osaka, Haneda, Seoul and Perth with direct stop-overs at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) would certainly help the airline even for the medium term.

Continue reading at: Govt opts for foreign airlines to serve Sabah
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Extra MAS flights for coming CNY exodus welcomed

SIBU: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be mounting 14 extra flights for the KL/Sibu route and vice-versa, starting next week to ease the heavy bookings for Lunar New Year season.

According to the managing director of Equitorial Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd Robert Tan, this was a piece of good news for people returning to Sibu for the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.

“The load is very heavy in the run up to the Chinese community’s most important celebration. And MAS mounting additional flights will certainly do wonders to ease the heavy bookings and ensure that people reach home in time to spend the celebration with their families,” Tan told The Borneo Post when asked on air ticket bookings for the coming CNY.

However, he lamented that with the increased load triggered by the surging demand, the airfares are coming with a higher price tag.

“Starting next week, the fare for KL/Sibu (one-way) will cost about RM500 and the load is extremely high between Jan 19 and 21. The fare is priced as high as RM700 one-way during the peak period,” said Tan, who has 39 years of experience as a travel agent.

He pointed out that even the airfare for the low cost carrier costs about RM400 one-way.

He figured that the void left by FireFly (FF), which stopped flying the route on Dec 4 last year, was gradually being monopolised by AirAsia.

The drawback, said Tan, is that MAS has only one flight to KL, which is in the morning for now.

He recalled that initially when MAS resumed its service in December last year, they mounted two flights daily.

“But they have since reduced to a flight daily, and this may cause hassle to international bound travellers, who are on connecting flights,” he moaned.

Continue reading at: Extra MAS flights for coming CNY exodus welcomed

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Sabah Air aims to be alternative airline for Sabahans

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd aims to be the alternative airline for Sabahans to destinations in the region which Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will stop flying to.

According to its chairman, Datuk Yusoff Mohd Kasim, Sabah Air is currently looking at serving regional routes such as to Korea, Japan and Australia.

Yusoff in a statement recently said that in view of the fast developing scenario for Sabah, Sabah Air is confident to serve the State profitably when all relevant landing rights in Seoul, Haneda, Osaka and Perth (to and fro Kota Kinabalu) is given to it, which MAS is currently in the process of giving up.

Sabah Air is prepared to take over these routes and is making the necessary arrangements for the same, to be activated as soon as the ‘go ahead’ is given, he said, adding that the aviation company had been working internally on a comprehensive plan to start a scheduled flight service dedicated to the State and the region over the last three months.

The plan covers regional as well as domestic routes, and is in its final stages of maturity. Once the board gives an “Authority to Proceed”, Sabah Air will be officially applying to the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia and Ministry of Transport for relevant approvals, Yusoff added.

Sabah Air, he pointed out, has the necessary experience and ability to solve this rapidly developing problem while consolidating its plan and execute the long-term practical solution for the State.

“We are strong in our conviction that all this can be achieved while staying true to the principle of inclusive development for all Sabahans,” he said, adding that the fountainhead of the plan is a three pronged strategy to fill the gap created, especially in the tourism sector in the immediate aftermath of incumbent service providers possibly pulling out of certain sectors.

“This pullout is expected to produce a massive backlash on the State’s economy in the short to medium term. Sabah Air has the necessary solution to address the long-term issues of international connectivity for the continued benefit of the State and its economy, at the same time bring the long isolated rural areas of the State into the mainstream; logistically and economically.

“Sabah Air agrees and is working in tandem with Warisan Harta Sdn Bhd’s current thinking on this matter, to find a practical and profitable solution for the long term,” he said.

According to Yusoff, Sabah Air’s strategy, includes addressing immediate issues faced by passengers who had booked air flights but are facing potential cancellations due to service providers pulling out of these sectors. Sabah Air is already in negotiations with potential aircraft lessors to fill the gap under the company’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) – Charter on a Wet Lease Basis.

Wet Lease, he explained, means the company will lease aircraft along with crew, maintenance and insurance.

Sabah Air is also in discussions with relevant authorities in the State tourism sector; government and operators to get an accurate picture of the tourism sector, their travel timelines and other respective details such as local destinations so on so forth, he said, adding that the information would then be put to effective use to solve the problem at the earliest.

“To address the long term needs of the state of Sabah in terms of connectivity to the relevant foreign destinations with a more permanent arrangement, Sabah Air will be effectively moving up the value chain to form a full-fledged airline to serve East Malaysia, and eventually the BIMP-EAGA region and possibly beyond.

“The main focus will be to provide an efficient logistical support for passengers and cargo; and connect this region to the rest of the world. To address the air connectivity issue for rural interiors of Sabah, with a customized and localized cost effective solution, and eventually duplicate the business model to other rural regions of East Malaysia,” he said.

Continue reading at: Sabah Air aims to be alternative airline for Sabahans

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Sabah government backs Sabah Air’s request for routes, landing rights

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd’s request for the routes and landing rights forfeited by Malaysia Airline (MAS) has received the full support of State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

The state government, Masidi said, was ready to negotiate and make arrangements for another airline to take over these routes.

According to Masidi, he had personally written to the Transport Minister in November last year, to give notice to the state government so that it can request these routes and landing rights to be given to it upon cessation of MAS’ flight to these destinations.

The state government would then negotiate and make arrangement with another airline to take over these routes, he said adding, “I totally support Sabah Air’s stand on their request for the routes and landing rights forfeited by MAS to give to the local aviation company.

According to Masidi he had, during the Sabah Tourism Award event on November 19 last year, said that there was a need of another regional airline to serve the specific needs of Sabah and Sarawak.

“Tourism is one of the three major industries in Sabah and the only industry which involves and employs mainly locals. It is the industry that has the biggest potential to spur economic growth in Sabah.

“A Sabah/Sarawak designated regional airline is important to the development of the tourism industry because we are situated on an island and air connectivity is a crucial component of the travel industry.

“In the case of Sabah, over 94 percent of our tourists come to Sabah by air,” Masidi stressed.

He also pointed out that the state government has not been sitting idle with the impending announcement by MAS of the suspension and cancellation of some routes that would affect Sabah’s interests.

The government has had numerous meetings with the management of MAS trying to work out other options other than routes cancellation.

“A senior opposition leader claimed that even Tiger Air pulled out of Sabah as a result of MAS-Air Asia tie-up. Perhaps he needs to refresh his memory as Tiger Air stopped their service to KK (from Singapore) in October 2009, long before the current issue cropped up. Tiger Air made the decision for commercial reason as the BKI/SING route is a very competitive one,” he said.

Continue reading at: Sabah government backs Sabah Air’s request for routes, landing rights

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Sabah ‘no’ to flights slash

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, as a minority shareholder in Malaysia Airlines, is objecting to the carrier's move to slash flights from the state capital to various international destinations.

State-owned Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd said besides affecting investment and tourist arrivals, MAS' move would discourage other airlines from flying out of Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Warisan Harta, the state government's investment arm, represents the state as the minority shareholder in the airline.

Its chairman Datuk Ramlee Marahaban said MAS should focus on fulfilling its social obligations instead of merely thinking about its commercial ambitions.

Ramlee said there were concerns that the recent share swap deal between Khazanah Nasional the Federal Government's investment arm and Tune Air Sdn Bhd would result in both MAS and AirAsia merely protecting their commercial interests.

He said the Sabah government's views as a minority stakeholder in MAS were not sought before the share swap deal was worked out.

MAS will suspend its twice weekly Kota Kinabalu-Osaka service from Jan 6 and thrice weekly Kota Kinabalu-Perth flights from Jan 31.

Continue reading at: Sabah ‘no’ to flights slash
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Sabah Air urged to fill air access vacuum

The Government should heed the call of air travellers in Sabah and Sarawak to review the recently concluded collaboration between MAS and AirAsia because it had effectively ended any competition in the airline industry to the disadvantage of the rakyat.

"The two airlines now being partners in business seem now more interested in profits than in carrying out its corporate social responsibility role with emphasis on international routes," said Labuan Consumer Council (LCC) Chairman Fauziah Datuk Din.

She said when the alliance was developed through a share swap between the two airlines, concerns had been expressed by many that East Malaysian travellers would suffer but the Transport Ministry assured this would not be the case.

She said it turned out that the Government doesn't know best as not only flights between KL, Kuching, Labuan and Kota Kinabalu been reduced but the costs have also soared with KL-KK flights fetching up to RM700.

"And even this depends on availability of seats."

"I was told flights between Sandakan and Penang on AirAsia can go up to RM1,000 and this also is fully booked."

She said Firefly was becoming the public's favourite but was stopped altogether following the MAS-AirAsia collaboration.

"Adding to this, it was reported that four MAS direct international flights to Kota Kinabalu would be suspended from next year," she said.

"If nothing can be done, the other options are to either bring back Firefly or for Sabah Air to consider applying to serve the KK-Kuching-Labuan-KK route by leasing aircraft," she said.

She said air connections were important to Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah and the Transport Ministry should not lose its focus since its has been tasked to improve public transportation under the National Key Results Area.

"The subsidies given to MAS should now be questioned since the rakyat are not benefitting."

Continue reading at: Sabah Air urged to fill air access vacuum
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Flights cut to hit Sabah tourism

KOTA KINABALU: The latest decision by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to suspend four routes involving Sabah regional network early next year will have a short-term negative impact on tourist arrivals in Sabah, said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.

He said the state tourism industry will take some time to realign its marketing strategy and priority.

Masidi, who revealed his Ministry was aware of MAS’ impending move to suspend these routes as they have had a series of high level meetings with MAS management to discuss the issue and to appeal to them not to proceed with this drastic move, said they are nevertheless “not going to cry over spilled milk”.

“We are moving on. We have in fact started strategising our next moves to overcome this latest challenge and believe that this MAS episode would be a temporary setback,” he said.

MAS announced on Thursday that the suspension of the four routes is in addition to its rationalisation exercise involving eight routes of its international network announced last week.

The four routes and dates the suspensions take effect are twice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Osaka return B737 route (January 6, 2012); thrice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Perth return B737 route (January 31, 2012); four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Haneda (Tokyo) return B737 route (February 1, 2012) and four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Seoul return B737 route (February 21, 2012).

MAS Group chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said: “This suspension is until further notice and is part of our regional network consolidation involving single-aisle aircraft operations.

“We will be reviewing this situation in about three months time from the date of the first route suspension and will be deciding further by early April 2012″

“During the suspension, we will take advantage of our existing code-share operations with Korean Air to provide direct connectivity between Sabah and South Korea using the Korean carrier’s Seoul-Kota Kinabalu return direct flights.

“We will also continue offering direct international connectivity to Kota Kinabalu through our existing daily B737 flights from Hong Kong and Taipei.

“In addition we will also use our existing 86 weekly flights between Sabah and KL International Airport (KLIA) to provide immediate connections for passengers who prefer full service flights between Sabah and the cities of Perth, Tokyo, and Osaka,” he added.

Continue reading at: Flights cut to hit Sabah tourism
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MAS To Suspend Four More Routes Via Sabah Regional Network

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be suspending four more routes involving Sabah regional network early next year.

This is in addition to the rationalisation exercise involving eight routes of its international network announced last week.

The suspension covers the twice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Osaka service from Jan 6, thrice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Perth from Jan 31, four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Haneda from Feb 1, and four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Seoul from Feb 21.

"This suspension is until further notice and is part of our regional network consolidation involving single-aisle aircraft operations," its group chief executive officer, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, said in a statement Thursday.

"We will be reviewing this situation in about three months time from the date of the first route suspension and will be deciding further by early April 2012," he said.

During the suspension, Ahmad Jauhari said MAS would take advantage of its existing code-share operations with Korean Air to provide direct connectivity between Sabah and South Korea using the Korean carrier's Seoul-Kota Kinabalu return direct flights.

"We will also continue offering direct international connectivity to Kota Kinabalu through our existing daily B737 flights from Hong Kong and Taipei."

In addition, he said, MAS would also use its existing 86 weekly flights between Sabah and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to provide immediate connections for passengers who prefer full service flights between Sabah and the cities of Perth, Tokyo, and Osaka.

Continue reading at: MAS To Suspend Four More Routes Via Sabah Regional Network

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MAS celebrates the spirit of 1Malaysia with 30 pct discount on fares to Europe

KUCHING: Malaysians have an excellent opportunity to start 2012 with a bang by enjoying 30 per cent airfare discounts for travel on Malaysia Airlines Systems Bhd (MAS) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to its five destinations in Europe namely London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Istanbul.

All they need to do is plan and travel together in groups of three, six or nine friends and they must be from at least three different Malaysian ethnic or cultural backgrounds to enjoy a fantastic European holiday, 1Malaysia style.

The national carrier is offering this discount on business and economy class fares for this promotion covering air travel from January 1 to March 31, 2012.

To enjoy these offers, Malaysians have to produce valid Malaysian passports and Mykads of the ‘muhibbah’ group members at MAS’ ticket offices to purchase their air tickets.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: MAS celebrates the spirit of 1Malaysia with 30 pct discount on fares to Europe

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Sarawak to seek air connectivity with Australia

KUCHING: The state will be looking at air connectivity with Australia, as it is an important factor for closer economical and cultural ties with South Australia.

According to Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, air connectivity between the state and Australia is an important factor proven previously when the state had direct flights to Perth and from Sydney.

The flights, which were provided by Malaysian Airlines (MAS), were withdrawn during the financial crisis.

Abang Johari said this during a dinner held to welcome Australia’s Multicultural Affairs, Police, Correctional, Emergency and Road Safety Minister Jennifer Rankine on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Rankine in her speech invited Abang Johari and in particular his ministry to visit Adelaide to promote Sarawak, its unique culture as well as its indigenous arts and craft during the AusAsia Festival to be held in 2013.

The AusAsia Festival 2013 will have a theme and country focus on Malaysia.

Rankine, who was in the state for a visit organised by the Australian Business Centre, was accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia and chairman of South Australia Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Hieu Van Le and her staff chief Blair Boyer.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak to seek air connectivity with Australia

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MAS makes turnabout decision on using Boeing for KK-Sandakan route

SANDAKAN: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will continue using its Boeing aircraft to service the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan route.

Speaking to reporters at his office here yesterday, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Khoo said he had obtained confirmation from MAS officials on the matter.

“I was informed of MAS’ turnabout decision by travel agents on Tuesday and subsequently contacted MAS for confirmation,” Khoo, who is also Sabah MCA Liasion chief, said.

Khoo had on Sunday disclosed that MAS would be withdrawing its two Boeing flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and vice-versa from December 8.

“These flights may be operated by MASwings which uses smaller aircraft which may not be suitable as there are many tourists as well as businesspeople flying in and out of Sandakan,” he said.

Khoo said he was relieved that MAS had decided against stopping using its Boeing aircraft for the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan and vice-versa routes as it would save air travellers unnecessary disruptions.

He also expressed his gratitude to the federal government and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha for the good news for Sabahans, especially for the people in Sandakan.

“The remaining issue now however is the direct flight from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur and return which has been stopped by MAS,” Khoo said before stressing that he would continue to pursue to have the MAS direct flight reinstated.

“I am of the opinion that in order to be fair to air travellers, the Sandakan-KL route should not be monopolized by one airline. We also have to take into account that many passengers taking the Sandakan-Kuala Lumpur flights have connecting flights to international destinations. This will create great inconvenience to them as it will require them to rush from one airport to another to catch their flights,” he said.

Continue reading at: MAS makes turnabout decision on using Boeing for KK-Sandakan route

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Sabah And Sarawak Will Have Domestic Flights

SIBU -- Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the people of Sabah and Sarawak had no cause to worry as they would still have domestic flight services despite Firefly's termination, at the beginning of this month.

He said MasWing, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airline System (MAS) would take over the service.

"The government will not allow the people to face unnecessary inconvenience and there will be no reduction in the frequency of flights.

I believe MAS will eventually take over from Firefly," he said during a press conference after a briefing on the progress of the Sibu Airport redevelopment project.

He said MAS and AirAsia were still in the midst of a high level discussion to come up with a comprehensive framework in order to solve the matter.

"MAS has to do a study as to whether there will be significant demand for flights between the two states and to Kuala Lumpur. It will rise to the occasion as MAS is there for business," he said.

Rahim said FireFly Flight Sdn Bhd discontinued its services due to escalating operation costs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Sibu Airport redevelopment work costing RM136.888 million, he said it was ahead of schedule to meet the September 12, 2012 completion date.

Continue reading at: Sabah And Sarawak Will Have Domestic Flights
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MASwings to begin flying within BIMP-EAGA in February 2012

KUCHING: MASwings has been given the green light to fly within the BIMP-EAGA region early next year.

Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the Cabinet had approved MASwings’ application to expand its service to Brunei, Pontianak in Kalimantan, Indonesia and Davao in Southern Philippines.

“The flights will start in February. I was told that they are planning to fly from Kuching to Pontianak, Kuching to Brunei, and Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Davao,” he told a press conference at Kuching International Airport yesterday.

Following the latest greenlight, MASwings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is expected to fly the Bandar Seri Begawan-Davao City-Tarakan-Balikpapan (both in Kalimantan) sector from Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Abdul Rahim believed MASwings’ flights within BIMP-EAGA region would enhance commerce, trade and tourism for Sabah and Sarawak.

“MASwings ATR 72-500, which can accommodate about 70 passengers, are more suitable and efficient to serve this (BIMP-EAGA) region than if the sector is operated by bigger aircraft,” he added.

He said the Federal Government was fully committed to Sabah and Sarawak, especially in providing air connectivity.

He noted that the Government was paying RM150mil to MASwings in subsidy for the airline to operate the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We subsidise MASwings’ flights to remote areas even if there is no passenger,” he said.

The recent share swap between MAS and AirAsia had created a lot uncertainty and anxiety among the state’s tourism players.

Continue reading at: MASwings to begin flying within BIMP-EAGA in February 2012

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Move to stop flights will hurt Sabah tourism

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia Airlines' decision to stop direct flights between Sandakan and Kuala Lumpur will not augur well for Sabah's tourism and will lead to a monopoly of the route.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Edward Khoo said the decision by MAS, through its subsidiary Firefly, to stop the direct flights would hamper the state government's efforts to promote the east coast district as a tourism spot and an educational hub.

“This will also put a damper on our efforts to attract investors to the palm oil industrial cluster in Sandakan,” said Khoo, who is Sabah MCA chairman.

Speaking to reporters before leaving for Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Khoo alleged that the move smacked of a monopoly.

“MAS used to have daily return direct flights between Sandakan and Kuala Lumpur. When Firefly came in to service this route, MAS stopped.

Continue reading at: Move to stop flights will hurt Sabah tourism
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Sabah will source other airlines for air service

THE State Government wants Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to seriously reconsider its decision to re-assess whether or not to make the state capital its hub.

“If they (MAS) insist (in pursuing the decision), then Sabah’s tourism industry will face huge losses, and I believe it is the same to the national carrier. Both will be at the losing end,” Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun told the House in response to a question from Sri Tanjung assemblyman Jimmy Wong.

He said that 96 percent of tourists’ arrivals to Sabah were by air.

“MAS should look at it as part of their Social Corporate Responsibility to the people. It is easier to move around in West Malaysiaas they can travel by car from one end to the other. But not for Sabah and Sarawak, we need air services to link up with other countries,” he said.

Masidi added that should MAS decide to pursue with its decision, then they will have to give at least six months notice to allow the state government to find other airlines as options for its air services.

“We will think of other alternatives rationally, not emotionally. It is best to find the best method that would give a win-win solution to both parties,” he said.

“During the Sabah Tourism Award last week, I have said we will propose that a new regional airline be established to serve the needs of Sabah and Sarawak.

“The new airline was vital and could concentrate on meeting the increasing demand of passengers flying from Sabah and Sarawak to various domestic and international destinations,” he said.

Continue reading at: Sabah will source other airlines for air service
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Sarawak government admits MAS-AirAsia share swap impacted tourism

KUCHING: The state government acknowledged that the recent MAS-AirAsia share swap had affected the state’s tourism sector.

“The lack of public information on the future plan of this joint collaboration between MAS and AirAsia has created anxiety among industry players.

“Furthermore, Sarawak has experienced cancellations of flights and this has caused inconvenience to the public,” noted Tourism Assistant Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.

He was responding to state DAP chairman Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Bukit Assek) who asked how the collaboration had affected Sarawak both positively and adversely.

On Firefly ceasing to operate its Kuala Lumpur-Kuching and Johor Bahru-Kuching routes from Oct 31, Talib also noted that the move had undoubtedly left behind a vacuum.

“To address the issue, the state government has written to the federal government to express concern and displeasure on the lack of communication and consultation. The abrupt cancellation of firefly services after the announcement of the swap and collaboration between the two airlines do not augur well for the state.

“The state government has also initiated dialogues and meeting sessions to seek opportunities for foreign airlines to operate in Sarawak. The state government through Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd has offered attractive incentives such as three years free landing and parking fees and marketing support,” he said.

Talib said the government, however, had no intention to establish its own airlines.

“We are looking at various options including the positioning of MASWings as a regional airline to service Sarawak, Sabah and BIMP-Eaga region,” he added.

Continue reading at: Sarawak government admits MAS-AirAsia share swap impacted tourism

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Sarawak mulls making MASwings regional airline

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has no intention of establishing its own airline but is considering positioning rural air services operator MASwings as a regional airline, the State Legislative Assembly was told today.

Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip said MASwings can serve Sarawak, Sabah and the BIMP-EAGA, the East Asean Growth Area covering parts of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

A special delegation led by the state’s tourism minister will engage with the relevant federal ministries to convey the state’s intention, he said when replying to a question from Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Bukit Assek).

“The state government has also initiated dialogue and meeting sessions to seek opportunities for foreign airlines to operate into Sarawak,” he said.

Talib said it cannot be denied that the lack of public information on the plans following the recent share-swap deal between national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and budget airline AirAsia has created anxiety among tourism industry players in Sarawak.

Continue reading at: Sarawak mulls making MASwings regional airline

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Labuan needs more tourism products

LABUAN: The tourism sector here needed to offer more tourism products to attract visitors to the island, said Labuan Airport manager Muhammad Yusran Hakkam.

He said the island’s location, which is between Kota Kinabalu and Miri, both with well-known tourism products, made the island face difficult challenges in developing its tourism sector.

“I am not blaming the tourism industry here, but we need to try new tourism products to fulfill the people’s aspirations and to see more flights carrying tourists or visitors here.

“The main constraint to have more flights here is because of the low number of passengers coming here,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Yusran admitted that not many activities could be done here as compared to Kota Kinabalu and Miri.

“Sabah tourism industry is really active, plus the state is a MAS hub.”

When asked about international flights to Labuan, he acknowledged that none had landed here since the 90s.

Continue reading at: Labuan needs more tourism products
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