KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian state government of Sarawak has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in regional airline MASwings to improve accessibility and connectivity to the state. The move is expected to boost the rapidly growing local tourism industry.
According to the agreement, the Sarawak government will own 60% of MASwings shares through subsidiary Hornbill Skyways. MASwings currently operates domestic and regional routes to Sarawak and other states in East Malaysia.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar said the acquisition of MASwings would allow for increased frequency of flights to Sarawak. This helps attract more tourists while encouraging businesses to invest in the state.
The Sarawak government hopes that owning an airline will help them better control ticket prices and flight schedules, thereby improving the state’s competitiveness compared to destinations such as Bali or Phuket. Reduced airfares and improved services will also attract more Malaysian tourists to visit Sarawak.
Sarawak is trying to diversify its economy, which is heavily dependent on oil exploitation. Tourism is considered an important pillar for the future, with many plans to develop high-end resorts. The new agreement reached with MASwings will certainly support this ambition.
