Explore leasing aircraft for produce, Premier tells PPNS

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Persatuan Peladang Negeri Sarawak  (PPNS) has been encouraged to explore leasing planes to transport agricultural exports from the state to international markets.

In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised the necessity of marketing Sarawak’s produce beyond the state, particularly targeting markets in Singapore and Nusantara.

“We must market beyond Sarawak. Being on an island is our challenge, but that’s why I want to create our own airline, not just for passengers but also for cargo.

“I told the leadership in Kuala Lumpur, that I need that airline. Not just for passengers but also for cargo, and we’ll use a new method, like renting a lorry. Just like what happens in the peninsula, renting lorries, where the lorries transport food to Singapore,” Abang Johari said.

He said this while officiating the Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak (PPNS) new building here today.

He suggested leasing planes to transport agricultural products like tilapia and fruits directly to Singapore, where demand and prices are high.

“I’ll build an airport in Spaoh, and products from Batang Ai such as the tilapia, will be transported using small cargo planes to Singapore. Departing at 6am, arriving by 8am straight to the supermarket,” he said.

Meanwhile, when met by reporters, Abang Johari said he had suggested that PPNS calculate the costs for plane leasing, similar to renting a lorry.

“However, since we are on an island, we can lease medium-sized airplanes instead of large ones to transport our produce and food to external markets. Singapore is an intermediary hub, and they also resell these food products to neighbouring countries.

“’l will allocate the budget to PPNS and it’s up to them to manage it. If they lease, the cost won’t be too high. Now, they already have the infrastructure. So, next year, I’ll add another RM10 million and let them try it out.

“Don’t buy expensive airplanes. Instead, calculate the leasing costs like renting a lorry and try it in the first quarter. See how much it costs,” he explained.

He said if the deliveries are done early in the morning, it means one sector sends to Singapore and then returns.

“So, I think we should start with one trip per day first. If the market reacts well, we’ll add more flights. It’s like how we rent lorries now,” he said.