‘We will solve the problem’: Abang Johari addresses AirBorneo controversy

File photo of AirBorneo plane on the runway of Kuching International Airport.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 15: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today addressed the recent controversy surrounding AirBorneo, assuring the public that the issues currently faced by the State-owned airline are temporary and stem from the ongoing transition following Sarawak’s takeover of MASwings.

Acknowledging that there have been challenges along the way, he said the Sarawak government is committed to resolving them as AirBorneo develops into a key pillar of Sarawak’s regional connectivity strategy.

“We are still in the transition stage when we took over MASwings, and therefore, there are some minor problems along the way. But surely, it will be resolved.

“We will solve the problem for the future,” he said during the launch of SWG Green Industrial Complex and Decarbon Hub at Demak Laut Industrial Park here today.

His remarks come amid public criticism over a series of flight disruptions involving AirBorneo-operated services in recent weeks, including delays, cancellations and passenger complaints that have drawn attention on social media following Sarawak’s takeover of MASwings and the airline’s ongoing transition into AirBorneo.

Abang Johari stressed that AirBorneo was established with a larger objective in mind — to strengthen Sarawak’s position within the ASEAN economy and provide businesses with better access to regional markets.

“For us in this region, our market does not only rely on Sarawak’s market. Neither should you rely on the Malaysian market. You must rely on the ASEAN market. We are in the middle of ASEAN,” he said.

According to him, the Sarawak government is continuously improving infrastructure to support the State’s economic expansion and regional integration.

He pointed out that connectivity is crucial for Sarawak to strengthen its position within ASEAN, whether through physical infrastructure, energy links or air transportation.

As an example, he noted that Sarawak is pursuing plans to export electricity to Singapore through undersea power cables, while at the same time enhancing transportation networks to connect businesses with markets across the region.

“If you want to go to see your client in Jakarta, you need our own airline to go there.

“At the moment, we are building physical bridges, but because we are on an island, we also need bridges to our neighbours.

“And physically, you also need how you can meet your clients outside Sarawak. That is the reason why we formed our own airline, AirBorneo, in order to enable the business community to contact their counterparts throughout the region,” he said.

Describing the move as a proactive approach by the Sarawak government, Abang Johari said the State is developing its own model for operating the airline to ensure it can effectively support business and economic growth.

He reiterated that while there may be challenges during the transition period, the airline remains a strategic investment that will help strengthen Sarawak’s connectivity and competitiveness within the ASEAN market.

“We have to have our own model in running this airline,” he added. — DayakDaily