KUCHING: Sarawak aims to resolve the issue of high airfares during festive seasons by next year when the state-owned airline AirBorneo becomes fully operational, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Premier said AirBorneo was still in a transition phase following its takeover by the state government.
"Next year, we will have at least six months before Gawai and Hari Raya to tackle the issue of fares.
"This will improve the mobility of our people working outside Sarawak to return home and also enable those in Sarawak to travel back to their hometowns," he said.
Abang Johari was speaking to reporters after attending the Gawai open house hosted by Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah at the Unifor Complex here on Monday (June 1).
He added that addressing high airfares through AirBorneo was an appropriate approach.
"We hope subsidies will be provided to reduce the fares. We will manage this for future festive seasons," he said.
On the Gawai celebration, Abang Johari said it was an occasion to showcase Sarawak's culture to a wider audience in Malaysia and globally.
He said cultural celebrations, including Gawai processions by the Iban and Bidayuh communities, were widely broadcast.
"This will attract viewers who are interested in learning how Sarawakians of all races and religions celebrate festivals," he said.
