Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Memorandum on air travel submitted by Sarawak state government

KUCHING: The State Government has forwarded a memorandum to the Federal Government pertaining to possible problems and shortcomings in air travel effective Aug 1, when AirAsia takes over domestic route services from Malaysia Airlines.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud confirmed that the memorandum, drafted after protests from travel agents, tour operators and the general public, calls for a discussion between concerned parties to solve problems brought up by air travellers and tourism industry players.

"We have submitted a memorandum to the Federal Government to highlight possible problems concerning connectivity. We have brought it to the notice of the Government and I hope we will be able to find ways to overcome this.

"We have to discuss how to ensure connectivity ... if AirAsia can adjust its operational mode in Sarawak, and if it cannot adjust, I believe there will be other ways," Taib said after delivering a keynote address at the Sarawak Business Conference 2006 yesterday.

The trunk and non-trunk route rationalisation between MAS and AirAsia has caused a stir, particularly among the travel industry, as they fear foreign tourists could face delays and hassles due to the absence of interlining facilities once AirAsia takes over.

Earlier in his keynote address, Taib said the State and its people were focused in wanting to be on par with other States in realising Vision 2020.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

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