Abg Johari (third right) helping distribute bubur lambuk accompanied by his wife Jumaani on his right, Abdul Karim (second right), Abdul Rahman (second left) and others.
KUCHING: Negotiations are still on-going between the governments of Sarawak and Sabah with Khazanah Nasional Berhad on the proposal of the state governments to take over the management of MASwings, said state Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg yesterday.
“There is a negotiation happening, but there are many factors for us to consider,” he said without elaborating further.
He was asked to comment on the progress of the proposal for the two states to take over MASwings in a bid to improve air connectivity and enhance travel into the rural areas of both states.
On whether the state government has plans to request a waiver in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all domestic flights to Sarawak, Abang Johari said the waiver is unlikely to happen.
“GST is a national tax. We do not have the say to be excluded from GST. However, the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, has done many things to lessen the burden of the people.
“Among some were the reduction of electricity tariff, absorption of GST by the local governments for (municipal) services, toll abolition and reduction of ferry fees. These are ways to help lessen the people’s burden,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister and Sarawak National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) president, officiated at the distribution of ‘bubur lambuk’ at Satok
Mini Ramadan Bazaar, which was part of a roadshow organised by Bernas and Saberkas. He commended the effort by the organisers who never fail to hold the event every year across the state.
“The roadshow has been to 26 places in the state. It is good to see members of Saberkas, Muslims and non-Muslims, working together like a family. Our Sarawakian society is just like a family.
“Under the leadership of our chief minister, we are able to enjoy this peace and racial harmony. It is our unique culture and we must defend it,” he said.Also present were his wife Datin Amar Jumaani Tuanku Bujang, Housing assistant minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and others.
