KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is taking significant steps towards the acquisition of MASwings, with a third-party asset valuation now required to address differences in asset pricing between the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOTS) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM). The acquisition is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2025.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg confirmed the necessity of a third-party audit to revalue MASwings’ full assets.
“We have agreed in principle to this acquisition, and the signing can take place this month. However, discrepancies in asset valuation from both parties have delayed the process. To resolve this, we’ve engaged a third party for asset valuation,” he stated during a media session at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Che Kia Moral Uplifting Society Sarawak (CHKMUS) Kidney Foundation Medical and Commercial Building at Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho.
The Sarawak Premier assured that negotiations involving MAVCOM, MOTS, and the third-party evaluator are ongoing to ensure a fair and accurate valuation. He expressed optimism that the takeover would be finalized by early 2025.
Also attending the event were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, alongside other distinguished dignitaries.
The MASwings acquisition aligns with Sarawak’s vision of enhancing regional connectivity and bolstering its aviation sector, making this a critical milestone for the state’s development.