Kuching: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has declined to disclose the cost of acquiring MASwings from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), citing the need to respect the commercial deal and other players in the airline industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, during a press briefing following the signing ceremony for the sale and purchase agreement of MASwings, the Premier emphasized the commercial sensitivity of the acquisition. He stated that specific details could not be publicly shared due to their commercial nature. He remarked that the cost was neither excessively high nor low but refrained from providing figures, contrasting this with the 2017 acquisition of the Bakun hydroelectric plant, which was publicly disclosed at RM2.5 billion.

The Premier highlighted the importance of maintaining respect for other aviation enterprises such as MAS, AirAsia, Malindo, and Batik Air, which necessitated confidentiality in this transaction. He also mentioned that the newly acquired airline would be named AirBorneo, acknowledging the interests of the people in Sabah, who were also served by MASwings during its 17-year operation.