MUKAH (Sarawak): The government will undertake a rationalisation of the rural air services (RAS) in Sabah and Sarawak which are operated by MASwings, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

He said this is part of the government’s efforts to ensure this facility could be enjoyed by rural residents at the best possible level.

He said the rationalisation would involve a review of RAS’ objectives, financial implications, routes and flight frequency, fare rates, aircraft deployed, and a mechanism for giving subsidies to users from time to time.

The prime minister said this when officially opening the new Mukah Airport.

The RM450 million new airport was opened on June 17, 2021 to replace the small Mukah short take-off and landing airport (STOLport).