SAFETY and security concerns when travelling overseas, as well as greater flexibility in travel arrangement, might necessitate the state government to charter private executive jets to fly state leaders or senior government officials, the state assembly was told today.

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas said the safety of state leaders as well as government officials in long haul overseas travel is of utmost importance and cannot be quantified by monetary means.

He was responding to assemblyman Violet Yong (Pending-DAP) who questioned the charter of an Airbus 319 business executive aircraft to fly Premier Abang Johari Openg and his entourage to the United Kingdom to attend the London Craft Week last week.

“We take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and secure journey, especially for overseas travel. As such, using private jets is a viable option that can provide the necessary level of security and safety,” he said.

Uggah also clarified that the type of aircraft used on such travels is not decided by the state government, adding that the decision is for Hornbill Skyways to make.

He said the state government has entered into a contract with the state-owned air charter company for the provision of aircraft services for use by the Sarawak governor, premier, deputy premiers and ministers.

“It is for Hornbill Skyways to determine the type of aircraft that is most suited to be used on the flight.”

Yong, in questioning the necessity for such “extravagant travel arrangement”, said the “millions of ringgit” in the rental of the Airbus 319 for the trip to the UK could be better used for the people.

She said based on her research, the average hourly rental rate for the Airbus 319 executive jet is around US$18,600 (RM85,290).

Apart from this trip, Yong had also alleged the state government had paid out “millions and millions of ringgit each year on private jet travel” for the premier, deputy premiers, ministers, and their family members, “with the expenses remaining undisclosed to the public”.

“Although the Sarawak government possesses considerable wealth, taxpayers’ money should never be wasted needlessly. Let us allocate these resources in a manner that truly serves the needs of our fellow Sarawakians,” she said. – May 24, 2023.