Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will use a chartered Malaysia Airlines aircraft for his three-country African visit to reduce travel time and control expenses
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will use a chartered Malaysia Airlines aircraft for his three-country African visit starting tomorrow to save time and costs.
Senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the decision was made because the official delegation and business entourage have a tight schedule during visits to Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa from November 18 to 24.
He explained that using a chartered aircraft allows for greater capacity to accommodate additional delegates across all three countries.
“If we were to use the government executive flight, the journey would take 13 hours, and the aircraft’s capacity is limited,” he said during a media briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office.
“With a chartered aircraft, travel time can be reduced and costs are also controlled.”
Tunku Nashrul emphasised that the cost of chartering the aircraft is more economical compared to operating a full government aircraft.
The move will facilitate coordination of movements between government and business delegations in all three countries.
“This makes it easier for us to plan at all three locations and ensures timely attendance at all meetings and engagements,” he added.
He clarified that participation costs for the business delegation will not be borne by the government but will be paid by the companies involved.
“The government will fully cover the costs of the official government delegation, while the business delegation will bear their own expenses,” he said.
The Prime Minister will undertake an official visit to Ethiopia from November 18 to 20, followed by a working visit to South Africa to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit as ASEAN chair from November 20 to 23.
He will then make an official visit to Kenya on November 23 and 24 before returning home on November 25.
The delegation includes companies selected by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to explore new opportunities and expand markets.
Participating companies include Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and DRB-HICOM Bhd. – Bernama
