Proposed reduction of MAS staff in Sabah to be brought to state Cabinet

He said this was necessary to protect the welfare of the affected staff following the recovery measures undertaken by the airline.

"I hope the laying-off of MAS employees in Sabah will be given due consideration," he told reporters after attending an appreciation event hosted by the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees.

Masidi said as there were more job opportunities in the peninsula than in Sabah, he hoped that MAS could consider giving priority to Sabahans working with the airline in the state.

Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which has taken over the national carrier, has drawn up 12 recovery plans including reducing its staff number which is about 20,000.

Earlier, Masidi said selection of individuals to the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees was based on their high level of integrity.

He said this was necessary to safeguard the natural environment involving about two million hectares including Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Tun Sakaran Marine Park and Tun Mustapha Park which were under the purview of the board.

"The arrival of tourists to these places is also a challenge for Sabah Parks in handling their visits including their behaviour and attitude in using the facilities made available on the islands," he added.

Also present at today's function were state Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi and Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Dr Tengku Zainal Adlin.

The board's director Dr Jamili Nais said last year, a number of achievements were made by Sabah Parks, including getting the Crocker Range to be recognised as a biosphere reserve, the second in the country, under a UNESCO programme.