Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Rahim Bakri said the people of Sabah and Sarawak had no cause to worry as they would still

have domestic flight services despite Firefly's termination, at the beginning of this month.

He said MasWings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airline System (MAS) would take over the service.

"The government will not allow the people to face unnecessary inconvenience and there will be no reduction in the frequency of flights.

"I believe MAS will eventually take over from Firefly," he said during a press conference after a briefing on the progress of the Sibu airport redevelopment project.

He said MAS and AirAsia were still in the midst of a high-level discussion to come up with a comprehensive framework in order to solve the matter.

"MAS has to do a study as to whether there will be significant demand for flights between the two states and to Kuala Lumpur. It will rise to the occasion as MAS is there for business," he said.  

Rahim said FireFly Flight Sdn Bhd discontinued its services due to escalating operation costs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Sibu airport redevelopment work costing RM136.888 million, he said it was ahead of schedule to meet the September 12, 2012 completion date.

"Up to November 30 this year, the first phase was 58.75 percent done compared to its 56.50 percent target, while its second phase is 44.50 per cent ahead of the scheduled 42.50 percent," he said.

He added that by Dec 19 this year, the airport's operation centre will relocate to the new and fully air-conditioned West Wing which has 18 check-in counters compared to only eight now at the present facility.

Describing the airport features, he said it would have four aerobridges and three open bays with an extended apron to accommodate more aircrafts.

He said the total area for the West and East Wings would increase by about 50,000 square metres which would enable more facilities and commercial space for rent.

- Bernama