Kuala lumpur: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will utilize a chartered Malaysia Airlines aircraft for his impending three-country African tour commencing tomorrow, aiming to optimize both time and financial resources, as stated by Prime Minister's senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tunku Nashrul explained that the decision to charter an aircraft was driven by the stringent schedule of the official delegation and business entourage during the official visits to Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as the working visit to South Africa from November 18 to 24, which leaves no room for transit time. The chartered aircraft offers increased capacity to accommodate additional delegates across all three nations.

He elaborated that opting for a chartered aircraft reduces travel time and maintains cost efficiency. The expense of chartering is more economical compared to the operation of a full government aircraft. Tunku Nashrul communicated these insights during a media briefing at the Prime Minister's Office.

The chartered aircraft will also streamline coordination between government and business delegations across the three countries, ensuring the punctuality of meetings and engagements. Tunku Nashrul highlighted that the costs associated with the business delegation will not be covered by the government but will be the responsibility of the participating companies.

The Prime Minister's itinerary includes an official visit to Ethiopia from November 18 to 20, a working visit to South Africa for the G20 Leaders' Summit as the ASEAN chair from November 20 to 23, followed by an official visit to Kenya on November 23 and 24, before returning on November 25. The delegation will feature companies chosen by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to seek new opportunities and expand markets, including Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, and DRB-HICOM Bhd.