Gov't executive jets cost RM490k per flight

PARLIAMENT Trips taken using the government's seven private aeroplanes and helicopter cost, in average, close to half a million in 2012, a written reply to Parliament reveals.

Replying to Anthony Loke’s query (DAP-Seremban), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim said that this includes RM14.95 million in fuel costs and RM160.08 million in maintenance costs.

Shahidan said that this was for 372 trips to 339 destinations for official business.

The aircrafts, meant for use by VVIPs including the prime minister and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, include a Falcon, Global Express, Boeing Business Jet, Blackhawk, two Augustas and a Fokker F28.

"This (cost) does not include 2013, when we know that the prime minister travelled to many local destinations in the lead up to and during the general election campaign.

"We know the aircrafts cannot be used for party business but the BN seem to have no shame using government funds for party work," Loke later told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

[More to follow]