Malaysia’s Sarawak state acquired a sister company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, its latest move to boost ownership of strategic assets as it pushes for greater autonomy.

The Malaysia Aviation Group has signed an agreement on the sale and transfer of its MASwing airline to the Sarawak state government with the deal expected to be completed by the end of the year, MAG said on Wednesday.

MASWings is owned by Malaysia Aviation Group, which in turn is wholly owned by the country’s sovereign fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd. The deal would make Sarawak the first Malaysian state to own an airline.

Hundreds of thousands of Hindus flocked to temples across Malaysia to celebrate the Thaipusam festival Tuesday, with many piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers in acts of devotion.