LANGKAWI, Feb 27 — The request to extend the three-day period maximum fare limit for one-way economy class flights from the Peninsula to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri will incur significant costs, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke reiterated that the Transport Ministry undertook the initiative, which caps the fare at RM599 per ticket and applies to other festive seasons, with no specific funding from the Treasury.
“…of course. That is what I want to do throughout the year (to provide subsidised fares). However, it is a cost that the ministry has to bear
“Even for three days, it costs us a few million ringgit every time we cap (air fares). So, I understand the sentiment, but it is a limitation that we face, and in terms of financial resources, it won’t be enough to cover (the cost of subsidising the airfares for two weeks),” he said.
Loke was speaking to the press after officiating the Routes Asia 2024 at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre today.
On Saturday (February 24), he announced the government had set a maximum fare of RM599 for a one-way economy class flight from the Peninsula to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, applicable for travel three days before Aidilfitri.
This initiative was part of the government’s efforts to assist people in travelling back to their hometowns for Aidilfitri in April.
Yesterday, Consumers Front of Sabah appealed to the government for the three-day period of RM599 maximum fare to be extended to two weeks to allow more residents from the three regions to enjoy reasonable flight ticket prices when returning to their hometowns.
It also believes the three days set to implement the maximum price of flight tickets for Aidilfitri was insufficient, as not everyone could take an early holiday since some had to work during the festival and could only return to their hometowns afterwards.
— Bernama
