TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced a groundbreaking initiative in a bid to address the perennial issue of exorbitant flight prices during festive seasons.
Starting this Christmas, travellers heading to East Malaysia from the peninsula will benefit from a maximum cap of RM599 on one-way economy class flight tickets.
The capped rate will apply specifically to flights from West Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan on Dec 22, 23, and 24. For tickets priced above RM599, excluding taxes and fees, the government will subsidise the difference.
Loke emphasised that this framework will extend to other festive seasons, including Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai from the following year.
“This is a seasonal issue. Every season, this problem arises. Ticket prices are consistently high, reaching thousands of ringgit. Therefore, we are taking concrete steps to address this issue once and for all,” he said at a press conference.
Beginning Dec 16, travellers can purchase Christmas flight tickets under this new policy. For other festive seasons in 2024, ticket sales will commence from Jan 1, 2024.
“Participating airlines include AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air. Travellers should note that date and name changes are not allowed. Tickets purchased under this scheme are non-refundable,” he added. – Dec 15, 2023
Main photo credit: The Star
