Malaysia to discuss solutions for rising flight ticket prices to Sabah and Sarawak

Malaysia's Prime Minister's Department (JPM) plans to convene discussions with the Ministry of Transport to find solutions for the escalating cost of flight tickets connecting Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak. Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department responsible for Sabah and Sarawak affairs, confirmed that this issue was raised in the Cabinet meeting last week following numerous complaints.

Mustapha acknowledged the public's concerns regarding the surge in airfares. He stated that the government would examine these complaints and collaborate with airlines to find ways to reduce the prices. "We are indeed receiving complaints from various parties about the increase (in airfares). We will look into these complaints so that we can find ways, together with the airlines, to reduce them. We will try to reduce them," he told reporters.

A significant factor contributing to the higher fares is the increased operational costs faced by airlines, exacerbated by the global energy supply crisis. The government is particularly focused on assisting students who need to travel for higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in September.

Mustapha indicated that his department would work with the Ministry of Higher Education to identify students requiring air travel. This list will then be presented to the Cabinet for consideration of measures to facilitate their journeys. "So, anything related to flights, we request the list and we will look into it so it can be presented to the Cabinet for the government to make a decision to simplify their travel," he added.