ABRUPT cancellations of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) scheduled flights and the subsequent reduction of flights on Sarawak routes have caused a surge in airfares between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, said Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.
Chiew, of Sarawak's PKR, stated that these sudden developments involving MAS have triggered a sharp increase in demand for seats on Sarawak routes, affecting MAS and other national carriers.
"These abrupt flight cancellations and reductions have caused airfares to skyrocket, and the limited number of seats available on Sarawak routes has worsened the situation.
"I will raise this issue for urgent attention in the next sitting of the Dewan Rakyat.
"I will propose that airlines offer special discounts to passengers affected by these route disruptions in Sarawak to alleviate the financial strain until a long-term solution is found to reduce airfare costs on Sarawak routes," he said in a press statement.
Miri is one of the worst-affected areas, with airfares for the Miri-Kuala Lumpur one-way trip soaring to RM 1,709 for the upcoming week.
Airfares for Sibu-Kuala Lumpur are around RM 1,600 one way, while Kuching-Kuala Lumpur fares are approximately RM 800 one way.
The people of Sarawak believe that politicians from both Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) must share responsibility for the exorbitant airfares affecting the region.
Locals told The Vibes that politicians on both sides cannot simply shift the blame onto one another.
Social activist Willie Kajan said that both GPS and PH need to find a solution, rather than continuing to point fingers.
"With the school and Christmas holidays approaching, soaring airfares can only be controlled if the airlines and government ministries work together to find a solution now," he added. – The Vibes, 5 September 2024. – September 5, 2024.
