FLIGHTS from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak could be more expensive than even KL-Hong Kong trips, Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) said.
Dudong SUPP chairman Wong Ching Yong said it was brought to the party’s attention that KL-Sarawak flights by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia were costlier than some international trips.
He said MAS’ KL-Sibu flights could cost RM1,235, while it was only RM1,187 for a KL-Hong Kong trip.
An AirAsia KL-Sibu flight was RM919 while its KL-Hong Kong trip was RM429, he said.
“The Transport Ministry needs to address these exorbitant prices urgently,” he said.
Yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the government was mulling incentives for expensive flight tickets during festive seasons.
He said the FLYsiswa initiative would continue next year to help students fly home.
In Budget 2024, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 13, the government announced the FLYsiswa subsidies would remain next year. It would benefit nearly 60,000 students from underprivileged families, particularly those from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
He said soaring flight fares were due to aviation fuel price hikes and the weakening ringgit. – The Vibes, November 18, 2023
