Malaysia

S’wakian elder urges govt to address exorbitant flights to peninsula in Budget 2022

Michael Ding says airfare too expensive; some have to pay through the nose to board plane to Johor

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 27 Oct 2021 3:00PM

S’wakian elder urges govt to address exorbitant flights to peninsula in Budget 2022
Every year before the Budget is announced, Michael Ding says Sarawakians hear that the government cares about the state yet does nothing about how expensive flights between the peninsula and Sarawak are despite many Sarawakians heading to the peninsula for work and study. – aviation.my pic, October 27, 2021

by Stephen Then

MIRI – Budget 2022 should address the expensive flight rates within Sarawak and between the state and Peninsular Malaysia.

Lakiput community elder Michael Ding, who hails from Baram district, told The Vibes today that the federal government must step in and help Sarawakians.

“We Sarawakians are suffering badly when it comes to the prices of goods and services.

“For example, the fares charged by our national airlines. The prices can be so expensive.

“I have a daughter studying in Johor. Usually, the cost of a flight from Miri to Johor Baru is about RM400 per person one way.

“Nowadays, unless I book in advance, the fare can be three or four times more expensive,” he said.

Ding said flights from Miri to Kuala Lumpur International Airport also cost well over RM1,000 one way.

“Even domestic flights within Sarawak are so expensive during holiday seasons.

“Every year during the Budget, we Sarawakians hear that the federal government cares for us in Sarawak, that federal leaders have plenty of goodies for us.

“Just look at the airfare headaches we are facing! Do something and help us.

“The Sarawak leaders must also do something urgently about these expensive flights,” Ding said, adding that Sarawakians are not expecting the Budget to be of much benefit to them.

“It’s the rich and big businesses that often get the goodies.” – The Vibes, October 27, 2021

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