MIRI – The high cost of flights to Sarawak does not only affect businesses and social life, but will also affect those wanting to return to the state to vote in elections.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii in a Facebook post said he has received many complaints on the matter from Sarawakians working and living in Peninsular Malaysia.
“We (Yii’s office) have received complaints from members of the public, doctors, and other frontliners who intend to travel back home for a short rest after their busy postings in Peninsular Malaysia hospitals over peak Covid-19 periods, but are unable to because of the excessive price of tickets.
“The high ticket cost affects a lot of things, including the cost of doing business for some SMEs (small and medium enterprises). Some companies require frequent travel between the regions for business.
“This will increase the cost of business and will not only burden companies, but this cost may be passed on to consumers as well. On top of that, with rumours of an impending Sarawak election, all efforts must be made to allow eligible Sarawakians to travel back to vote safely without being burdened by the heavy cost of tickets or logistical obstacles.
“We must protect their democratic right to vote,” he said.
He said flights plying the Sarawak-Kuala Lumpur International Airport-Sarawak route could cost over RM3,000 per person, adding that such flights normally cost only a couple hundred ringgit.
Yii urged the Transport Ministry, the Sarawak government, and airlines to resolve this issue with more reasonable fares.
Yesterday, Lakiput community elder Michael Ding said Budget 2022 should address the expensive flight rates within Sarawak, and between the state and Peninsular Malaysia. – The Vibes, October 28, 2021
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