Putrajaya won’t regulate peak season airfares

Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR: The government said it would not regulate airfare rates during peak seasons, but is taking several interim measures in consultation with airline companies, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Transport Minister Kamarudin Jaffar said the government may consider imposing a ceiling and floor price if such measures fail to halt spiralling airfares.

He said airline companies had committed to increasing domestic flights by some 20% for high-demand routes for a seven-day period prior to festive holidays, namely Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Hari Gawai and the Kaamatan festival.

“In relation to that, the government will get the support of airport operators, ground services, ERL (Express Rail Link), and taxis to expand their services throughout the seven-day period,” said Kamarudin.

He said ticket prices should be market-driven, as there were factors such as fuel and operating costs.

But he said the Malaysian Aviation Commission was instructed to observe ticket prices during the implementation of the interim measures.

“If the measures fail to control prices, then the government will reconsider implementing ceiling and floor prices,” said Kamarudin. -FMT