No fare ceiling on domestic tickets during festive season for now

PARLIAMENT | The Transport Ministry said domestic airlines have committed to increasing their flight capacities by 20 percent for seven days before festive seasons in an effort to keep down the prices of tickets.

"To discourage the increase in ticket prices during festive seasons, the government has received commitments from local airline companies to increase their flight capacities by 20 percent for seven days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Gawai Day and Keamatan Festival, especially on high-demand routes," said Transport Minister Anthony Loke in a written parliamentary reply.

He was responding to a question from Hulu Langat MP Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus on Oct 29, who asked what was the best method to ensure airline companies do not hike up prices during festive seasons.

However, Loke said the government will not set any limitations on the prices to prevent companies from manipulating their fares so that the average price becomes higher even outside of these seasons.

"The government will continue to allow the ticket prices to be market-driven where the airline companies will set the fares by taking into consideration the demands of the market, economic situation and other factors such as fuel prices and operation costs," he said.

The government will also get the cooperation of airport and public transport operators to increase their operations at the airports during those seven days.

He also advised the public to plan ahead and purchase their tickets earlier to get the best deals on flight tickets.

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has also been instructed to monitor fares and study the impact of the flight capacity increases, he said.

"If this method is not successful in resolving the issue of unreasonable price hikes during festival season, the ministry will reconsider the suggestion to set a ceiling price and price floor for domestic flight tickets," he said. - Mkini