Costly peninsula-Borneo flight tickets a burden to East Malaysians - MP

 

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kevin Yii laments that the high cost of flight tickets from West Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak has burdened East Malaysians who want to travel there for work or to be reunited with their families.

In a statement today, Yii said that prior to the implementation of the movement control order, two-way or return tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching would only cost between RM300 and RM500.

Now, the tickets cost more than RM1,000 on average, with some going above RM3,000.

“We have received multiple complaints from members of the public, doctors, and other frontliners who intend to travel back home for a short rest after their busy posting in hospitals in the peninsula over the peak Covid-19 period but are unable to due to the excessive price of tickets.

“Not only that, but the frequency of flights is still so limited, which may be the main reason causing the prices to go up exorbitantly.

“This is even after the assurance by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) that flight frequency will be increased starting Oct 1,” he said.

Prices may impede Sarawak polls

Yii said this issue should be properly addressed in light of the state government’s desire to promote local tourism and the reopening of schools and universities.

“High ticket costs also affect a lot of things, including the cost of doing business for some SMEs. Some companies require frequent travel between the regions for business.

“This will increase the cost of business and will not only burden the companies but this cost may be passed on to the consumers as well.

“On top of that, with rumours of an impending Sarawak state 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 to protect their democratic right to vote,” he said.

Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii

Yii called on the Transport Ministry and SDMC to engage and have a comprehensive discussion with airlines and aviation authorities such as the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and other relevant stakeholders to come up with a better arrangement and flight schedules to holistically address this issue.

He added that SOPs and frequent testing were important to mitigate any risks of spreading the virus.

“I strongly encourage all those who are flying to strictly comply with all necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council, Health Ministry for their own safety and safety of their loved ones.

“While it is not required, I encourage travellers to do frequent self-test before they fly and even before they meet their loved ones, especially those in the high-risk categories just for extra precautions,” he said.  - Mkini