The Transport Ministry has expressed its commitment to reducing flight ticket prices following complaints of rising airfare, particularly to East Malaysia.
Its minister Wee Ka Siong said the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) will be holding discussions with airlines soon while the relevant authorities are working on increasing flight frequencies and extending air control operating hours.
He added that the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (Caam) has already extended the operating hours of some traffic controllers for Sabah and Sarawak in view of the upcoming festive season.
"I chaired a special meeting yesterday involving the Transport Ministry, Mavcom, Caam, and airlines to find the best solution.
"I have instructed Mavcom and the airlines to conduct a detailed investigation regarding the increase in flight ticket prices during festive seasons," he said.
Wee said air ticket prices are fully determined by the market and added that introducing a ceiling price will only cause prices during normal periods to increase.
Politicians from Sabah and Sarawak have been complaining recently about the high cost of air travel, especially to Peninsular Malaysia.
According to Bernama, a return ticket during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season (April 29-May 8) from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu can reach up to RM2,000 - up 566 percent compared to the off-peak season.
Wee explained that the cost of air travel had increased compared to 2019 due to higher fuel prices and limited resources as airlines are struggling to increase their capacity following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some companies, he said, have to refurbish their aeroplanes in order to be airworthy after a long period of storage due to the pandemic.
"After the country entered the transition to endemic phase, there is now an increase in demand. Air travel companies will need some time to prepare to resume operations," he added. - Mkini
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