Govt looks to chartered flights to lower East Malaysia ticket prices

 

The federal government is looking into chartering flights to lower the prices of flight tickets to East Malaysia during the festive season.

However, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that there must be more competition within the airline industry to drive down ticket prices in the long term.

“We cannot force private airlines to lower their prices.

“The Transport Ministry has suggested that in certain cases, the government takes over by chartering flights (to East Malaysia), especially during the festive season, so that costs can be around RM300 plus.

“We are thinking about it but unless there is fair competition, it’s a problem,” Anwar said.

He said this while speaking in a town hall session with students and alumni from East Malaysian universities today.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking at a town hall with students and alumni of East Malaysian varsities today

Boutique airlines

Anwar said he agreed immediately with the proposal from Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg to start state-owned boutique airlines as it would create more competition within the airline industry.

It was reported in April that Sarawak’s boutique airlines will begin operations after it acquires at least four turboprop planes.

The planes will each have a seating capacity of 120 passengers.

Johari said the state government had to intervene in this manner to stabilise the ticket prices for flights to and from Sarawak.

Exorbitant flight fares to and from East Malaysia have been a long-standing issue that often crops up during the festive season. - Mkini