Transport ministry to study subsidised airfares for Sabah voters

 

Deputy transport minister Hasbi Habibollah said his ministry always encouraged local airlines to expand their destinations, particularly between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.

PETALING JAYA: 

The transport ministry will study the feasibility of subsidising airfares for Sabah voters in Peninsular Malaysia to return home for the upcoming state election, says its deputy minister Hasbi Habibollah.

However, Hasbi said it would depend on the government’s financial capabilities before any decision is made.

“The ministry will (carry out a) study, but no promises, (otherwise) during the Sarawak elections, they (Sarawakians) will want it too.

“Let’s see what we can do, but for school and university students, we do provide (such subsidies), that’s our obligation to our people, the schoolgoing children,” he said while winding up the debate on the royal address at the Dewan Negara today.

He was responding to Senator Roderick Wong, who raised the proposal during the debate session.

Hasbi also said his ministry always encouraged local airlines to expand their destinations, particularly between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, and reaffirmed its commitment to improving public transport in major cities.

He said the transport ministry was conducting a study on the Klang Valley Public Transport Strategic Plan. The study is expected to conclude in December.

“The scope of the study includes the development of a strategic public transport plan, among others, intercity rail network, an analysis of bus and rail fare rates and taxi and e-hailing checks,” he said.

Its findings, he said, would guide broader improvements in public transport across the country. - FMT