KUALA LUMPUR: The government has spent RM21.2 million to subsidise 46,098 air tickets for two major festive seasons as of July this year, allowing eligible travellers to pay a maximum fare of RM499.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the subsidy averaged RM459.79 per eligible ticket, despite average market fares reaching RM922 during Chinese New Year and RM955 during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
"In 2025, the ministry allocated RM21.8 million to subsidise 45,810 flight tickets, enabling eligible passengers to pay no more than RM499 despite the average market fare being RM920," he said in a written parliamentary reply last night.
He said the ministry spent RM11.01 million in 2024 to subsidise 26,993 flight tickets, capping fares at RM599 although the average market fare was RM990.
The government introduced the festive airfare subsidy programme in 2024 for domestic routes from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Gawai, Kaamatan and Christmas.
The fare ceiling was reduced from RM599 in 2024 to RM499 in 2025, while the subsidy period was extended from three to four days before each festive celebration.
The RM499 fare cap has been maintained this year for all five festive periods, with the government covering the difference whenever market fares exceed the ceiling.
Loke was responding to a question from Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas), who requested data on the average increase in airfares to Sabah and Sarawak during festive seasons between 2023 and 2026, as well as the government's mitigation measures. - NST
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