Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the government will maintain fixed fares for airline tickets during festive seasons. He emphasized that similar to this year, the government will encourage airline operators to increase frequency to accommodate the travel demand.
Loke also clarified that the government has no plans to implement a ceiling price for airfare, as it would disrupt dynamic pricing. Instead, the government will selectively intervene, such as by encouraging airlines to add midnight flights during festive seasons. This intervention will continue throughout any festive period, and airports’ operations will be extended to facilitate the additional flights.
Loke believes that this initiative will be particularly beneficial for Malaysians from Sabah and Sarawak, who have limited travel options. Several airline operators have already taken part in the initiative by offering more midnight flights during festive seasons and capping the airfare at a more affordable rate.
Loke also mentioned the government’s recent effort to alleviate the financial burden of Bornean higher education institution students studying in the Peninsular. The government introduced RM300 vouchers for students who need to travel from the Peninsular to Sabah or Sarawak. Loke revealed that the ministry managed to implement this initiative by redirecting excess previous allocation to fund it.
In July, Loke announced the initiative, which is expected to benefit over 56,000 public university students across the country and involves an estimated cost of RM16.8 million.
