Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook stated that the government has extended the festive season ticket subsidy measure to reduce passenger dissatisfaction over expensive airfares.
Since last year, the unity government has implemented ticket subsidies effectively controlling ticket prices, and according to Loke Siew Fook, there have been no complaints on social media regarding this issue this year.
"Especially those from East Malaysia previously complained about having to purchase expensive tickets up to 1000 MYR for returning home, but now everything is under control."
"After implementing the fixed ticket price or maximum ticket price policy for a year, we can see the results. Ticket prices can be controlled, and are no longer like before."
Loke Siew Fook made these statements after sending off passengers who traveled on Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Tawau and Sandakan in Sabah before the Chinese New Year festival on Saturday (25th). Malaysia Airlines has specially added these flights for Chinese New Year.
Loke continued, mentioning that although the government has set the festive ticket price cap at 499 MYR, some airlines offer lower prices.
Loke continued, mentioning that although the government has set the festive ticket price cap at 499 MYR, some airlines offer lower prices.
"Some airlines provide even lower ticket prices for night flights, as low as 300 MYR, proving the government's intervention measures are successful in reducing the people's burden."
The public response to this initiative is also very encouraging, said Loke, noting that the seat occupancy rate of the related flights has reached 95%.
"In addition to Malaysia Airlines, other airlines have also added flights to meet the high demand during the festive season."