(Sibu, 20th) Regarding the issue of allegedly high ticket prices for routes within Sarawak, the federal government—especially the Ministry of Transport—should intervene as soon as possible to ensure the continued protection of the interests of the people.
Senator Liu Huiyao stated that some DAP leaders linking this issue with the operations of Borneo Airlines (AirBorneo) has diverted attention from the real focus.
He said the key issue lies in whether a service provider in a monopolistic position should be allowed to set prices without reasonable restrictions.
"This situation should not occur. The federal government has the responsibility to intervene when necessary, to prevent the abuse of market power, and to ensure consumers obtain fair prices," he said in a statement yesterday.
He emphasized that Sarawak faces unique structural challenges compared to Peninsular Malaysia, especially in terms of transport infrastructure.
He said that due to the lack of a railway network and limited road connectivity, air transport has become a basic necessity rather than an optional choice.
Meanwhile, Liu Huiyao pointed out that the Sarawak government has adopted proactive measures, using its own funds to enhance transport connectivity, including building a coastal highway and more than 20 bridges statewide.
In addition, he said that the Sarawak government has also invested in the aviation sector by establishing AirBorneo and taking over rural air services to meet the needs of the people, especially those in the interior regions.
"The establishment of AirBorneo is service-oriented and not solely about pursuing profit. At the same time, the Sarawak government is working hard to expand its business to commercial routes, including international destinations, but this requires time and significant investment," he said.
Therefore, he believes that comparing AirBorneo with budget airlines is inappropriate and misleading.
He added that the current situation, where a single airline dominates routes within Sarawak, arose after the national airline ceased related services several years ago.
"Such dominance should not be used as a reason to charge consumers excessively high airfares," he emphasized.
At the same time, he believes that rather than criticizing the efforts of the state government, it would be more reasonable to examine why the national airline has not resumed flight services within Sarawak.
Further commenting, Liu Huiyao expressed regret that some individuals are attempting to divert public attention from the actual role of the Ministry of Transport in addressing this issue.
"This is not a matter of partisan politics, but concerns the welfare of the people and the national economy, especially Sarawak’s development," he said.
He stressed that, as an equal partner in the Malaysian federation, Sarawak is entitled to fair attention and substantive support from the federal government on issues that directly concern the interests of the state's people.
Senator Liu Huiyao stated that some DAP leaders linking this issue with the operations of Borneo Airlines (AirBorneo) has diverted attention from the real focus.
He said the key issue lies in whether a service provider in a monopolistic position should be allowed to set prices without reasonable restrictions.
He emphasized that Sarawak faces unique structural challenges compared to Peninsular Malaysia, especially in terms of transport infrastructure.
He said that due to the lack of a railway network and limited road connectivity, air transport has become a basic necessity rather than an optional choice.
Meanwhile, Liu Huiyao pointed out that the Sarawak government has adopted proactive measures, using its own funds to enhance transport connectivity, including building a coastal highway and more than 20 bridges statewide.
In addition, he said that the Sarawak government has also invested in the aviation sector by establishing AirBorneo and taking over rural air services to meet the needs of the people, especially those in the interior regions.
"The establishment of AirBorneo is service-oriented and not solely about pursuing profit. At the same time, the Sarawak government is working hard to expand its business to commercial routes, including international destinations, but this requires time and significant investment," he said.
Therefore, he believes that comparing AirBorneo with budget airlines is inappropriate and misleading.
He added that the current situation, where a single airline dominates routes within Sarawak, arose after the national airline ceased related services several years ago.
"Such dominance should not be used as a reason to charge consumers excessively high airfares," he emphasized.
At the same time, he believes that rather than criticizing the efforts of the state government, it would be more reasonable to examine why the national airline has not resumed flight services within Sarawak.
Further commenting, Liu Huiyao expressed regret that some individuals are attempting to divert public attention from the actual role of the Ministry of Transport in addressing this issue.
"This is not a matter of partisan politics, but concerns the welfare of the people and the national economy, especially Sarawak’s development," he said.
He stressed that, as an equal partner in the Malaysian federation, Sarawak is entitled to fair attention and substantive support from the federal government on issues that directly concern the interests of the state's people.