Sarawak United People’s Party Youth chief Kevin Lau has urged the transport ministry to implement a fare cap on domestic flights, citing exorbitant one-way fares from Sibu to Kuching that far exceed longer routes to Kuala Lumpur. He highlighted that while flights between Kuala Lumpur and East Malaysia have a festive season cap of RM499, domestic East Malaysian routes lack such regulation, with fares reaching RM969. Lau believes increased competition, such as the planned entry of AirBorneo, is crucial for affordable air travel.
SUPP Youth chief Kevin Lau said flights between Kuala Lumpur and East Malaysia are subject to a fare cap of RM499 during festive seasons.
PETALING JAYA: The transport ministry has been urged to impose a cap on domestic airfares, after Sarawak United People’s Party Youth chief Kevin Lau said the one-way fare from Sibu to Kuching had gone as high as RM969, double that of a flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Lau said the most expensive one-way fare from Sibu to Kuala Lumpur today is RM439. Kevin Lau. “I have received numerous complaints from the public. Even for tomorrow , one-way tickets from Sibu to Kuching range from RM409 to RM749, still significantly higher than the RM175 to RM319 fares for flights from Sibu to Kuala Lumpur,” he said in a statement quoted by the Borneo Post.
“A one-way flight from Sibu to Kuching takes only 35 minutes, while a flight from Sibu to Kuala Lumpur takes two hours and five minutes. On what basis are fares for the Sibu–Kuching route being determined?” the statement said.
He noted that flights between Kuala Lumpur and East Malaysia are subject to a fare cap of RM499 during festive seasons, and expressed hope that AirBorneo’s coming entry into the market would introduce more competitive pricing and reduce AirAsia’s dominance on the route.
Lau said greater competition is needed to make air travel more affordable, adding that this was among the reasons behind the Sarawak government’s decision to establish AirBorneo. The airline, which is set to begin operations in July with Kuching as its hub, is expected to expand both domestically and regionally.
Lau urged AirBorneo to take into account connectivity needs and ensure that fares remain reasonable and affordable for the people.
Last month, transport minister Loke Siew Fook cautioned that rising global jet fuel prices – driven by tensions in the Middle East – would push up airfares and airlines may impose fuel surcharges or cut low-demand routes to maintain efficiency. He said the government would not cap fares as the aviation sector operates on a free-market basis.
Airfare Fare Cap Domestic Flights East Malaysia Sarawak
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
40pc: Kuala Lumpur, Sabah reach understanding on the calculationPETALING JAYA: The federal government and Sabah have reached a clearer understanding on the figures and basis for calculating the state’s 40% revenue enti
Read more »
Malaysia and Australia Deepen Energy Security Cooperation Amidst Middle East TensionsMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met to bolster bilateral ties and address energy security challenges exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Both nations pledged to enhance energy supply chain resilience, deepen regional cooperation, and support the energy transition, recognizing their intertwined energy security relationship and commitment to open, rules-based trade.
Read more »
Malaysia, Australia back Pope Leo’s call for Middle East peaceLONDON, April 15 (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was hugely grateful to his players for the boost they had given the club after a gritty 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday earned them a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
Read more »
Middle East Diplomatic Hopes Boost US Stocks Amid Solid EarningsUS stock index futures are trading higher as investors gain confidence that the Middle East conflict's peak has passed, supported by strong corporate earnings. Hopes for diplomatic progress and a potential ceasefire in Lebanon are lifting sentiment, though geopolitical risks remain a concern. Major indices hit record highs, and specific companies are showing significant premarket moves.
Read more »
Armed Robbers Steal RM9.7 Million in Jewellery from Kuala Lumpur Gold ShopFour armed men executed a daring daylight heist at a gold shop on Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur, making off with approximately 15 kilograms of jewellery valued at up to RM9.7 million. The suspects, who brandished pistols, also took a shotgun and a bullet from the premises. CCTV footage of the swift robbery has circulated online, and police are actively pursuing the culprits.
Read more »
Two Caregivers Jailed One Year Each for Abusing Infants at Kuala Lumpur Childcare CentreA Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur has sentenced two former childcare centre caregivers, Perada Randai and Yella Prissillia, to one year in jail each after they pleaded guilty to abusing a nine-month-old baby girl and a six-month-old baby boy. The offences involved slapping, head-knocking, pinching, and covering the infants' faces. The case gained public attention after viral CCTV footage showed a caregiver abusing a six-month-old infant.
Read more »