MOT mulls displaying airfare subsidy for festive flights to East M'sia

PARLIAMENT | The Transport Ministry will study a proposal to require airlines to display the amount of government subsidy for air tickets on routes from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan during festive seasons.

Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry will discuss with airlines to find the best mechanism to ensure passengers are clearly informed of the subsidy amount benefiting them.

“Some passengers may not be aware of the substantial government subsidy provided when they purchase air tickets during festive seasons,” he said, responding to a question from Vivian Wong (Harapan-Sandakan) during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The ministry spent RM19.5 million to subsidise 39,744 air tickets this year, which amounts to RM491 per eligible ticket, he said.

Loke pointed out that with the subsidy, passengers only need to pay at most RM499 per ticket, even though the average market price is RM990.

“This year’s subsidy has been implemented for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, and Kaamatan Festival, and will continue for Christmas next month,” he added.

- Bernama

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