Government’s Airfare Initiative Proves Successful in Reducing Complaints
Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s Assessment
The government’s decision to extend subsidies to ensure the success of the airfare initiative during festive seasons has helped reduce people’s grievances about high airline ticket prices, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Loke emphasized that the success was proven after a year when the MADANI government implemented subsidies in conjunction with the festive season in the country.
No More Complaints about Expensive Tickets
“This year, we no longer hear complaints on social media about expensive tickets such as RM2,000 to return to Tawau or Sandakan. Everything is under control and many are taking the opportunity with these fixed fares,” Loke said. He added that after a year of implementing the policy of setting fixed or maximum airfare, the results are evident. Ticket prices can be controlled, and there are no more complaints about soaring ticket prices like before.
Airlines Offering Competitive Prices
Loke pointed out that although the government had set a maximum airfare of RM499 during the festive season, there are airlines that offered lower prices. “Some airlines offer fixed fares as low as RM300 for special nighttime flights. This effort proves that the government’s intervention has succeeded in easing the burden of the people,” he said.
Encouraging Response from the Public
On the people’s response to the initiative, Loke said the government’s decision to extend the subsidy was right as it received an encouraging response with the seating capacity in the aircraft reaching 95 per cent. “This includes return flights from Sabah and Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur. Apart from MAS, other airlines such as AirAsia and Batik Air are also adding flights to meet the high demand during this festive season,” he said.
Additional Flights and Fixed Fares
MAS previously announced 102 additional nighttime flights (red-eye flights), bringing the total number of weekly flights to 219 during the festive season. MAS offers one-way fixed fares starting from RM349 to Sabah and Sarawak.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the government’s airfare initiative has proven to be successful in reducing complaints about high airline ticket prices. The extension of subsidies has led to a significant reduction in ticket prices, making air travel more affordable for the public. The initiative has also encouraged airlines to offer competitive prices, resulting in a higher demand for flights during the festive season.
FAQs
Q: What is the maximum airfare set by the government during the festive season?
A: The maximum airfare set by the government is RM499.
Q: Are there any airlines offering lower prices than the maximum airfare?
A: Yes, some airlines offer fixed fares as low as RM300 for special nighttime flights.
Q: What is the seating capacity in the aircraft during the festive season?
A: The seating capacity in the aircraft has reached 95 per cent.
Q: Which airlines are adding flights to meet the high demand during the festive season?
A: Apart from MAS, other airlines such as AirAsia and Batik Air are also adding flights to meet the high demand during this festive season.