Restructuring the Civil Aviation Authority to Address Flight and Ticket Price Issues
Call for CAAM Restructuring to Address Flight and Ticket Price Issues
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan has called for the government to restructure the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) to address the issue of reduced flights and skyrocketing ticket prices in Sabah and Sarawak. According to Bernama, Kitingan made this call during the Supply Bill 2025 debate in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Problem: Reduced Flights and Skyrocketing Ticket Prices
Kitingan highlighted that the soaring ticket prices, reaching up to RM1,000 one way, have significantly reduced the number of tourists to Sabah and Sarawak, affecting the local economy. This is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed to prevent further damage to the region’s economy.
Proposed Restructuring: Three Regional Authorities
To address this issue, Kitingan proposed the creation of three regional authorities, covering Sabah, Sarawak, and the peninsula. This restructuring would allow the state governments to have a greater say in managing the aviation sector, enabling them to better address the concerns of the local people.
Compared to the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority
Kitingan drew a parallel between the proposed restructuring of CAAM and the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE, which has sub-regional authorities for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. He emphasized that this model could work effectively in Malaysia, allowing for more effective management and decision-making at the state level.
A Call to Action: Federal Government Intervention
Kitingan urged the federal government to take immediate action to address the issue of reduced flights and skyrocketing ticket prices. He emphasized that the current situation is affecting the local economy and called for a more collaborative approach to address the concerns of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.
Conclusion
The proposed restructuring of CAAM is a crucial step in addressing the issue of reduced flights and skyrocketing ticket prices in Sabah and Sarawak. By giving a greater role to the state governments in the agency, the federal government can work more closely with the local communities to address their concerns and find a more effective solution to this pressing issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main issue facing Sabah and Sarawak?
A: Soaring ticket prices, reaching up to RM1,000 one way, have reduced the number of tourists to the region, affecting the local economy.
Q: What is the proposed solution?
A: Restructuring the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) to give a greater role to the Sabah and Sarawak governments in the agency.
Q: What is the inspiration behind the proposed restructuring?
A: The General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE, which has sub-regional authorities for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, serves as a model for the proposed restructuring of CAAM.