The complaints about expensive airfares during the festive season have significantly reduced this year, according to Anthony Loke’s social media post last night (January 26).
During his visit to KLIA recently, Anthony highlighted the government’s decision to extend subsidies to ensure the success of the airfare initiative during festive seasons, which has helped reduce people’s grievances about high airline ticket prices.
In a press conference, Anthony said he was relieved to hear that there were minimal complaints about soaring prices for flight tickets during the Chinese New Year season.
“The government is committed to making sure that the people can return to their respetive hometowns to celebrate the season with their families,” Anthony said.
“This year, I have not heard complaints about airfares to East Malaysia going up over RM1,000.”
In his statement, Anthony assured Malaysians that the airfare subsidies will also continue during the Raya season, which is currently expected to start on March 31.
Maximum airfares & fixed low prices
The government had set a maximum airfare of RM499 during the festive season but according to Anthony, some airlines offered a fixed low price of RM300 for nighttime flights.
Anthony added that this initiative started last year and was done to ease Malaysians’ burdens when returning to their hometowns during the festive season.
“The more airline frequency and capacity, the easier for us to control the prices. This is very important.”
The Minister of Transport also told the media that credit does not go to the government alone but also to other parties, including the cabin crews and those who work in the airline industry.
For illustration purposes only
“We couldn’t have done this without them. Many of them have to sacrifice their time and have to work the night shift, unable to go home.”
To those who have secured your flight tickets home, what do you think of the government’s initiative?
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