Anthony Loke: Govt Will Subsidise Flight Tickets to East M’sia Above RM599 During Festive Seasons

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has announced that the government has agreed to subsidise the purchase of economy-class flight tickets exceeding RM599 for a one-way trip from Peninsula Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan during festive seasons.

In a media release, Loke said the initiative will start with the upcoming Christmas festive season, specifically for 3 days starting at 12.01am on 16 December for flights from 22 to 24 December.

The same subsidy will continue next year for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan festival, Gawai Day and Christmas, with tickets available for purchase starting at 12.01am on 1 January 2024. You can refer to the specific dates for each festive season below:

Through the initiative, economy class flight tickets that exceed RM599 will be subsidised, whereby the government will pay the price difference between the original price of the air ticket and the maximum price.

For example, if the economy class flight ticket price is RM1,500 one way from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu on 23 December, the buyer will pay RM599 and the government will cover RM901. However, do note that the subsidy doesn’t include taxes and fees.

Besides that, the Transport Minister also announced that Mavcom has facilitated 114 additional flights between Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan for the Christmas festive season later this month.

So, what do you guys think of this initiative? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: Anthony Loke: First Set Of Aerotrain For KLIA Is Almost 90% Complete