SEMPORNA: Rising airfares driven by high operating costs could affect the tourism sector in Semporna, said Parti Warisan (Warisan) President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Shafie, who is also the Semporna Member of Parliament, said higher airfares could lead tourists to consider choosing other destinations.
He said an increase in aviation fuel prices was influenced by international factors beyond the control of local authorities.
However, he said several components of airline operating costs could be reviewed to help ease the burden on carriers and contain increases in airfares.
“Fuel prices cannot be controlled as they are an external factor determined at the international level.
“However, there are several areas where we can reduce costs, including landing charges and other fees imposed on airlines,” he said when met after officiating the opening ceremony of a franchise restaurant here recently.
According to Shafie, airlines had to manage aircraft maintenance costs, pilot salaries and substantial loan commitments as part of their operating expenses.
He said greater attention should be given to these costs to ensure airlines could maintain their services and connectivity.
“If there is no support, airlines may face difficulties in sustaining their operations, which would eventually affect the tourism sector. Therefore, we need to increase tourist arrivals and flight frequency so that the higher operating costs can be better balanced,” he said.
Shafie also called on the Government to strengthen tourism products and facilities in Sabah to attract more visitors.
He said Sabah offered a wide range of attractions, including islands, mountainous areas, food and destinations such as Sepilok and Sandakan, which could be further promoted.
He added that increasing tourist arrivals should go hand in hand with more frequent flights to ensure Sabah’s tourism sector continues to grow.
