Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President Sim Fui (pic) has called on the Federal Government and the Ministry of Transport to urgently review domestic airfare policies affecting Sabah, following growing concern and frustration among Sabahans over increasingly high airfares, particularly during peak travel periods.
He said affordable air connectivity should not be treated merely as a commercial issue because Sabah’s geographical position makes air travel an essential mode of transportation for many Sabahans travelling between East and West Malaysia.
“For Sabahans, flying is often not a luxury, it is a necessity. We cannot drive or take a train to Kuala Lumpur. Students need to return to university, families need to reunite, workers need to travel for employment, patients may need medical treatment, and businesses depend on reliable connectivity.
“Sabahans should not be made to pay a geographical penalty simply because we live across the South China Sea,” said Sim who is also LDP Api Api Division Chairman in a statement here on Wednesday.
He welcomed the Federal Government’s existing festive-season airfare subsidy initiative, including the maximum RM499 one-way economy base fare for eligible flights from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan during specified festive periods.
However, he said the existing mechanism should now be reviewed and expanded into a more comprehensive and sustainable Fair Airfare Framework for Sabah, rather than providing relief only during a limited number of festive travel days.
“We appreciate the Government’s intervention during festive seasons, but the problem of high airfares is not limited to four days before a festival. Sabahans also face significant increases during school holidays, long weekends and other peak periods throughout the year,” he said.
Sim therefore urged Transport Minister Anthony Loke and the Ministry of Transport to consider several measures, including: Reviewing the existing festive airfare subsidy mechanism and considering its extension to other exceptionally high-demand periods. Introducing two-way protection, so Sabahans travelling from Sabah to Peninsular Malaysia can also benefit where appropriate, rather than focusing primarily on flights returning from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah. Establishing a transparent airfare monitoring and intervention mechanism when fares on essential domestic routes rise beyond reasonable levels. Working with airlines to increase flight frequencies and seat capacity between Sabah and major destinations during periods of high demand. Studying targeted airfare assistance for Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, lower-income families and other groups who depend heavily on domestic air connectivity.Sim stressed that LDP is not asking airlines to operate at a loss or calling for the Government to subsidise every airline ticket.
“What we are asking for is fairness and a practical mechanism that recognises Sabah’s unique geographical circumstances.
“There must be a balance between commercial sustainability for airlines and the right of Malaysians in Sabah to have reasonable and affordable connectivity with the rest of the country,” he said.
Sim added that affordable air connectivity between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia should also be regarded as an important component of national integration, economic development and mobility within the Federation.
“Malaysia is one Federation. Physical distance should not become an economic barrier separating Sabahans from opportunities, education, employment and their families.
“I therefore urge the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Transport, to engage with the Sabah Government, airlines and relevant stakeholders to develop a longer-term Fair Airfare Framework for Sabah. Sabahans are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fair treatment.
“It is time that our national aviation policy properly recognises the geographical realities faced by the people of Sabah,” he said.
