Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Indian Chamber of Commerce (SICC) has backed Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s call for affordable airfares and better flight connectivity, urging airlines and other aviation stakeholders to work with the State Government to strengthen Sabah’s tourism sector and economy.
SICC President Datuk V. Jothi Veeramani said reasonable fares and dependable flights were essential to ensuring Sabah’s development efforts brought greater benefits to local businesses and the public.
He said the Chief Minister’s call should receive practical support from airlines, airport operators and relevant Federal authorities.
Sabah welcomed nearly 3.8 million visitors in 2025 and generated an estimated RM8.74 billion in tourism receipts, which Jothi said demonstrated the economic opportunities created when people could travel to the State conveniently and affordably.
He said tourism income benefited various sectors, including restaurants, markets, transport operators, tour guides, homestays, small traders and suppliers of locally made products.
However, he said high airfares could discourage visitors from travelling to Sabah in the first place.
“A family planning a holiday considers the full cost of flights, accommodation, food and transport. When tickets become too expensive, it may choose another destination, shorten its stay or spend less with Sabah businesses,” he said.
Jothi said the State Government’s efforts to attract visitors therefore needed to be matched by sufficient flight capacity and competitive fares.
“Promotion creates interest; affordable access helps turn that interest into actual visits,” he said.
He said SICC had previously raised concerns over high airfares between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
In its August appeal, the Chamber highlighted difficulties faced by families, students and businesses and called for additional capacity, greater fare transparency and targeted travel assistance.
Jothi said air travel was often a necessity for Sabahans, with students needing to return home during semester breaks, workers maintaining family ties and some patients travelling for medical treatment.
Small business owners also depended on flights to meet customers, attend training and explore new opportunities, he added.
He said Sabahans had limited alternatives compared with travel within Peninsular Malaysia, as there was no road or rail connection across the South China Sea.
“Sudden fare increases can therefore place a heavy burden on people with limited choices, particularly those who cannot plan their journeys months in advance,” he said.
