KUALA LUMPUR: Subsidised one-way airfares between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak will continue for Christmas, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic), The Star reported.
He said the ceiling price for festive season flights this year has been set at RM499 per one-way ticket, down from RM599 last year.
The subsidy period has also been extended to four days before each festive season, with the government covering any costs exceeding the ceiling price, excluding taxes and fees.
Loke said the government allocated RM19.5 million this year to subsidise 39,744 flight tickets, averaging RM491 per ticket, compared to RM11 million for 26,993 tickets last year.
He said the initiative has so far covered Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, and Kaamatan, and will include Christmas next month.
Loke also acknowledged that many passengers are unaware of the subsidies and said discussions will be held with airlines to find ways to inform travellers about them.
On extending the FlySiswa programme to private college students, he said cost remains a limiting factor but the ministry will study how to assist those genuinely in need.
