Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) has urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to review domestic airfares after pointing out a price gap of nearly RM1,000 for one-way flights between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur within a span of days.
SUCCC president Datuk Michael Lui said authorities should not simply attribute sharp price hikes to peak tourism seasons, market demand, or dynamic pricing mechanisms without addressing whether these fares remain reasonable for the public.
Citing current ticket rates, he noted that a one-way flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur costs RM1,639 for Aug 13, dropping to RM1,069 on Aug 17, and RM659 by Aug 20.
He warned that an imbalance between rising tourist arrivals and stagnant flight capacities will naturally drive fares up, ultimately burdening consumers and potentially deterring visitors from choosing Sabah as a destination.
Lui, who is also Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president, stressed that his remarks were not aimed at any specific airline, but intended to encourage a comprehensive review of pricing mechanisms and flight frequencies for a fairer travel environment.
