The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, announced that his ministry will discuss with the Ministry of Transport to find solutions to the sudden increase in flight fares involving Sabah and Sarawak. This move comes after complaints were received from various parties regarding the steep increase in flight fares. Mustapha stated that one of the factors contributing to the fare increase is the rise in airline operating costs due to the global energy crisis.
He explained that when the global fuel crisis increases, the operational costs of flights also increase, leading to higher ticket prices. The minister assured that his ministry will examine the complaints and work together with the airlines to find methods to reduce the fares. Special attention will also be given to prospective students who will enroll in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions next month, especially those who require air travel.
Mustapha said that his ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Higher Education to identify these students and bring their list to the Cabinet to examine the steps that can be taken to facilitate their travel arrangements. Previously, Karambunai assemblyman Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan had urged the government to address the increase in flight ticket prices between Sabah and the Peninsular, which had reached up to RM900 for a two-way trip. The government's efforts to address this issue aim to provide relief to travelers and students who are affected by the high flight fares.
The discussions between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of the Prime Minister's Department are expected to yield solutions to the high flight fares issue. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the next course of action to address the concerns of travelers and students. In the meantime, the government is working to identify prospective university and TVET students who need flights and will review their list to present to the Cabinet.
This move is part of the government's efforts to facilitate the travel arrangements of these students and provide them with necessary support. As the government seeks to address the high flight fares issue, it is essential to consider the impact of the global energy crisis on airline operating costs. The rise in fuel prices has led to increased operational costs, resulting in higher ticket prices.
The government's efforts to find solutions to this issue will be closely watched by travelers and students who are affected by the high flight fares.
