AIRLINE companies need to come to a compromise to resolve the issue of high ticket prices to Sabah and Sarawak, especially during the year-end holidays, festive seasons and the 12th Sarawak state elections.

Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the government understands the constraints faced by airlines due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected their operations and profits. 

He said the government will never interfere with airlines by setting ceiling prices.

“What’s important is that we do not burden Malaysians, whose incomes have also been affected by the same pandemic. Sarawak people also need to return home to carry out their civic duty as voters in the upcoming state elections,” he said in a statement today.

“Expensive ticket prices are unfair to them as the date of the state elections has just been announced and tickets need to be bought in such a short time.”

Checks by Bernama yesterday showed that the lowest price for a one-way flight for the Kuala Lumpur-Kuching route was RM1,299, Kuala Lumpur-Sibu (RM888) and Kuala Lumpur-Miri (RM665).

The Election Commission has set December 6 as the nomination day for the Sarawak state elections, with polling day falling on December 18. Early voting will be held on December 14. – Bernama, November 27, 2021.