Kota Kinabalu: The people of Sabah are urging all responsible parties to take early actions to prevent the recurring issue of soaring airfares during Aidilfitri. However, they said the responsibility should not rest solely on the government. Airlines must play a major role, while private companies, especially government-linked corporations (GLCs), could also assist in easing travel for Sabahans returning home for the festive season.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Consumers Front of Sabah (CFOS) president Nordin Thani emphasized the importance of starting interventions, subsidies, and promotional efforts at least a week before Aidilfitri. This advance preparation would allow people to secure tickets at lower prices. He noted that while the government's subsidies and airlines' promotions are commendable, they typically commence just three days before the festive period, coinciding with peak travel times. Nordin advocated for extending the promotion period to provide travelers with more date options and reduce congestion during peak periods.
To further address congestion, Nordin urged the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and airline companies to explore ways to increase flight capacity during the Aidilfitri season. He proposed that airlines offer special 'balik kampung' promotions for flights scheduled outside peak hours to alleviate the strain on peak-period travel. Nordin suggested scheduling flights at off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, and promoting them as budget-friendly options.
On February 25, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced that the government would continue its subsidy initiative, capping one-way airfares at RM499 for flights from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan during Aidilfitri. David Chan, National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (YPNM) Sabah branch chairman, described the airfare subsidy as a proactive step to ease the financial burden on Sabahans, particularly those working or studying outside the state, enabling them to reunite with their families for Aidilfitri. He emphasized the cultural and emotional significance of Aidilfitri and the role affordable airfares play in facilitating meaningful family gatherings.
Mahathir Jalidin, a finance officer from Klang, Selangor, suggested that GLCs consider offering additional subsidies or flight vouchers as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This would support employees from Sabah and demonstrate the companies' commitment to employee welfare while complementing the government's airfare subsidy initiative.
Meanwhile, Azizul Rahman, a technician from Johor Bahru originally from Kudat, proposed the introduction of a group booking system with promotional fares for the Sabah community in Peninsular Malaysia. He explained that if a large group from the same area or organization wishes to travel home simultaneously, they could benefit from booking as a group at a reduced rate. Such a system would not only reduce costs but also simplify logistics management and strengthen community ties among Sabahans in the peninsula.