KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 397 flights operates weekly from various locations in Peninsular Malaysia to Sarawak, marking a 120 per cent increase from the 181 weekly flights before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the increase reflects efforts to address demand and improve connectivity.
“Currently, national airlines operate 397 flights per week from different destinations in the Peninsula to Sarawak,” he said in response to Selangau MP Edwin Banta’s question in the Dewan Rakyat today (Feb 18).
Edwin had asked about strategic measures by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to address flight shortages and unpredictable fare hikes, particularly in Sarawak.
Loke assured that the MOT encourages airlines to expand operations, especially on routes linking the Peninsular, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, however, route expansion remains a commercial decision by airlines, depending on commercial viability.
He also acknowledged concerns over rising airfares, especially during festive seasons.
“To tackle high ticket prices during peak periods, MOT has engaged with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and domestic airlines to ensure competitive pricing.
“As a result, airlines have agreed to increase flight capacity based on demand. The government, through MAVCOM, will continue monitoring domestic airfares, including routes to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan,” he said.
To ease financial burdens, Loke said that the federal government will continue the FLYsiswa initiative, which provides a RM400 flight ticket subsidy for public university students, polytechnic and community college students under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), as well as matriculation and teacher training institute (IPG) students under the Ministry of Education (MOE).
This initiative, aimed at reducing travel costs for students returning home, have benefited 52,055 students in 2024, particularly from Sabah and Sarawak.
“The FLYsiswa initiative will continue in 2025, alongside additional subsidies for one-way flight tickets from the Peninsular to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan during major festive seasons such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan, Gawai, and Christmas,” he said.
Loke added that the subsidy programme has been enhanced, with financial aid now applicable to ticket prices exceeding RM499 — a reduction from the previous threshold of RM599.
Additionally, the implementation period for subsidised travel will be extended from three days to four days before major festive celebrations.
