SIBU: The one-way airfare from Sibu to Kuching on AirAsia has surged to as high as RM969, drawing criticism from Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth Chief, Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie.
Describing the fare as outrageous, Lau called on the Federal Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, to consider imposing a price cap on the route.
In a statement issued on Friday (April 17), he noted that the highest one-way fare from Sibu to Kuala Lumpur today is RM439, far lower than the RM969 charged for the much shorter Sibu–Kuching sector.
He said the disparity was excessive and unreasonable, and had prompted numerous public complaints.
For Saturday, April 18 (today), he added, one-way tickets from Sibu to Kuching range from RM409 to RM749.
This remains significantly higher than fares for Sibu-Kuala Lumpur flights, which range between RM175 and RM319.
Lau pointed out that flights between Kuala Lumpur and East Malaysia are subject to a fare cap of RM499 during festive seasons.
He questioned why a much shorter domestic route should cost substantially more.
“A one-way flight from Sibu to Kuching takes only 35 minutes, while Sibu to Kuala Lumpur takes two hours and five minutes. On what basis are the fares for Sibu–Kuching determined?” he asked.
He expressed hope that the entry of Borneo Airways this July, with more competitive ticket prices, would end AirAsia’s dominance on the route.
Greater competition, he said, could help make air travel more affordable for the people of Sarawak – a key objective behind the Sarawak government’s establishment of the airline.
Lau also said Borneo Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Meg Adian, had recently announced plans to begin regional operations in July, using Kuching as its jet operations hub before gradually expanding its domestic and international network.
Beyond commercial goals, he said, the airline carries a mission to enhance air connectivity within Sarawak.
“I hope Borneo Airways will include the Sibu-Kuching route in its operations to benefit those travelling between the two cities,” he said.
Lau stressed that Sarawak’s vast geography and its separation from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea make air services essential.
Whether for travel between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia or within the state itself, aviation plays a crucial role in strengthening regional connectivity, he said.
While acknowledging that airlines operate on commercial considerations, he urged them to balance profit with public interest, ensuring fares remain reasonable and affordable.
“Sibu serves as the gateway to central Sarawak. Sibu Airport caters not only to residents of Sibu but also to those from across the central region. Beyond convenience, air services are vital to the economy, tourism, logistics and business activities of Sibu and central Sarawak.
“Therefore, a one-way fare of RM969 for the Sibu–Kuching route is indeed unacceptable,” added Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Chairman.
