Govt to Engage Transport Ministry, Airlines Over Sabah-Sarawak Flight Fare Hikes; Targeted Student Relief Planned

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 22 — The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, announced that his ministry will hold formal discussions with the Ministry of Transport to address the sudden surge in flight fares connecting Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia.

Mustapha disclosed that he brought the escalating airfare issue to the Cabinet’s attention last week following widespread public complaints regarding steep ticket prices.

He attributed the price hikes primarily to broader global economic pressures, specifically rising aviation fuel costs that have driven up operating expenses for commercial airlines.

“One of the reasons is related to the global fuel crisis. When it increases, the operational costs of flights also increase, and eventually, ticket prices go up,” Mustapha told reporters during the MADANI Kita Bersama Komuniti Darau @Sepanggar programme here today.

He added that the ministry is thoroughly reviewing public feedback to establish joint mechanisms alongside commercial airlines to help lower fare structures.

Special attention is being directed toward prospective tertiary students enrolling in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions next month (September) who rely on inter-state air travel.

To mitigate financial strain on families, Mustapha said his ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Higher Education to compile a comprehensive registry of student travelers. The finalized list will be submitted to the Cabinet to determine immediate measures and travel assistance frameworks.

“So anything related to these flights, we are requesting the list and we will review it to be presented to the Cabinet so that we can make a decision to facilitate their matters, Insya-Allah,” he stated.

The government’s intervention follows recent calls by Karambunai assemblyman Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan, who urged federal authorities to intervene after return flight tickets between Sabah and the Peninsular spiked to as high as RM900.

–NMT