THE federal Ministry of Transport has been urged to intervene to control the expensive prices for air tickets from Sibu to West Malaysia in view of the imminent suspension of the AirAsia direct flight from Sibu to Singapore.
Bukit Assek assemblyman, Chieng Jin Ek said the community was worried about the high prices of the air tickets and the suspension of Airasia Sibu – Singapore direct flight.
“These issues require immediate attention and resolution,” he said when debating on the 2024 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in Kuching today (23 Nov).
Chieng said the situation faced by Sibu people was grave and unjust.
“Flight frequencies are dwindling while ticket prices continue to raise. Sibu residents find themselves at the mercy of these soaring fares. They are compelled to bear the burden of the excessively priced tickets when air travel to West Malaysia is their only option.
“The impact of these soaring prices transcends inconvenience; it directly
affects local tourism, economic growth and the livelihoods of our residents who rely on West Malaysia travel for various necessities.
“I urge the Federal Ministry of Transport to increase frequencies of Sibu to Kuala
Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu flights,” he said.
On the suspension of Airasia Sibu – Singapore direct flight, which will take in effect
at the end of February 2024, Chieng added,” I seek both the Federal and State Ministry of Transport for assistance. Airasia should reconsider reducing the frequency of the Singapore-Sibu flight rather than suspending it entirely.
“The counter-proposal to reduce flights from four to two or three weekly is
relevant for businessmen, locals employed or studying in Singapore, and significantly promotes tourism between the destinations. Moreover, any initiative by another airline to operate in this sector is welcomed,” he said.
