KUCHING: The state government has yet to make a final decision on subsidising flight tickets for Sarawakians living in West Malaysia to fly back to their individual hometowns to cast their votes.
Petra Jaya incumbent Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said they need to look at the legislation to determine whether financing or subsidising the fares is allowed or not.
“Subsidising these tickets is often seen as ‘bribery’ and sometimes there are legal restrictions around it, especially during the election period.
“It (the restriction) cannot be avoided. However, we are trying to look at other other mechanisms to facilitate the matter,” he said after officiating the Maulidur Rasul celebration at Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol here today.
Following this, Fadillah said that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that wish to fund these tickets are welcome to step forward in order to assist those who reside outside of Sarawak.
“Aside from that, our party had discussions with the airline about setting low-cost fares for passengers during the election period.
“But from an airline’s business perspective, we don’t know to what extent it can be implemented,” he said.
In light of this, Fadillah disclosed that three airlines in the country were involved in the conversation.
“We’ve talked to Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Air Asia and Malindo Air thus far. We anticipate that they’ll consent to subsequently establish a reasonable fee,” he pointed out.
