THE Chinese New Year season is over and with the ongoing Ramadan and later Hari Raya Aidilfitri season, Malaysians are making a beeline for the flight home. But there is a drawback — the fares are exorbitantly high and beyond the means of the ordinary traveller.
Malaysians eagerly anticipate reuniting with family and loved ones during festive seasons and school holidays, but the soaring cost of air travel has become a stumbling block, turning dreams of homecoming into a distant reality for many.
The recent surge in airfares, particularly on routes between Malaya and Sabah and Sarawak, has made travel financially impossible for the ordinary travellers, leaving them stranded and disheartened. I hope both the airline companies and authorities will take decisive action to resolve the exorbitant airfares plaguing travellers, especially Sarawakians.
Festive seasons, marked by occasions such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, Deepavali and Christmas — and school holidays — traditionally witness a surge in travel as individuals seek to celebrate and be reunited with their families. However, the joy of these occasions is marred by the shockingly high airfares, with prices reaching unprecedented levels.
The once-affordable option of flying home has become a luxury beyond the means of many, as tickets command prices nearing RM1,000 for a one-way journey. This drastic change in fares stands in stark contrast to the pre-pandemic era, where return tickets could be secured for a fraction of the current cost.
I remember buying return tickets pre-COVID-19 to Kuala Lumpur for about RM200; and travelling to neighbouring ASEAN countries like Thai destinations during the pandemic was even cheaper when travellers paid less than RM500 for return tickets from Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia’s slogan of ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’ appears to have deviated from its founding principle, with airfares skyrocketing to levels comparable to full-service carriers. The emergence of low-cost carriers was meant to make air travel affordable, offering accessibility to all segments of society. However, the reality paints a different picture, as the exorbitant fares make a mockery of the notion of affordability.
A low-cost airline should be offering affordable fares to domestic destinations, especially from Malaya to Sabah and Sarawak and vice versa. The entry of the low-cost carrier (LCC) into Malaysian aviation in 2003 has reformed air travelling for travellers. An LCC separates itself through lower ticket fares while a full-service airline ordinarily offers travellers in-flight entertainment, checked baggage, meals, beverages and comfort.
The seats for the most part of the full-service airline have leaner back than a low-cost carrier and also more leg room. A low-cost carrier is impossible to be contrasted with a full-service carrier as the former provides a totally unique item where the frills do not make a difference to such an extent.
So, it is ridiculous for a LCC airline to consider itself low cost when fares are as high as a full-service airline and meals and beverages are pricey!
The failure of regulatory bodies, such as the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), to rein in arbitrary fare hikes further worsens the situation. Despite assurances of intervention, concrete actions remain elusive, leaving passengers at the mercy of dynamic pricing mechanisms. Well, while we do understand that based on the dynamic pricing mechanism, the earlier the ticket is booked, the cheaper it is and the closer to a date or event, the price will be higher, the exploitation of travellers during critical moments makes it more the reason for regulatory measures.
It is important for airlines to reassess their pricing strategies and prioritise the welfare of passengers, particularly those traveling for medical reasons. The government, too, must fulfil its mandate to safeguard the interests of its citizens by enforcing fair pricing practices and exploring avenues to enhance accessibility to air travel.
One promising initiative is the proposal for the establishment of a state-owned airline in Sarawak, aimed at enhancing connectivity and affordability for travellers. This measure by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg signifies a step in the right direction, signalling a commitment to address the disparities in air travel accessibility.
Running an airline — even if it’s state owned — is not easy. The industry is vulnerable to several factors, including fuel prices, which can have a significant impact on profits. Fuel prices are the main expense and higher oil prices can lead to high operating costs. But the Premier’s bold move is seen as necessary for the sake of better connectivity for Sarawak’s progress, and of course for the benefit of the general populace.
The exorbitant airfares are a grave injustice to the aspirations of ordinary people seeking to connect with their loved ones. It is incumbent upon airlines and authorities to heed the calls for reform and ensure that air travel remains accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Only through concerted efforts can we reclaim the promise of affordable and inclusive air travel, thereby fulfilling the true spirit of ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’. But lately, perhaps we are faced with a situation where not many of us are able to fly!
Personally, AirAsia has always been my preferred airline.
As Sarawakians, we deserve better than to be grounded by the soaring costs of air travel. It’s time to reclaim our wings and soar once more.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
