KUCHING: Voters are seeing an enormous surge in flight ticket prices for the election weekend just minutes after the Election Commission (EC) announced the polling date for the 15th general election (GE15).
Following the eagerly anticipated confirmation of the election date, which was fixed on Nov 19, flight booking websites are flooding.
Unfortunately members of the public, especially Sarawakians who are working or studying in the peninsula, said the cost of airline tickets has significantly increased to their dismay.
While some expressed disappointment, a few members of the public told the New Sarawak Tribune that they would go home to their constituency to vote.
Here are their thoughts on the matter.
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MAZLYANA MOHD ZAINUL, 27
Civil Servant
I will be going home to vote, after Malaysia Airlines discounted the Kuala Kumpur-Kuching tickets at around RM400 for a return trip.
For me, it is still affordable. But I have to extend my leave until Tuesday (Nov 22). That’s the only available ticket for me considering the prices.
“Maybe the government can set a ceiling price for airfares during election period. Establish a polling station for Sarawakians who live abroad or just outside of the constituency.
“And most importantly, add another category for postal voting -include those other than in the category 1A list.”
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ELSA CORDELIA DURIE, 27
Customer Service Representative
Nobody should have to fly home to cast their ballot at a cost of several hundred ringgit. This is blatant price gouging that will prevent people from voting. This highlights the importance of postal voting within the nation, particularly for Sabahans/Sarawakians working in West Malaysia.
If you live and work too far away from your home constituency, you should be allowed to vote by mail without incurring any additional costs or difficulties.
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Fatin Najihah Mazlan, 22
Student
As students are first-time voters, it will be sufficient if we can cast our ballots by mail.
We, students, do not have the income to cover the cost of flight tickets back to our respective districts, especially those from Sarawak and Sabah. If the government could help, maybe students can be sponsored to go home to vote.
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MIRA AQEELA ANIEW, 22
Student
The cost of the flight trip, it seems, prevents me from returning home to cast my vote. The government should consider allowing students to cast postal ballots or halving ticket fees.
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NUR SYUHADA NABILA MOHD RALPHEAL, 22
Student
I don’t have enough spare cash to purchase a ticket to return to Sarawak. I propose that the government accommodate for students’ flight tickets if they can’t afford to go back and vote.
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PHEBE CHERILYNN, 24
Freelance Social Media Specialist/Student
This year will be my first time voting, thus, I will definitely consider going back to my hometown to vote despite the increase in the flight ticket price.
“I believe that as a Malaysian, this is the only time for us to be responsible and choose the government that we desired for the future of our beloved country.
“It is understandable that the election situation came very sudden, but it would be great if it can be planned ahead. This will give everyone an equal opportunity to exercise their voting rights.”
