BY AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI
KUCHING: Airfare during the Raya season can be quite expensive for Sarawakians wanting to return home.
As the festive season approaches, many people will be looking to return to their hometowns and spend time with their families.
However, the high demand for flights can cause the prices to skyrocket, making it difficult for some people to afford the trip home.
Mohamed Adib Aiman Busman, aged 24, who is currently working at CMG Holding in Kuala Lumpur shares his thoughts on the prices of the flight tickets for workers.
“The soaring price of flight tickets during Raya season is a cause for concern to us workers as we need to apply for leave first before confirming our airfares.
“The price of the flight ticket that I buy almost reach RM1,000 as the Raya season is approaching,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He also said that he feels happy celebrating the Hari Raya with family and not celebrating it alone.
Meanwhile Muhammad Iqbal Zaidan, aged 24, who is currently studying at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia said that Sarawakians can save their money on airfare if they book it early.
“The earlier you book your flights, the more likely you are to get a good deal.
“Airlines often offer early bird discounts, and by booking in advance, you can avoid the surge in prices that often occurs closer to the travel date,” he said.
He added that students also receive some help from the Sarawak Volunteers amounting to RM300 for each flight ticket from the peninsula to Sarawak.
“This will ease the burden of us students who want to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said.
He added that students can also be flexible with their flight tickets.
“You might be able to locate less expensive flights if you are flexible with your trip dates and time..
“Early in the morning or late at night, air fares can also be less expensive, and midweek flights are frequently less expensive than weekend flights,” he said.
Furthermore, Syarnieza Narisha Harris, who is from Sabah also faces the same problem as students from Sarawak.
Currently studying at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, she said that the airfare for Sabah was also costly and it can reach to about RM1,000 just for one way.
“Although the ticket is expensive for students, Hari Raya only happens once a year and it would be a waste not to go back to my hometown.
“I would like to also thank my parents for buying the ticket, despite the fact that the price was a little high,” she said.
