As the festive season is approaching, plenty of Malaysians especially those who are working in Kuala Lumpur would be planning their trip back to their hometowns to celebrate. While some can opt for other public transportations like the bus or the train, those who have hometowns in the East of Malaysia would have to take flights back. An observation made by Dato seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong, has shared that flights from KL to Tawau, Sabah would cost a whopping RM3,138.
Wee Ka Siong shares proof that economy class tickets are above RM3,000
Just yesterday (16 April), Dato seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong has posted a post on his Facebook page sharing that an economy class ticket to fly back from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau, Sabah would cost RM3,138. He elaborated further saying that it is disappointing and shocking to see the price hike.
“Last year, when the borders were newly opened on 1 April 2022, the airfare at the time was above RM1,000 as not many aircraft were allowed to operate”, he said.
Source: Wee Ka Siong (Facebook)
He mentioned that the prices were above RM1,000 because the aircrafts would need to go through routine maintenance to ensure that it’s fit for flying after close to 2 years of not operating. While he was heavily criticised by the locals, he emphasised that he tried his best to keep the prices as low as possible.
He then raised the question to our current transport minister, YB Anothony Loke, asking him how the B40 and M40 community will be able to cope and pay for such prices.
“Airlines have no excuse not to increase flight frequency as long as there is capacity and passenger load is no longer capped at 50% like during the pandemic, which justified the high airfare”, he mentioned.
Source: Wee Ka Siong (Facebook)
YB Anthony responds to alleged price hike in flight tickets
Following his post, transport minister, YB Anthony Loke has since responded in a separate Facebook post on his page saying that the prices Wee has shared were prices for the business class tickets. He also revealed that upon hearing about the matter, he has taken the liberty to contact the Group CEO Malaysia Airlines (MAB), Captain Izham asking for clarification.
Captain Izham then told Loke that all of the economy flight tickets were sold out and only the business class tickets were left. Loke then thanked Wee for highlighting the issue and announced that he will be holding a press conference at 12pm in regard to the issue.
Source: YB Anthony Loke (Facebook)
However, Dr. Wee has shared a separate post as a reply to the transport minister mentioning that he has checked the Super App and it states that the flight ticket for 1 person to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau, Sabah remains at RM3,138. It was stated in all 3 phones that the prices shown were in fact for economy class tickets.
“The KUL-TWU route as at 3:30pm today is indeed listed at RM3,138 even on three different individual phones”, he said.
Source: Wee Ka Siong (Facebook)
Dr. Wee then urged MOT and MAVCOM to look into why at the moment when Malaysia Airlines’ (MAG) website shows only business class tickets available, other apps continue to list economy tickets including KUL-TWU for RM3,138.
According to local newspaper China Press, YB Anthony Loke has just responded to this matter saying,
“Why would you use another airline’s app to check prices for MAS airlines? It’s not right.”
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