PETALING JAYA: Subsidised airfares will boost domestic tourism, especially during the long holidays of Malaysia’s festivals, says Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
“Subsidising the fares will definitely go down well with travellers, especially for those residing in Sabah and Sarawak or travelling from there.
“This is good news and this initiative will certainly boost tourism especially during long holidays,” Tan said, adding that it is something that the industry has long campaigned for.
“Moving forward, we would need information such as how long this initiative will last, the quantum of the airfares that has been subsidised, the capacity, and whether it will include other airlines as well.”
Earlier yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke launched AirAsia’s subsidised airfare scheme that will run from Jan 5 to Feb 15 in time for the Chinese New Year festival in early February.
The initiative was to help those travelling between the peninsula and Sarawak and Sabah. The reduced fares are available for the travel period of Feb 5-15.
The subsidy was introduced in December last year for air travel during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Pesta Kaamatan, Gawai and Christmas from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
Loke said the scheme is expected to boost growth for the aviation industry this year.
A Malaysia Airlines spokesman said the subsidy had helped increase reservations for the Chinese New Year period.
“Our current bookings have surpassed the 60% mark and are selling fast. Passengers are urged to secure their flight bookings ahead of time and take advantage of the airline’s various promotional campaigns and festive subsidies to enjoy the best rates.
“The capped fares are applicable from Kuala Lumpur for travel three days before the festive date to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Labuan, Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu via Malaysia Airlines, and between Penang to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching via Firefly,” the spokesman said.
Due to heightened demand during the period, Malaysia Airlines has added four flights to Alor Setar, two to Johor Baru, and one additional flight to Kota Baru.
For flights to Sabah, an additional 15 were added to Tawau, nine to Sandakan, and one more to Kota Kinabalu. For Sarawak, 13 flights were added to Sibu, three flights to Miri and one additional flight each to Kuching and Bintulu. The airline also added an additional flight to Labuan.
“Additionally, weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore will increase by two to 58 from 56,” the spokesman said.
