FLIGHT SUBSIDY STRENGTHENS FAMILY BONDS IN SABAH

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- “Spending time and celebrating the festival with my mum and dad” was the most common response from members of the public at the Kota Kinabalu Airport (KKIA), when asked about the impact of the festive season flight ticket subsidy.

By capping flight ticket prices at RM499 for journeys from the Peninsula to Sabah, the subsidy has turned long-awaited family reunions - once hindered by high costs - into reality. This initiative is more than just financial aid; it serves as a bridge reconnecting families and fostering love.

Simon Poon Lee Zhe, 28, a technician from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, said that the high cost of flight tickets - especially during festive seasons - had discouraged many Sabahans working in the Peninsula from returning home. As a result, some have gone years without reuniting with their loved ones.

Sharing his own experience, Poon, who hails from Manggatal, recalled spending over RM6,000 two years ago on flight tickets for himself, his wife, and their two children to celebrate Chinese New Year. This was before the government introduced the flight subsidy.

“With this subsidy, I only need to pay around RM3,900 for a round-trip flight. It has been a tremendous financial relief, especially since I haven’t been able to return for CNY for the past two years, due to the high cost. This year, my family can finally gather for a big meal together," he said.

Last Saturday (Jan 25), Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, reportedly said that the government’s decision to extend subsidies for airfare initiatives during festive seasons to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, has significantly eased public grievances over high airline ticket prices.

Loke added that the decision to implement the subsidy was a strategic move, noting its success, as reflected in the 95 per cent seat occupancy rate on flights.

For Jaslina Md Jasni, 32, a welder in Klang, Selangor, and originally from Beaufort, the subsidy provided a priceless opportunity - allowing her to take her five-year-old son to meet his grandparents after a long time apart.

“My son met his grandparents in person when he was born in the village. We returned again when he was two, but the tickets cost nearly RM2,500. This is only the third visit since then. The cost has been so high that my parents even advised us to save money first and limit our trips home,” she shared.

While Jaslina often uses online video calls to stay connected with her parents and family in the village, she admits that it can’t compare to the warmth of a hug or the joy of a face-to-face reunion.

Meanwhile, Agnes Lojikim, 25, a nurse in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, originally from Kota Belud, described the government's initiative as a special gift to the people of Sabah, particularly for healthcare workers like herself.

As a healthcare worker, her work schedule is often unpredictable, making it difficult for her to return home frequently. The festive season holidays, however, provide the perfect opportunity for a longer break to visit her hometown.

“Our festive season holidays are planned in advance, and we rotate days off among staff, making it a bit easier to take time off, compared with regular days. But when it’s my turn, I see that ticket prices have skyrocketed. That’s why this subsidy is so helpful as it allows me to return home and reunite with my family,” she said.

David Chan, chairman of the National Consumer Foundation (YPNM), Sabah branch, said that the government’s proactive move to reduce flight fares during the festive season is crucial for easing the financial burden on people, especially those working or studying outside Sabah.

He added that the festive season holds deep cultural and emotional significance for families, and affordable flight fares enable families to reunite and celebrate together.

“This fare reduction highlights the government’s commitment to tackling the high travel costs often faced by consumers from Sabah and Sarawak. We hope that the government can expand this initiative and find long-term solutions. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable Malaysia,” he said.

Chan also called for the initiative to be extended to other festivals, such as the Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day, which would ensure broader benefits for all Malaysians, fostering unity and further alleviating their financial burdens.

-- BERNAMA