Mavcom looking into costly festive airfare complaints

THE Government is looking at imposing ceiling prices for domestic flights following complaints that airfares can increase as high as five-fold during festive seasons, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi.

He said the Government had instructed the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) to conduct a study.

“Mavcom is looking into it and is expected to come up with a framework that is suitable for both the consumers and industry players by June. So, just wait for a few months,” he said in reply to Oscar Ling (DAP-Sibu) in the Dewan Rakyat.

Ling had asked about Mavcom’s role in controlling airfares and measures taken by the Government to overcome the cost of flying to Sabah and Sarawak during festive seasons.

“The average flight ticket from the peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak is around RM160.

“However, during the festive period, it can go up to RM800,” said Ab Aziz.

He said in general, the Government and Mavcom did not regulate airfares as airlines were allowed to set their own prices based on commercial decisions.

But he said Mavcom had the authority to monitor issues related to competition among airline companies.

“In this matter, airline companies will set airfares by taking into consideration market demand, the economy and other factors such as operating cost and fuel prices.

“However, due to complaints received about expensive airfares during festive seasons, Mavcom has been asked to come up with a study on setting the airfares,” said Ab Aziz.

He advised people not to wait until the last minute to book their flight tickets.