Dr Wee: Solution to high airfares found, PM to make announcement

PUTRAJAYA: A solution has been found for the issue of high airfares and the outcome will be announced by the Prime Minister, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Dr Wee said the ministry, together with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and three airlines - Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air - had worked non-stop since last Thursday to come up with a solution.

“When all parties came to a decision on Sunday (April 17) afternoon, I was relieved.

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“The outcome has been sent to the Prime Minister for him to make an announcement,” he said after launching a road safety campaign in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Monday (April 18).

Dr Wee said the meeting also took into consideration limitations faced by airline companies, particularly about their aircraft.

“Not many people understand that it is not easy for airlines to just operate additional flights when the aircraft has been left in the hangar for two years.

“In order for these aircraft to be used, it needs to comply with a list of safety aspects and must go through a process of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) before it is approved for safe service,” he explained.

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He cited Malaysia Airlines as having agreed to this.

“They just want to help solve this problem,” he added.

The issue of costly flight tickets to Sabah and Sarawak became a hot topic this week as the price displayed on the airlines’ website was said to have skyrocketed for return flights.