KOTA KINABALU: The government should broaden its flight ticket subsidy initiative to all B40 Sabahans returning home for Aidilfitri, not just students, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah UMNO chief said many Sabahans working in Peninsular Malaysia were held back from returning home for festive seasons due to costly airfares.
"Every year, Sabahans struggle with soaring ticket prices when trying to return home for Hari Raya. For those in the B40 group, this is an even greater financial burden," he said in a statement on Friday (March 7).
While welcoming the government’s existing subsidy for students, Bung Moktar emphasised that the assistance should be expanded to benefit more low-income Sabahans, particularly those working far from home.
"The government must extend this subsidy to ensure that all B40 Sabahans, not just students, can reunite with their families for Hari Raya without being weighed down by excessive travel costs," he said.
It was reported that about 200,000 Sabahans, excluding their dependents, are currently working in Peninsular Malaysia.
Bung Moktar highlighted that expensive flight tickets have long been a major hurdle for many Sabahans working in the peninsula, especially when prices surge during festive periods.
"With the rising cost of living, many B40 Sabahans are already struggling to make ends meet. High airfares only add to their financial strain, making it even harder for them to travel home for important celebrations like Aidilfitri," he said.
He stressed that expanding the subsidy would not only ease financial burdens but also strengthen family ties and allow more Sabahans to celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones.
"Providing airfare subsidies for the B40 group ensures no one is left behind. Everyone deserves the opportunity to return home and celebrate with their families," he said.
Bung Moktar urged the government to take this matter seriously, adding that UMNO Sabah would continue pushing for fair access to essential support for all Sabahans.
"The government must ensure that all Sabahans, particularly those in the B40 category, are not overlooked in efforts to improve their well-being and economic security," he said.
