PUTRAJAYA: A RM50 discount will be given to Malaysians travelling between the peninsula and East Malaysia during the Gawai and Kaamatan festive period, said Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the rebate period will begin from May 15 to June 14.
“It is estimated that this rebate will benefit 100,000 travellers who buy flight tickets for those routes during this period,” said Loke during a press conference on Tuesday (April 14).
Loke said this is an initiative by domestic airlines, namely Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air.
“More details will be announced by the airlines,” he added.
Loke said the rebate will involve a RM5mil allocation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
Loke said the RM50 rebate, which is to offset airlines surcharge fees, is applicable for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan for the upcoming Kaamatan and Gawai festivals.
Loke said the discount is part of broader intervention measures aimed at easing the financial pressures faced by both passengers and airlines, following a sudden wave of international flight cancellations triggered by the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Loke said the CAAM will extend the credit period for aviation fees and charges up to 60 days, effective May 1, to help sustain airline operations during this difficult period.
Loke noted that the Middle East crisis had severely disrupted the aviation sector, particularly involving airlines from that region.
"This situation reached a critical level on March 1, when approximately 75% of daily scheduled flights to the region had to be cancelled," he said.
He warned that if the geopolitical situation drags on, it could severely impact foreign tourist confidence.
"This could result in a loss of economic output ranging between RM15bil and RM150bil throughout 2026," Loke added, noting that the ministry and CAAM had engaged with stakeholders to quickly roll out these relief measures.
Since the Middle East conflict began on Feb 28, the prices of jet fuel has surged over 100% from about US$90 to US$197 as of April 10.
