KAJANG: The RM499 ceiling price for flights between Peninsular Malaysia, and Sabah and Sarawak will be maintained for the upcoming Kaamatan and Gawai festivals despite the ongoing supply crisis, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said RM499 flight tickets will only be available for three days before the Kaamatan festival (which begins on May 30) and three days before the Gawai festival (which begins on June 1).
“The government will pay an additional top-up to involved airlines to ensure they can only charge a maximum fare of RM499 for those three days before the festivals.
“So if a flight ticket is supposed to cost RM1,000 due to the current global supply crisis, the government will subsidise RM501 to the airline to keep the price to RM499.
“This will increase the government’s financial burden but we intend to maintain the government’s long-standing festive season price standard for the people,” he said.
Speaking on festive traffic, Loke said at least 2,000 Road Transport Department (JPJ) enforcement officers will be deployed to improve road safety during the Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday which begins on May 27.
Loke said officers will be deployed at strategic locations across the country to encourage motorists to drive more carefully on the road, using the “Perception of Being Caught" (POBC) approach.
“They’re objective is not to issue summonses, but to ensure road users become more cautious when they spot enforcement officers by the roads.
“This is because people psychologically tend to drive more carefully when they spot enforcement vehicles or officers.
“We will also not carry out any roadblocks during festive periods as this would only worsen traffic congestion,” he said in a press conference after the launch of a new Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre (PPKM) here on Tuesday (May 26).
He said the operation will also be done alongside integrated enforcement with police and be focused on accident-prone hotspots and inspections of commercial vehicles, particularly express buses.
Loke added that officers will also conduct inspections of buses and bus drivers at bus terminals before the bus departs.
“This will include medical tests and screening to ensure they are healthy and not under any substance influence.
“The buses’ itself will also be inspected to ensure it is in good condition and fit for travel,” he added.
