PETALING JAYA: MASwings will increase its flight frequencies in view of the impending Sarawak state election, and tickets are expected to be cheaper due to increase in flight frequencies, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

       The Transport Minister explained that MASwings previously reduced its flight frequencies due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, but ticket bookings recently increased after the government allowed interstate and inter-district travel.

       “MASwings will increase its flight frequencies in line with the increase in demand in conjunction with the Sarawak state election,” said Dr Wee during his winding up speech on Budget 2022 in Parliament yesterday.

       He also said the Transport Ministry had held discussions with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), Malaysia Airlines Bhd, AirAsia and Malindo Air on Nov 3 about lowering airfares from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak.

       “Every airline cooperated well. They are only hoping for flight frequencies to increase; it was 22 flights per week before and now it’s 223.

       “This means that there are no restrictions, such as the 90-minute buffer separation period that was lifted. They can now increase flight frequencies and tickets can be cheaper,” he said.

       Dr Wee was replying to Alice Lau (PH-Lanang), who asked whether flight tickets to Sarawak would be cheaper due to the state election that might be called soon.

       He also said flight tickets to Sarawak would be restored to its normal rates once flight frequencies were back to pre-pandemic levels.

       “At the same time, the Sarawak state government should consider easing health protocols for passengers entering Sarawak,” he said.

       Lau then interjected and asked if the ministry would address the issue of last-minute changes on flight schedules.

       Dr Wee said the matter was being handled by Mavcom and all complaints towards the airlines had been handled under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 since July 2016.

       Previously, MPs had lamented the exorbitant flight ticket prices, among them Lau, who claimed on Oct 27 that a flight from KL to Sibu cost RM5,307.20 for an economy class ticket.

       Checks by The Star yesterday on AirAsia’s website for a return ticket from KL to Kuching, travelling during the mid-December period, averages around RM800, subject to differing flight hours.

       The Sarawak state election is expected to be held in mid-December and the Election Commission is expected to announce the nomination day and polling days for the state election after it meets on Nov 24.

       The Sarawak state assembly was dissolved on Nov 3 following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent to lift the statewide Emergency on the same day.