KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is urging the Federal Government to look into the issue of increasing of air fares and to intervene if necessary.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said he hoped that the Transport Ministry could find ways to reduce the price of plane tickets, especially domestic flights.

       “Airfares have greatly increased to the extent it is burdening the people who have to fly to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 13).

       “Whether it is for work or leisure, the high airfares have posed a challenge for individuals and families and this does not bode well with the aspiration to bring in more visitors to Sabah now that the country’s borders have reopened,” he said.

       Hajiji recent reports of soaring airfares for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah during the Hari Raya period has raised concerns.

       “We urge the Transport Minister to look into the matter to reduce the price, which reportedly skyrocketed 566% compared to fares during non-festive periods,” he said.

       Hajiji said many Sabahans either studying or working in the peninsula wanted to return home to celebrate Hari Raya but were unable to afford it.

       “It is burdening the people and we in the state Cabinet feel that relevant authorities need to act,” he added.