PETALING JAYA: High domestic airfares, especially to Sarawak, are due to health protocols and restrictions imposed by state governments, said Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said this finding was based on analysis made by the Transport Ministry and other relevant transport agencies.

       “After talks with the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, the flight frequency to Sarawak has been increased.

       “From only 22 flights per week previously, there are now 87 flights from Nov 1 onwards,” he said.

       Dr Wee added that restrictions, among others, included the pre-departure and on-site Covid-19 tests and time limits for aircraft (to remain at the airport).

       “We have urged state governments to relax health protocols as the pandemic situation has been improving,” he said in a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 departure hall yesterday.

       He said airfares to Sabah and Sarawak would gradually reduce.

       Dr Wee advised airline operators not to collude and increase airfares.

       Meanwhile, he urged travellers to plan their travel and book tickets two weeks before their intended departure date.

       Smart way: Dr Wee launching the AeroLicence system and updated travellers mobile application FlySmart. Looking on are (from left) Mavcom COO Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin, Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim and Transport Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Normah Osman. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star

       “This is due to the dynamic pricing system used by airline operators. To avoid higher prices, it is better to purchase flight tickets earlier,” he said.

       On travellers demanding cash refunds for flights cancelled due to the movement restrictions, Dr Wee said in principle, the government could only ensure the operators offer a refund.

       “Yes, the operators should return the money from cancelled flights, but it depends on the airlines through which medium – credit or cash,” he said after launching the latest digital system AeroLicence and the updated travellers mobile application FlySmart by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).

       AeroLicence is a system that facilitates the processing of commercial aviation licences and permits online.

       In his speech, Dr Wee said this was a first-of-its-kind system designed by Mavcom and was timely and necessary, given the “new normal”.

       “Aviation service providers will greatly benefit from this new system as it allows licensees to register or renew existing licences safely, securely and in a more simplified manner.

       “AeroLicence also reduces business providers’ operational burden as it eliminates the need to physically submit documentation and related data,” he said, adding the new system shortens the processing time from 45 days to only three.

       The minister also launched the updated FlySmart mobile app, a digital initiative to assist the revival of the nation’s aviation sector.

       He added that since Mavcom’s inception in 2016, it had received and processed a total of 37,488 feedback, enquiries and requests, of which 7,075 were registered as complaints.

       Dr Wee said that Mavcom had maintained a consistently high rate of complaint resolutions, averaging at 99.8%.