Anthony Loke: Airfare Subsidy a Success, ‘Everything Under Control’ for CNY

SEPANG — Transport Minister Anthony Loke praised the government’s airfare subsidy initiative, saying it has successfully alleviated public frustration over high ticket prices during festive seasons. Loke highlighted that, unlike previous years, complaints about exorbitant fares—such as RM2,000 for flights to Tawau or Sandakan—have vanished.

“The fixed or maximum airfare policy has proven effective. Ticket prices are now controlled, and there are no more complaints like before,” he said.

Speaking at the launch of Malaysia Airlines’ additional flights to Tawau and Sandakan for Chinese New Year, Loke noted that some airlines are offering even lower fares, with prices as low as RM300 for special night flights. The government’s intervention has helped ease the financial burden on travellers.

Loke also shared that the subsidy extension had been well-received, with seating capacity reaching 95%, including return flights from Sabah and Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur. Airlines like AirAsia and Batik Air have also added extra flights to meet the demand. Malaysia Airlines, for its part, announced 102 additional night flights, with one-way fares starting from RM349.