Cap on airfares major boost for tourism — Matta

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) is heartened by the disclosure made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Parliament yesterday that the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) was finalising its study on a suitable mechanism to control domestic airfares.

Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said, “In April this year, Matta had called for domestic airfares during peak seasons be capped at no more than 1.5 to 2.0 times of normal fares. Otherwise, it could balloon up to five times more and place a heavy burden on the rakyat returning home to join their loved ones.”

“We are delighted our Transport Minister has taken a holistic approach in not only bringing domestic airfares during peak seasons under control but also throughout the year. Also, the ceiling fares for MASwings will be reviewed and ceiling fares fixed based on the recommendations given by both MASwings and Mavcom.”

“High domestic airfares have stifled domestic tourism especially for Sabah and Sarawak where tourists have to travel by air, which is also an essential service for the residents. Both foreigners and locals have complained on high domestic airfares compared to international flights to overseas destinations.”

“All these initiatives bode well for domestic flights and tourism. On a similar note, Matta had called for the difference in Passenger Service Charge (PSC) or airport tax between KLIA and klia2 be maintained last December.”