Kuala lumpur: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, announced that his ministry plans to engage with the Ministry of Transport to address the sudden increase in flight fares affecting Sabah and Sarawak. This issue was highlighted in a recent Cabinet meeting following numerous complaints from various parties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha identified the rise in airline operating costs due to the global energy crisis as a key factor contributing to the fare hikes. He stated, "One of the reasons is related to the global fuel crisis. When it increases, the operational costs of flights also increase, and eventually, ticket prices go up."

Mustapha acknowledged the steep increase in ticket prices, based on complaints received, and emphasized the need to collaborate with airlines to explore potential solutions. He shared these insights during the MADANI Kita Bersama Komuniti Darau @Sepanggar Programme.

The minister also highlighted the importance of addressing the travel needs of prospective students enrolling in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. His ministry plans to work with the Ministry of Higher Education to identify students requiring air travel and present this information to the Cabinet, aiming to ease their travel arrangements.

Previously, Karambunai assemblyman Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan had called on the government to tackle the rising cost of flight tickets between Sabah and the Peninsular, which reportedly reached up to RM900 for a round trip.