KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will continue to subsidise the purchase of one-way flight tickets from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan during major festive seasons this year and next year. The ministry stated that the subsidy will apply to this year’s Christmas celebration and next year’s Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan, and Gawai festivals, as well as Christmas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative will include a subsidy for one-way flight tickets for each passenger on domestic routes connecting Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan for tickets priced over RM499. This price does not include taxes and fees, and the maximum price of RM499 is a reduction from the previous threshold price of RM599. The government will cover the difference between the original ticket price and the maximum price.

The MOT has extended the implementation period of the initiative from three days to four days before the major festive dates. Specifically, this
will be from Dec 21-24 for Christmas and from Jan 25-28, 2025, for Chinese New Year. For the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, the maximum fare implementation period is from March 27-30. Meanwhile, for Kaamatan and Gawai, it will be May 26-29 and May 28-31, respectively.

The statement also noted that the fixed fare prices will be effective from 12:01 am on Dec 6, and the public will be able to purchase tickets through airline websites from that date. The terms and conditions for the tickets specify that date or flight changes are not allowed, name changes are not permitted, and purchased tickets are non-refundable.

“There may be some variations to the improved terms and conditions offered by certain airlines. However, users will still be protected under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC),” it added.