Easing Festive Travel Costs: MOT Caps Airfares at RM499

The Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) has initiated a subsidy program for flight tickets for the main festival seasons of 2024 and 2025. This initiative aims to reduce the financial strain on Malaysians travelling between Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan during this festive period.

The program will cap one-way flight tickets at RM499 (down from RM599) from which the government would subsidise the difference between tickets priced over RM499, not including taxes and fees.

This subsidy applies to travels during holiday seasons - Christmas 2024 (21-24 December 2024), Chinese New Year 2025 (25-28 January 2025), Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 (27-30 March 2025), Kaamatan/Gawai 2025 (26-31 May 2025), and Christmas 2025.

Additionally, the subsidy period has also been increased from three to four days before each celebration. Earlier in the week, Transport Minister, YB Anthony Loke had detailed that the government has allocated RM48 million towards flight subsidies, with an additional RM20 million required for this extension.

Tickets for these subsidised rates will be available beginning December 6, 2024, and may be booked on airline websites. However, some conditions apply. Changes to travel dates or flights are not permitted, and tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Despite these limits, travellers are covered under the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC), which guarantees fair treatment and transparency.

This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to alleviating the rising cost of living while promoting family reunions during festive seasons. By reducing travel costs, MOT aims to make domestic air travel more accessible and affordable for Malaysians across the nation.

For further information, travelers can contact the Ministry of Transport through its hotline, email, or other official channels. This program reflects a compassionate approach to governance and a focus on the well-being of all Malaysians.