Rising airfares could undermine Visit Sabah 2027 tourism push, says former state Matta chief

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 3 — Former Matta Sabah chairman Mohd Azlan Saleh Abd Salam has warned that rising airfares could jeopardize Sabah’s tourism push for Visit Sabah 2027. He suggested the government consider targeted subsidies or assistance to counteract the impact of escalating travel costs. Azlan highlighted that the modest fare difference between Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta is prompting consumers to compare destinations and opt for those with better value.

He emphasized this issue is especially critical during peak travel seasons. Rising petrol and diesel prices are also placing pressure on tourism operators, forcing them to potentially increase package prices. Azlan proposed the government provide targeted fuel subsidies for licensed tourism operators, particularly tour buses, vans, and tourist boats, with transparent and conditional implementation.

He cautioned that Sabah must compete not just with other Malaysian destinations but also with Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, necessitating strong promotion backed by affordable air connectivity. Tourism contributes significantly to Sabah’s economy, generating RM13.7 billion in 2024 and supporting 387,600 jobs. Azlan urged continuous collaboration with industry stakeholders and reliance on data when formulating solutions to airfare and operating cost challenges.

High airfares are also affecting domestic travel within Sabah, as noted by Sabah Youth, Sports Development, and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, who reported one-way fares from Tawau to Kuala Lumpur reaching RM1,000, affecting students studying in the peninsula. Similarly, the high cost of travel is impacting families and Sabahans working in Peninsular Malaysia, who struggle to afford frequent trips home during festive seasons, potentially limiting business opportunities for local travel industries.