No price ceiling for flight tickets, transport minister says

Transport Minister Anthony Loke today said that the government will not control the price of plane tickets by setting a price ceiling for airlines. 

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he said ticket prices are based on a dynamic pricing system.

"If we impose price controls, it will affect the flight sector. If they see there is no dynamic pricing, they will reduce their capacity.

"If capacity is reduced, it will have a more negative impact on the overall economy and air transport," he said in response to a question by Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PAS-Pengkalan Chepa).

Marzuk had said that flight ticket prices were skyrocketing, especially during school holidays, making it difficult for MPs who wished to return to their constituencies. 

The issue of ticket prices was also supported by Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar). 

Loke said the government would help airlines increase their facilities. 

"The transport ministry encourages them to increase their capacity, and there has been an increase in airlines," he said. 

"One airline recently began operating, with routes to Kota Bharu, among others."