The skyrocketing rates are driven in part by the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices, following the disruption in the global supply linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. — Bernama photo
MIRI (May 12): Thousands of Sarawakians and Sabahans working in Peninsular Malaysia may be forced to forgo their respective Gawai and Kaamatan celebrations as airfares have increased beyond reach this year.
The skyrocketing rates are driven in part by the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices, following the disruption in the global supply linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Many netizens are lamenting about this across social media, including Irene Lucy, who is based in Gelang Patah, Johor.
According to her, a one-way fare for the Johor Bahru-Kuching flight now commands between RM812 and RM1,347 per passenger.
“This is merely the beginning.
“That figure does not even account for road transportation, or the return trip,” she wrote, referring to the additional transportation costs for the travelling between Kuching and other parts of Sarawak, particularly those in the central region of Sarawak such as the villages in the Rejang Basin.
Her sentiments resonated with the many families who had to give their annual homecoming a miss.
Another netizen Medelin Indiris described her ordeal of travelling as a family of five.
“For a family of five, the return air tickets alone would already come to around RM6,000,” she wrote in Malay, adding that the airport surcharges, village expenses, and financial commitments awaiting upon return made it all ‘wholly unworkable’.
“Many friends of mine are also not going back,” she added.
The ‘pain’ is not confined to those travelling from Johor.
Bett Miggiel noted that the airfare for the Miri-Sibu sector was also expensive.
Anizah Ag Nizam gave the Sabah perspective: “The tickets back to Sabah are all expensive too,” – a brief statement carrying the full weight of a cancelled homecoming.
Beronica Eyka Richard observed that fares had recorded hikes since April 1, with many flights being either cancelled or rescheduled.
Her own journey from Johor Bahru to Sibu now requires a transit via Kuala Lumpur, lengthening travelling time and adding up to the cost.
For those determined to find a way through, Andrian Adin offered a workaround: “Better to fly from KL (Kuala Lumpur), sis – the price is still more manageable.
“Or take a bus up from Johor.”
The quiet resignation threading through these online exchanges is perhaps best captured in one shared by Irene.
“Seeing prices like that, I immediately abandoned the idea.
“Prioritise what is necessary; put first what is important.
“Let people say we are not returning because we have no money – so be it.
“Do not follow the heart too much, for in the end, it is we ourselves who bear everything.
“Commitments never disappear; responsibilities keep moving.
“Life never stops.”
Gawai Dayak in Sarawak is observed one June 1 and 2; and Kaamatan in Sabah, on May 30 and 31.
As of press time, neither the Transport Ministry nor the airlines have issued any statement addressing the spike in fares for routes serving East Malaysia during this festive period.
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