Malaysia: Putrajaya tells airlines to set reasonable fares as the economy recovers from COVID-19

Malaysian Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong has urged commercial airlines in the country to reduce their fares amid growing concerns that COVID-19 has made it too expensive for many people to fly. Wee said Monday that he held a meeting with the country’s three biggest airlines - Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and Malindo Air earlier in the month to discuss the recovery of the aviation industry. He noted that the airlines “must now begin to reduce their airfares and increase flight frequencies” in line with the relaxation of social distancing rules for scheduled and non-scheduled passenger flights. “Moving forward, the Government has reminded the airlines to set reasonable price levels that would not unduly burden air travellers for work or otherwise, during this time of national recovery from the pandemic,” said Wee. He had earlier confirmed that airlines were no longer required to enforce compulsory social distancing during flights as the nature of air travel makes it easier for authorities to perform contact tracing should the need arise. Wee’s statement came as many travellers expressed concern over what has been regarded as pricey tickets for domestic flights.<br/>