Kota Kinabalu: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick defended his parliamentary election promise of RM199 air fares between Kuala Lumpur and here, saying it was based on the Pakatan Harapan manifesto. “This is not my manifesto alone; it is a manifesto in the Pakatan Harapan offer and can be read in the Pakatan Harapan Kita Boleh offer,” he said, when asked to respond to netizens criticisms.
He said people must understand that the government is comprised of different coalitions such as BN, GRS, GPS, Warisan and independent parties that support the formation of a Unity Government.
He said he is sure the Transport Minister is discussing with airline companies to reduce fare during the festive period.
“At the Cabinet level, we have agreed that the manifesto offered by all of these coalitions should be a priority to be implemented as a common manifesto.
“That is why, even though only Pakatan Harapan made this offer in its manifesto, it is being acted on by members of the council of ministers who have been assigned to ensure that action is taken on the offer raised.
“But the main thing is that the government has agreed to increase the number of flights throughout the holiday season, and I believe it has reduced ticket prices to some extent; it’s just that they’re still a little high,” he said.
Fares for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu offered by several airlines ahead of Hari Raya range between RM400 and RM1,200.
A one-way economy ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, on the other hand, was close to RM600.
