Kota Kinabalu: Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has called on AirAsia to step up its corporate social responsibility by providing affordable flights for Sabahans returning from Peninsular Malaysia for the coming Nov 29 state election.
Suhaimi highlighted the struggles of thousands of Sabahans working in the Peninsula, who face high flight costs in order to return home and vote. While AirAsia recently launched its “Jom Balik Undi” promotion with fares starting at RM299 one-way, Suhaimi pointed out that these prices are still out of reach for many, especially for middle- and lower-income groups.
“At RM299 per trip, a return flight costs nearly RM600 per person, excluding baggage fees and other expenses. In today’s tough economic climate, can ordinary citizens really afford that just to return home and vote?” he said in a statement.
Suhaimi also reminded that AirAsia had received a RM300 million financing facility from the Sabah Development Bank (SDB) during the Covid-19 pandemic, under the administration of former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. Reports indicate that only about RM170 million of the loan has been repaid, with a substantial balance still outstanding.
“On moral and social grounds, AirAsia should show gratitude to the state that once helped sustain its operations by offering round-trip fares below RM300 for Sabah voters throughout the election period,” Suhaimi said.
He stressed that this gesture would alleviate the financial burden on voters and reflect positively on both the airline and the former state government that provided financial assistance during tough times.
“If the RM300 million loan from SDB helped AirAsia survive then, lowering ticket prices now so Sabahans can return home to vote should not be seen as a burden but as an act of corporate social responsibility,” he added.
Suhaimi also urged Shafie to personally appeal to AirAsia to implement the subsidized fares, noting that such a move would send a strong message that public aid to corporations can directly benefit the people.
