KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Indian Chamber of Commerce (SICC) supports the call by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for affordable airfares and better flight connectivity, urging the aviation industry to work with the State Government to strengthen Sabah’s tourism and economy.
SICC president Datuk V. Jothi Veeramani said reasonable fares and dependable flights are essential to ensuring that the state’s development efforts bring greater benefits to local businesses and ordinary people. Under the leadership of Hajiji, the State Government has continued to promote Sabah’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and visitor experiences. Its engagement with tourism stakeholders and airline partners reflects the importance placed on making Sabah more accessible.
The Chief Minister’s latest call deserves practical support from airlines, airport operators and the relevant federal authorities.
Sabah welcomed nearly 3.8 million visitors in 2025 and generated an estimated RM8.74 billion in tourism receipts. These figures show the opportunities available when people can travel to the state conveniently and affordably.
Tourism income reaches many parts of the community. Visitors eat at local restaurants, shop at markets, hire transport, engage guides and purchase locally made products. Small traders, homestay operators and suppliers all stand to benefit.
However, high airfares can discourage visitors before they even make a booking. A family planning a holiday considers the full cost of flights, accommodation, food and transport. When tickets become too expensive, it may choose another destination, shorten its stay or spend less with Sabah businesses.
The State Government’s efforts to attract visitors must therefore be matched by sufficient flights and competitive fares. Promotion creates interest; affordable access helps turn that interest into actual visits.
SICC has previously raised concerns about high airfares between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. In its August appeal, the Chamber highlighted the difficulties faced by families, students and businesses, and called for additional capacity, greater fare transparency and targeted travel assistance.
For Sabahans, air travel is often a necessity. Students need to return home during semester breaks, workers need to maintain family ties, and some patients must travel for medical care.
Small business owners also depend on flights to meet customers, attend training and explore new opportunities.
Unlike travel within Peninsular Malaysia, there is no road or rail alternative across the South China Sea.
Sudden fare increases can therefore place a heavy burden on people with limited choices, particularly those who cannot plan their journeys months in advance.
Better connectivity should also benefit Sabah beyond Kota Kinabalu. Attention to services through Sandakan and Tawau can help visitors reach wildlife attractions, coastal destinations and surrounding communities.
Convenient onward connections would encourage travellers to explore more of Sabah and spread their spending more widely.
Reliability matters alongside price. Frequent cancellations, inconvenient schedules or insufficient seats can make travel difficult even when promotional fares are available. Families and tour operators need confidence that the journeys they book can proceed as planned.
SICC recognises that airlines face substantial costs, including fuel, maintenance and aircraft operations. A lasting solution requires commercially sustainable services alongside reasonable access for passengers.
The Chamber urges airlines to plan additional capacity ahead of school holidays and major festivals, offer a meaningful number of affordable seats, and work with Sabah tourism operators on attractive travel packages during quieter periods.
It also calls on the relevant authorities to review assistance for eligible students and essential medical travellers, monitor fare trends, and help address operational constraints that limit additional services.
Closer cooperation between the State Government, federal authorities, airlines and the business community would help translate the Chief Minister’s call into measurable improvements.
The efforts of the Sabah Government under Hajiji deserve the aviation industry’s active participation.
Affordable and dependable flights will help more visitors discover Sabah, give local businesses greater opportunities and make it easier for Malaysian families to stay connected. – John Tambanan
Jothi said reasonable fares and dependable flights are essential to ensuring that the state’s development efforts bring greater benefits to local businesses and ordinary people.
