KOTA KINABALU: Give Sabahans in Peninsular Malaysia a flat “to and fro” flight rate of RM300 to return home to cast their votes in the Nov 29 state election.
This is a plea by Sabahans in the peninsula who are finding it too costly, based on current rates, to return home to fulfil their obligation as registered voters.
Social platform movement Vote Wisely coordinator Angie S. Chin said many Sabahans want to return to vote.
Suggestions are that airlines offer a flat return rate of RM300 or the government provides a subsidy for Sabahans to return.
In late October, two airlines offered cheaper airfare – between RM299 and RM309 for Sabahans to travel back to vote.
The flight tickets are valid only for a one-way trip between Oct 30 and Nov 30.
“AirAsia offered RM299 for a one-way Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu flight. However, the return flight is subject to market price, which could cost more than RM350.
“It is just too expensive for most of us,” said Chin, who is based in Kuala Lumpur and has been campaigning for postal voting for Sabahans based in Peninsular Malaysia.
She said Sabahans flying back for the election should be given a special rate.
“Based on interviews with Sabahan students, as well as those working in factories, restaurants or markets in the peninsula, they want to go home to vote but find it too expensive to spend RM600 or more for an overnight trip,” Chin said, adding that Sabahans usually spend such an amount only during festive seasons.
Meanwhile, a few Sabahans working in Peninsular Malaysia said they are sitting out of the polls when interviewed by The Star.
For communications specialist Joey S, 44, the cost and logistics of travelling with a family of five make voting in person nearly impossible.
“I don’t plan to return, as it would be too costly,” he said.
“Both my wife and I are from Sabah, so we don’t have any family here to help with the kids if either of us is away.”
Joey called for fixed election dates, saying unpredictable election timelines made planning difficult.
Daniel Ong, 24, who works in marketing, said the state election is right in the middle of his industry’s busiest period.
“Initially, I planned to return to Sabah to vote. But the end of November is our peak period due to Black Friday,” he said.
Mark Sim, 23, a product delivery planner, said he would like to vote but simply cannot commit due to work and financial constraints.
He added that tight deadlines, high travel costs, and short notice made a trip home unfeasible.
