Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) had approved three airlines – Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air – for the additional flights.

“Prior to this, we heard a number of grouses at Parliament, especially from Sabah and Sarawak, that flight tickets were expensive during festive seasons. As such, Mavcom has added these flights at the request of the airline companies.

“We hope the fares will be reduced and become more affordable with the additional flights,” he told a press conference at his ministry here yesterday.

Among the additional routes are Kuala Lumpur-Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Alor Setar and Langkawi.

Loke said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad would also increase its electric train services by six trips daily, involving an additional 19,800 seats.

He said the additional trains were for travel dates from June 12 to 14 and June 17 to 24.