— James Chin
The Malaysian Insider
Oct 28, 2011
OCT 28 — When it was announced that AirAsia had bought a stake in Malaysia Airlines, many people in east Malaysia were worried that the competition between Firefly and AirAsia would cease and fares would go up. But this was what was reported on October 18 “End of the road for Firefly’s jet service” (TMI, October 18): “… Fernandes however said that AirAsia will not increase fares following the strategic collaboration…”
I come from Sarawak and rely on the competition to give me the best fare and service. My last two trips with my children to Sarawak to see their grandparents were on Firefly because it had the best deal with a return trip for two adults and two children at under RM600. As a bonus, you get to use the aerobridge on Firefly flights.
Now when you cannot even book on Firefly anymore because it no longer does the KLIA-Kuching route, you have to book AirAsia.
The cheapest fare I could find on AirAsia for my family over the new year period was RM1,100.
It is very clear that AirAsia “killed” Firefly and monopolised the east Malaysian routes. As a monopoly, the fares can only go up and this is exactly what is happening now. So much for Tony’s assurances.
This is the same guy who makes it so difficult for you not to buy insurance — you actually have to click three times just to say no to AirAsia insurance!
I can only tell all east Malaysians that you know what to do with your vote in the coming general election. You know who is responsible for this sorry state of affairs.
In this country, the corporate boys win over the guys on the street. The government does not care.
The only way is to punish them via the ballot box. There is no other way.