Increased flights for Raya rush

PUTRAJAYA: As a gift to those celebrating Hari Raya and those who want to enjoy holidays with their loved ones, the Transport Ministry announced an additional 458 flights during the upcoming travel rush.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it hopes to reduce the burden of those travelling with these additional flights that can accommodate a total of 140,264 passengers.
"Carriers involved in this initiative include Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Malindo and Firefly," he told a press conference today.
He said the promotion is available for those travelling by AirAsia between June 12 and 19.
He added that the additional flights will be available throughout Malaysia, and for those travelling to neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Vietnam.
Loke said the travelling the public will also enjoy a 50% discount on tolls nationwide for two days before Hari Raya.
He urged those using the highways to plan ahead and not rush home.
He said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will also be increasing the frequency of its interstate Electric Train Service by six trips, from 36 to 42 trips daily.
On the abolished Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), Loke said a new agency, the Public Transportation Agency, will take over its duties and will be in charge of planning and development of public transport, while enforcement and approval of licences and permits will be handled by the Road Transport Department.
"The agency will have a director-general instead of commissioner, a post most likely to be filled by the current SPAD chief executive," Loke said, adding that SPAD's CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah will be nominated for the new position, while enforcement officers from SPAD will be integrated into RTD.
He added that it would be business as usual at SPAD until the three laws which affect its integration to the ministry is tabled in the next parliamentary sitting.
He said the three laws were the Land Public Transport Commission Act, which will be abolished, the Public Land Transport Act, which will be amended to cater for the integration and the Road Transport Act, which will be amended to give power to the RTD.