SEPANG: Local airlines need to take the initiative and tackle the issue of flight shortage to popular destinations during peak season, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister called on airlines to emulate efforts made by Batik Air, which just commenced an extra flight daily to Sibu during the Chinese New Year period.

The airline added an extra flight to Sibu daily from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from Feb 6 to 9.

Loke added that fares were capped at RM399, which he also praised as a step towards stable flight ticket prices.

"Batik Air's dedication to addressing the issue is commendable and should be emulated by other airlines.

"Doing so will help stabilise flight ticket prices, especially during peak season, for the benefit of the people," he said, after a sending-off ceremony for passengers of Batik Air's new flight on Wednesday (Feb 7) where passengers were greeted by a lion dance at the terminal just before boarding their plane.

Loke also handed each passenger a goodie bag courtesy of Batik Air.

He also gave an update on the Bill for the proposed merger between the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), which he expects to be tabled in the second session of Parliament later this year.

"The plan is to table it in the second session and at the latest in the third session," he said.

Parliament's second session is expected to start on June 24 and end on July 18, while its third session is expected to last from October to December.

Loke also announced the Transport Ministry's plans to increase road enforcement to address the issue of overloaded vehicles that endanger other motorists and damage roads.