KOTA KINABALU, Sept. 3 -- The government should consider targeted assistance or subsidies to address rising airfares and fuel costs that could undermine Sabah's tourism competitiveness ahead of Visit Sabah 2027, said former Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah chairman Mohd Azlan Saleh Abd Salam.

He said high travel costs could prompt tourists to choose other destinations in the region offering more competitive prices, particularly as Sabah prepares to ramp up its tourism promotion.

"Based on indicative checks, the basic economy-class return fare from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is around RM471, while Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta is around RM487.

"This small difference is causing consumers to start comparing destinat...