Anthony Loke: East Malaysia Flight Fare Reduction & Digitalization To Curb "Kopi-O" License

In an interview with The Rocket recently, Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke affirmed that he will lead a discussion with airline operators to look at ways in bringing down airfares for domestic flights in order for East Malaysians to return home during the festive season.

Anthony Loke said that he remembers this promise he made to the folks in Sibu when he was campaigning there, and he will work on it in time for the coming Chinese New Year celebrations.

Loke, when he was the transport minister during his last stint had actually managed to make arrangements with airline operators to address this similar issue by convincing airline operators to add extra midnight flights. This however was not continued by his predecessor which took the stand that the government would not intervene in the setting of domestic flight prices. Wee just advised passengers to make earlier booking to avoid these price hikes.

On another note, Loke too pledged that he will be in the forefront to push for the digitalisation of the government service delivery systems under the Ministry Of Transport. The main aspect the ministry would be eyeing at would be with regards to driving test, renewal of road tax and driving license.

According to Loke, "The driving test, in particular, I want to make the entire process transparent and digitalised, and reject the culture of ‘pau’. I hope it will be more transparent, more credible, and give young people more confidence," he said. ‘Pau’ is basically the practice of illegally “buying” their license (also termed “kopi-o license”) through the practice of bribery. 

(Source: MalaysiaKini)