RM2,000 tickets and tough choices: Soaring airfares cast shadow over Gawai reunions for outstation Sarawakians

KUCHING, May 29 — Gawai Dayak is taking on a more bittersweet meaning this year for Sarawakians living outside the state, as rising travel costs, work commitments and financial constraints force many to weigh the dream of going home against practicality.

For working adults such as Rossey La, 25, Sennia Rinna, 27, and Marieo Jimbai, 33, returning home remains a cherished tradition despite expensive festive airfares.

Rossey, a cashier in Johor Bahru, said she still prioritises celebrating Gawai with her family even though ticket prices can be a financial strain.

“However, I cannot deny that airfare prices significantly affect our decision to travel back home during Gawai,” she said.

Sennia, who works in the medical field in peninsular Malaysia for 15 years, said annual reunions make the journey home worthwhile.

“I usually only return to Sarawak once a year, so I always make time to come home for Gawai,” she said.

Marieo, an engineer based in Kedah, noted that domestic flight prices can sometimes exceed even international fares, but still chose to return for the festival.

“Gawai is the only time when all my family members can gather and enjoy each other’s company,” he said.

However, for many students and those still building financial stability, celebrating Gawai at home is not always possible.

Ryan Segal, 24, currently studying in Johor, said he has not returned home for Gawai since 2017 due to financial limitations.

“In my case, I choose not to go back primarily because of financial constraints. My mother is the sole breadwinner, so I do not want to burden her,” he said.

He expressed hope that AirBorneo would help improve affordability for festive travel between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.

Outstation Sarawakians (top left to right) Rossey La, Sennia Rinna, (bottom left to right) Ryan Segal, Marieo Jimbai, say going home during festive seasons is getting harder due to rising flight costs. — The Borneo Post pics

Students Vanessa Eva Ulau Edward, 25, and Natalie Olivia Nam, 20, studying in Selangor and Johor respectively, said rising airfares often determine whether they can return home.

“As I am still a student, I have to manage my budget carefully. Even if we do have the money, I do not think it is worth paying such expensive prices just to go home,” Vanessa said.

Natalie, however, said she is still considering returning home despite ticket prices reportedly reaching up to RM2,000 during peak periods.

“It is super pricey especially for students,” she said, adding that Gawai holds deep cultural meaning and family connection.

For Chrissie Brenda Bit, who has studied in Kuala Lumpur for nearly four years, this year marks a long-awaited return home.

After missing three consecutive Gawai celebrations, she said saving up for airfare was the only way to make the trip possible.

“Flight ticket prices have been increasing year by year and it has become a huge challenge for students,” she said, adding that lower fares during festive seasons would help more people return home more often.

The rising cost of air travel remains a long-standing concern for Sarawakians working or studying outside the state, particularly during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak and Christmas.

Current fares on key routes such as Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Sibu, and Miri reportedly range from RM600 to as high as RM1,500 during peak demand.

While some will reunite with loved ones this Gawai, others will celebrate from afar, holding onto the hope that returning home one day will be more affordable. — The Borneo Post