KUCHING, Dec. 12 -- Negative reactions to AirBorneo's newly-announced launch fares have been called premature as the airline has yet to begin operations.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed that ticket prices must remain sustainable for the airline to operate.

"The planes have not even taken off yet and people are already complaining. Give it a chance," he told a press conference here.

He was responding to complaints from travellers and industry players, who felt the fares were too high and needed reviewing to better support domestic mobility and tourism growth.

Abdul Karim emphasised that fare-setting in the aviation industry involves multiple considerations and cannot...