Outlaw, don't even bother applying for the DHC6 fleet unless you have a passion for real hands on flying. Cowboy style. In the real world these days, light turboprop time is basically worthless anyway to jet operating airlines (includg MAS) but flying the Otter does improve your manipulative skills and increases your appreciation for weather and terrain! MAS management has basically forgotten it has the TwinOtter under its wings. Guys have been slogging it there for almost 5years now with no signs of promotion to mainfleet ie F50 and above, and direct entry pilots to the upper fleet bypass you in senority everytime! It is a comfy life though with mostly daily flights and the occasional nitestop within Borneo. MAS currently operates 5 aircrafts with crew flying 6-7 sectors perday. DHC pilots are on a diff payscale and earn diff benefits then their other counterparts flying heavier aircraft. Nobody understands the biasness. And MAS wonders why nobody applies for the TwinOtter! Perhaps if they did treat everyone fairly and just, things would be different. Kudos to the management of MAS.
I dont see the relevence of ticket price.... but all tickets are heavily subsidised by the govt.
As for the MESPA test, the results don't really make a difference. If they want you, they'll accept you no matter what. I've seen idiots get accepted. Its basically a reason to fail your entry into MAS if need be.
If the grass is greener elsewhere, why stay and eat hay? Same job, lousy benefits. Like a genius said, it isn't the pull of the $USD, middle eastern carriers are offering that is making pilots in MAS leave, its the push factor within MAS. Lousy management and lousy benefits. Syabas MAS!