PROBE INTO AIRLINES WITH HIDDEN CHARGES
Mavcom to look into matter, says Loke
THE Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has been tasked to check on airlines operators that impose hidden charges on passengers, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said yesterday.
He said Mavcom would look into the matter, adding that passengers should not be made to pay for hidden charges.
“If such claims are true, we will take action,” he said.
Loke said in line with Mavcom’s aim to ensure the protection of consumer rights, the commission had introduced the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) in July 2016.
“As a result, consumers enjoy increased protection and rights to compensation and care before and after flights.”
He said Mavcom had resolved 99.3 per cent of the 3,504 complaints received since its establishment, with most related to refunds, mishandling of baggage and flight delays.
Loke said this at the launch of FlySmart, a consumer-centric initiative by Mavcom to provide a platform for consumers to obtain information and learn about their rights.
On calls to abolish Mavcom, he said the commission would continue its operations.
On complaints of mistreatment by Mavcom from certain airlines, Loke said airline operators must comply with the regulations.
“If the said airlines feel they have been unfairly treated, it is up to them to take the next course of action.”
It was reported that Eaglexpress Air Charter Sdn Bhd president Captain Azlan Zainal Abidin and Suasa Airlines Sdn Bhd managing director Captain Sheikh Salleh Abod have called for the commission to be abolished.
They suggested that Mavcom’s duties be taken over by theCivil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), which, they said, had helmed the responsibilities “efficiently” and cost-effectively before Mavcom came along.
On the report of a possible third airport, dubbed LCCT2, Loke said the idea had been forwarded to the previous government.
“Under the current government, there is no such study. So, they have to re-submit (the proposal). Any fresh proposal will be studied.”
The idea of a new airport, the third after the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and klia2, was first announced by then deputy transport minister Datuk Abd Aziz Kaprawi in 2015.
It was reported that the proposed new airport in Sepang would be used for budget airlines, while klia2, the current low-cost terminal, would serve as a premium terminal.
Loke reiterated the government’s stand that it would not ban e-hailing services, despite calls from taxi driver groups.
He said the government was committed to ensuring there was a “level-playing field” for both sides, and that e-hailing services would be regulated.
“We will enforce the amendments made in the laws (which have been passed in Parliament) to regulate e-hailing operators.
“There will be no new amendments. We want to enforce what has been amended.”