Liow: DCA’s proposed fee hike yet to be finalised

PUTRAJAYA: The proposed increase in fees charged by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) on airlines operating out of Malaysia has yet to be finalised, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pic).

He said he had ordered DCA to engage with all stakeholders concerned to get their feedback before a decision was made.

Liow said the engagements had started, citing one dialogue which was attended by hundreds of representatives from the industries involved.

“The ministry will study all the feedback before we make a decision.

“Nothing has been finalised yet,” he said here yesterday.

A report in StarBiz on Wednesday claimed that airlines operating out of Malaysia would be expected to pay up to 10 times more in fees charged by the DCA effective April 15.

According to the report, the increase in fees for everything, from the usage of airspace, air traffic facilities and other services to the air operator’s certificate and the pilot’s flight licence, would see a big increase under a review of fees and charges made by DCA after 40 years.

Meanwhile, in JOHOR BARU, Liow, also the MCA president, said the party would start mobilising its machinery nationwide to prepare for the next general election and to win back the Chinese votes.

He said MCA central leaders would be meeting all state leaders soon to discuss the party’s strategy for the election.

“We want to reach out to the Chinese community, especially firsttime voters, and help them register as voters,” he told reporters after attending a closed-door meeting with the Johor MCA liaison committee yesterday.

Also at the meeting was MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is Johor MCA chairman.

Liow said it was important for the party to explain the work it had done to benefit the Chinese community economically and socially.

On April 23, the party will launch its national Jom! Gerak @ Karnival Teguh Bersama (Let’s Go @ Stronger Together Carnival) in Malacca.

Liow said the carnival would act as a platform for the party to attract the Chinese community, especially the youth, to participate in national economic development through the many government initiatives and programmes.

“We hope the carnival will give the young people a better insight into the opportunities available for them, such as those in the tourism sector and agro-based industries,” he said.