SEPANG, Sept 3 — The Transport Ministry will seek the cooperation of other airlines to maintain or increase their flight frequencies.
This came after an announcement by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) that it will reduce its number of flights and routes between now and December.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said MAG’s move was necessary for the firm to address its technical issues.
“It is a drastic measure by MAG. It is not something they want to do, but due to numerous technical issues, they had to take this step to reduce flights in the coming months so they can ensure the aircraft are sent for maintenance and other necessary procedures.
“We also expect the arrival of new aircraft within the next one or two months.
“This (reduction of the flight network) is only a temporary measure, it is not permanent,” he told the media after opening Capsule Transit MAX here today.
Loke said the public can still buy flight tickets from airlines such as AirAsia and Batik Air.
Previously, MAG managing director Datuk Izham Ismail reportedly said MAG is planning to reduce its flights and routes between now and December due to recent disruptions in their services, which affected Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal services during the week of August 19.
The measures are being taken to implement corrective measures.
He acknowledged MAG had experienced attrition of its skilled workforce as new maintenance, repair and overhaul industry competitors, both local and international, entered local markets.
“To address this, we are collaborating with our partners to augment our manpower and increase our skilled engineering workforce, while improving our remuneration packages to sustain a strong talent pipeline for MAG,” he said.
Aware of frustration among MAG’s customers, Izham assured MAG will compensate affected customers with flight reallocations and full refunds without any penalties.
Meanwhile, Loke said the Cabinet in a meeting today agreed to maintain the RM599 ceiling price for flight tickets between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak during festive seasons.
“We will set the ceiling price at RM599, as previously implemented, so the government will subsidise any amount exceeding this to the airlines.
“This is one of the measures we are taking to assist the people of Sabah and Sarawak and ease their burden,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of Capsule Transit MAX here today.
Loke also said the Cabinet decided to make the FLYsiswa programme, which provides a RM300 voucher to eligible higher learning institution students to buy domestic flight tickets between the peninsula, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, an annual initiative.
“Every year, we will provide this assistance at the federal government level, and the Sabah and Sarawak governments will also help their students. This initiative will help reduce burdens, especially for students,” he said.
Meanwhile, Loke said the opening of Capsule Transit MAX, a premium hotel at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, aligns with Malaysia’s efforts to welcome tourists and travellers to the country.
Capsule Transit MAX offers five-star facilities, featuring 46 premium beds, a lounge, a spa, and a gym.
— Bernama
