Suasa Airlines fined RM380,000 after guilty plea

Mavcom executive chairman Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad said airlines must complywith the laws and regulations, which is a fundamental requirement for participation in the industry.

KUALA LUMPUR: Suasa Airlines Sdn Bhd pleaded guilty at Sepang Sessions Court on Monday to operating without a valid air service permit. It was fined RM380,000. 

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) said Suasa Airlines pleaded guilty to the charge of carrying passengers for hire or reward on a non-scheduled journey between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi without a valid permit. 

The offence was committed under section 36 of the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 (Act 771) .

Mavcom said on July 22, 2016, it had rejected Suasa Airlines’ application to operate a non-scheduled commercial flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi as it did not possess a valid permit.

However, on the same day, Suasa Airlines continued to operate this flight as a “demonstration flight”. 

Mavcom then launched a probe into the matter and the matter was brought up to the Attorney General’s Chambers. 

Matters relating to the issuance, suspension and revocation of an Air Service Licence and permit come within the scope of responsibility of Mavcom since its establishment on March 1, 2016. 

Hence, airlines without a valid licence or permit cannot undertake a commercial air service operation in Malaysia. An airline must have a licence and permit issued by Mavcom and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by the Department of Civil Aviation.

Mohamad Abazafree Mohd Abbas, head of general crimes and public order unit together with Afzainizam Abdul Aziz prosecuted.

Mavcom executive chairman Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad said airlines must comply with the laws and regulations, which is a fundamental requirement for participation in the industry. 

“It is necessary for airlines to have all regulatory approvals in place before operations, as required not only by Malaysian laws but according to international standards and practices. 

“Stringent steps taken by the Commission is ultimately to safeguard consumers, and therefore the commission is firm in its standing and will take actions on offenders that do not comply with the industry laws and regulations,” he said.