Gani Patail: Mavcom needed as an independent agency to protect air travellers


PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) is needed as an independent body to protect consumers and passengers when their rights are violated, says Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

Abdul Gani, a former member of the steering committee for aviation commission, said Mavcom is an independent self-sustaining regulator that does not in any way have an impact on the cost incurred by the Government nor its size.

“Neither the Ministry of Transport (MoT) nor the Malaysia Competition Commission offer this service, hence it is erroneous to suggest that Mavcom is taking over both these entities' roles,” he said in a statement Saturday.

He said that he read with concern recent social media posts and articles in the media that seem to be levelling “targeted false accusations” at Mavcom.

“Today, travellers who fly can rest assured be it automatic add-ons by airlines, post-purchase price increase of tickets, flight delays or even damaged baggage, you can go to Mavcom with your complaints,” he added.

Abdul Gani said complaints have to be responded to within a set timeframe of seven days and resolved within 30 days.

There is no longer a need to rely on the mercy of commercial entities or being unsure of exactly when conflicts can be resolved, he said.

He expressed confidence that consumers who have engaged Mavcom with their grouses will attest to the importance of having an independent Commission to intercede on their behalf.

“For passengers to contribute RM1 only when departing from a Malaysian airport seems like a sound investment for peace of mind.

“Moreover, passengers using the Rural Air Services (RAS) in Sabah and Sarawak are exempted from this charge.

“I cannot emphasise enough the need for Mavcom,” said Abdul Gani.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Johor polls: 50ha of Bandar Malaysia to be gazetted as Malay reserve land, says Anwar
Johor polls: Ex-Umno man Puad shows up at Pakatan event
Johor polls: Anwar wants to be remembered as a PM loved by all
Termites to blame for tree fall that damaged two houses in Penang, say residents
Johor polls: Don't listen to anti-Chinese rhetoric, Anwar urges youths
Comms ministry assessing social media platforms' compliance with Online Safety Act
Pakatan manifesto launched at the right time, says Fahmi
Malaysian nabbed in Macau with RM2mil worth of heroin
Music and food enliven George Town Heritage Celebrations
Malaysia continues to face an onslaught of racist politics, says Anwar

Others Also Read