Suspended carrier faces RM200k fine if it does not refund flights

KUALA LUMPUR: MYAirline Sdn Bhd faces a minimum fine of RM200,000 if it fails to refund its passengers with unfulfilled tickets within 30 days.

According to paragraph 12 of the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC), all affected passengers should be refunded the full amount, including taxes and fees, for trips that did not materialise within 30 days, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said.

The company will also have to fork out about RM20mil in refunds by the end of the year to passengers who had bought tickets, but the 30-day limit is likely to see it being hit with the fine as well.

“We are discussing with Bank Negara Malaysia to see how purchases done via credit card or debit card and even cash can be claimed if they have receipts,” Hasbi said in a Special Chambers session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the priority was ensuring consumers’ right to refunds.

“The company is reminded that it has responsibilities in two aspects – passengers and employees.

“What is most important right now is that we want to ensure that the rights of consumers are defended. They have the right to refunds.

“The welfare of MYAirline staff is also important, and must be looked after,” the Minister told reporters after witnessing the handover of Malaysia’s first electric lorry to Unilever Malaysia at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here yesterday.

Loke also said the authorities had decided to suspend the troubled low-cost carrier’s licence for now.

MYAirline recently had its air operator’s certificate (AOC) extended by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), allowing it to operate scheduled commercial flights for another two years.

The original AOC term expired on Sept 30 while its air service licence (ASL) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) will expire on Nov 14, 2023.