SEPANG: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) monitors airport operators to ensure that facilities are up to par, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the commission had a set of criteria in terms of airport facilities and maintenance, adding that operators, which collect the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) – had to meet them.
“They (airport operators) are subject to Mavcom. If they are not up to the mark, Mavcom will come after them,” he told a press conference after attending the signing of a new operating agreement between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the government yesterday.
Loke had been asked about the assurances that airport operators could give in terms of facilities from the revenue generated through the PSC, which was revised on March 13.
He said there was no “real” increase in the PSC. Instead, he said, the rates for Asean nations and international destinations have now been standardised. Before this, there was a lower rate for destinations within Asean.
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The PSC – previously known as airport tax, for all international travel, including within Asean, is now RM73 at KLIA and RM50 at KLIA2 and other airports. The domestic departure PSC remains at RM11 at all airports except Senai International Airport.
The rates are effective June 1 to Dec 31, 2026.
Currently, the rate for Asean is RM35, while for travel beyond Asean is RM73.
Loke said PSC was the main revenue stream for operators to maintain and manage airports.
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“Developing an airport requires funds to pay bills, wages and the whole airport ecosystem. The cost is high and there has to be revenue for the operators,” he said.
Earlier, he witnessed the signing of an agreement between MAHB and the government, allowing the former to continue handling the 39 airports under its purview for another 45 years until 2069.
“Through this new agreement, the government will continue allowing MAHB to operate, manage, maintain and develop 39 airports and short take-off and landing ports (STOLports),” he said in his speech.
Of the 39, five are international airports, 17 are domestic airports and 17 are STOLports.
Loke said MAHB now has the flexibility to invest in terms of capacity building and upgrading airports.
“One of the biggest challenges faced in developing airport networks was the lack of development allocations from the government,” he said, adding that there were smaller airports that needed periodic upgrades.
