LOW-cost carrier AirAsia will begin imposing a mandatory carbon fee on all passengers starting Jan 1, 2025, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
This would mark a significant step in ensuring greater accountability and transparency in the aviation industry as Malaysia takes measures to combat carbon emissions, he said.
Loke also said that airlines were now also required to publish all-inclusive ticket prices in their advertisements, which must incorporate any carbon fees or charges imposed on passengers.
Moreover, he said airlines must disclose the final ticket price, inclusive of all fees and charges, before a customer completes the purchase.
To ensure transparency, Loke said the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) would require airlines to submit reports on carbon fee collection and usage.
Malaysia Airlines has been implementing a voluntary carbon-fee programme since June 2023.
However, no other airlines have confirmed plans to introduce a mandatory carbon fee, he told Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut) in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Khairil had asked about recent amendments to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) and the status of carbon fee collections introduced earlier this year.
Loke said the MACPC, which came into effect on Sept 1, 2024, had been strengthened to provide better protection for consumers, including the imposition of carbon levies.
Among others, the amendments stipulated that airlines were obliged to refund fuel surcharges, taxes, fees and government-imposed charges, including carbon fees, when applicable, he added.
