WE refer to statements made by the transport minister in an interview on the Malaysian Aviation Commission’s (Mavcom) role. The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) commends Mavcom for presenting its facts.
It is true that Mavcom is not the authority for the entire civil aviation industry, but is the independent economic regulator of the Malaysian civil aviation industry. Evidently this makes it one of the authorities for civil aviation in Malaysia and it is empowered by its own legislation.
CAP has always been for keeping Mavcom as an independent, autonomous agency answerable to Parliament to have a good check and balance in a growing industry that greatly impacts consumers.
We cannot stress this point enough to the public. CAP has also clearly stated this key point to the prime minister in a letter dated Dec 10, 2019. We have not yet received a response despite this being a crucial issue.
Let us assume that in the end the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) does take over Mavcom’s duties and Mavcom is disbanded. If CAAM cannot function independently, like Mavcom has been doing all this while, and is instead taking directives from the Transport Ministry then there will be no check and balance and it will only be one regulatory body calling all the shots.
The decision made by the Transport Ministry will affect all consumers in Malaysia who want to take flights in the near future. It was Mavcom that introduced aviation consumer rights and enforced them to protect consumers.
To date there is no word if this duty will be taken over by CAAM or if things are going to return to the way they were before when aviation consumers were given the run around when it came to settling disputes.
Mavcom has released a statement on their website clarifying matters. We believe the rakyat should read the statement for themselves.
Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers Association of Penang
