IT will take more than six months for the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) to merge operations with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Until then, both entities will operate as usual, pending discussions and moves to repeal certain legislation.

“Mavcom will operate as usual until we repeal the Act in Parliament and until the commission officially doesn’t exist.

“By the time it goes to Parliament, it will take another six months or more as we have to discuss the new structures,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the GTR Air Cargo Hub in Sepang today.

Loke was asked about a report by The Edge Markets earlier today that Mavcom and CAAM, the two agencies managing the country’s civil aviation, will be integrated.

Quoting sources, the report said consolidation would allow the authorities to better regulate the economic and technical aspects of the aviation industry.

Mavcom, which regulates economic and commercial affairs, was established on March 1, 2016 under the Mavcom Act 2015, while CAAM, which oversees technical and safety matters, was set up as an incorporated body under the CAAM Act 2017.

As for Mavcom not being consulted on the merger, Loke said there was no need to as it was a cabinet decision.

“Cabinet just made a decision yesterday. As you know I can’t reveal anything before the cabinet makes any decision.

“After we got the approval from the Cabinet, I directed my secretary-general to inform Mavcom. 

“So, how can I talk to Mavcom before getting approval?”

In a statement today, Mavcom executive chairman Nungsari Ahmad Radhi said it was disappointing that the Transport Ministry had suggested the merger without consulting the commission.

“I am disappointed that such a decision was made with seeming disdain and without consultation with us. It reflects poorly on those involved in this decision.

“We are all on the same side; we all have the same concerns about the state and development of the industry in Malaysia, the health of aviation service providers, consumer welfare and investor confidence. There is also the urgent issue of CAAM’s downgrade that needs to be addressed together,” Nungsari said.

Loke said the ministry will form a committee to look into various issues such as welfare and positions of the staff members. 

“The welfare of all 59 staff members will be taken care of. It will take time in terms of consultation and discussions before the merger is done.” – December 12, 2019.