LOCAL travellers will feel the pinch from the increase in the passenger service charge (PSC), which will be implemented from January 1 next year.

Nur Hanis Tengku Mohd Zahid voiced concern that the increment from RM50 to RM73 for all international destinations from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) was too much.

“I do not agree because an increase of RM23 is a lot,” she said, adding that it would definitely affect her as she travels abroad at least once every three months.

“Maybe I will not cut down on travelling but it (the charge) is still a burden,” said the 26-year-old.

Dayang Nursyaza Fazlin Awang Kederi, 22, said the price hike would affect students studying abroad.

“Students will have to spend more. The economy isn’t doing great now and prices of goods are also increasing.

“Therefore, for me, the increase in the airport charge will be a burden, as well as for low-income families,” she said.

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) is reviewing the PSC to equalise the charges at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and klia2.

As of January 1 next year, the PSC for all international destinations from any Malaysian airport will be RM73. It is currently RM50 for non-Asean international destinations from klia2 and RM73 from other airports.

Another local, who only wanted to be known as Ahmad, disagreed with the increase in charges as it would greatly impact Malaysians.

The 50-year-old government servant also said that prices for tickets to local destinations were already so high.

“I might cut down on travelling abroad if it’s just for leisure,” he said when asked if he would travel less due to the hike.

Student Haziq Shahril said he will think twice about making plans to travel out of the country.

“Travellers have their own budget but the increase in charges will affect their (overall) budget. This will be a burden,” said the 20-year-old.

On Wednesday, Mavcom said that when klia2 opened, it imposed the same PSC rates as the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), which was unsustainable, given the cost of operating and maintaining a more advanced airport.

On January 1 this year, the PSC rates for international destinations had increased from RM65 to RM73 at KLIA and other airports and from RM32 to RM50 at klia2.

AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes had said that the new PSC rates would make it difficult for people to travel.  

Meanwhile, DAP lawmaker Tony Pua said the increase was a bailout for debt-ridden Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). – December 22, 2017.