MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd is happy to address the Employees’ Provident Fund’s concerns on its spat with AirAsia over the passenger service charge (PSC), following the fund’s statement that it has yet to hear from MAHB over the dispute with the low-cost carrier.

“It is our normal practice to inform all our shareholders through the Bursa (Malaysia) announcement of any material matter, such as the PSC suit filed on AirAsia as well as its counterclaims notice,” the airport operator said in a statement today.

“We are continuously engaging with all our key shareholders and will be happy to address EPF’s concerns and clarify the matters with them accordingly.”

Yesterday, EPF chief executive Tunku Alizakri Alias said the fund is still waiting for MAHB to respond to its letter of concern regarding the ongoing spat  between the two. EPF is a major shareholder of MAHB and AirAsia, holding more than 10% and 5% of the companies respectively.

AirAsia has already responded to the letter and has set a date for a meeting to discuss the matter soon.

AirAsia is collecting RM50 from passengers departing from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, although the rates have been revised to RM73.

As such, MAHB sued AirAsia Group and AirAsia X for PSC arrears of RM9.4 million and RM26.72 million respectively, and the case is now in court.

MAHB said the due process should be allowed to take its course for the courts to clarify the PSC’s implementation, noting that the PSC is a statutory rate fixed by the government and published via the gazette as it affects the nation’s aviation industry.

“It is imperative to establish clarity on the implementation of the gazetted PSC, the roles and responsibilities of the airlines and airports, as well as the rights of the parties involved. 

“These are matters of law that the court needs to decide to put the matters to rest, in order for the aviation industry to operate efficiently and competitively, and in compliance with all international aviation standards and regulations,” MAHB said.

AirAsia and AirAsia X have filed a counter-claim seeking more than RM400 million for losses and damages arising from operational disruptions at klia2. – February 19, 2019.