THE Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) is angry at the handling of a proposal to merge its operations with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

In a statement today, executive chairman Nungsari Ahmad Radhi said Mavcom was told that the Transport Ministry had suggested the integration.

“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.”

The Edge Markets earlier today reported that Mavcom and CAAM, the two agencies managing the country’s civil aviation, will be integrated.

It quoted a source as saying the move is to empower CAAM by consolidating both authorities to regulate the economic and technical aspects of the 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.

Previously, CAAM was known as the Civil Aviation Department under the ministry.

Nungsari Ahmad said the merger means the disbanding of Mavcom and scrapping of its act.

He said he will now focus on two things: looking after staff’s welfare and handing over the agency’s statutory role responsibly.

“I will work with the commissioners to put into effect a proper transition for the staff, and upon doing that, we will hand over all statutory roles and responsibilities to the Transport Ministry.

“They can then affect their decision. In the meantime, we will continue to perform our role as stated in the act.” – December 12, 2019.