THE Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has told MYAirline  to pay back customers affected by the airline’s suspension.

In a statement, the Macvom said it stands firm that MYAirline is still liable to refund consumers who have purchased tickets with the airline but are unable to travel.

“Mavcom has instructed MYAirline to immediately manage affected consumers which include amongst others, notifying them of the suspension, and publishing the said notification in the airline’s available communication channels,” it said in the statement.

It urged customers to call MYAirline so it could assist those affected by the airline’s suspension this morning.

“Mavcom urges affected consumers who have made bookings with MYAirline for flights on 12 October 2023 onwards, to contact the airline’s dedicated complaint channel for questions and assistance with regards to their booking: [email protected].”

It said Mavcom’s dedicated channels are also in place to assist all affected consumers. Customers within Malaysia could call their 1800-18-6966 hotline and those overseas could call +603-7651 2777. They could also email [email protected] or file a complaint on the FlySmart at https://flysmart.my/make-a-complaint. 

In an early morning statement, MYAirline Sdn Bhd said effective today, it was suspending operations until further notice as its financial pressures mounted.  

The low-cost airline said it had come to this “extremely painful decision” because of financial pressures that made it necessary to suspend operations pending shareholder restructuring and recapitalisation.

“We deeply regret and apologise for having to make this decision as we understand the impact it will have on our loyal passengers, dedicated employees, and partners,” read the statement from the board of directors.

Meanwhile, Mavcom has notified MYAirline to discontinue all booking of flights until further notice.  

“Mavcom is in close communication with MYAirline in addressing this issue. Mavcom is currently investigating the airline based on internal reviews and complaints received regarding the airline’s unpaid statutory payments to its employees, amongst others.”

“Mavcom will provide further developments with regard to MYAirline’s operations in due course,” it added.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said MYAirline must inform the Malaysian Aviation Commission of its problems before the agency could render aid.

It was reported that the low-cost carrier was close to securing a new investor in Abang Abdillah Izzarim Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari, the son of the Sarawak premier.

This came after the airline’s chief executive officer Rayner Teo tendered his resignation last week, citing health reasons. – October 12, 2023.