THE Transport Ministry and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) only learnt last night that MYAirline Sdn Bhd would suspend its operations today.

Minister Anthony Loke said he was surprised by the matter and disappointed by the airline’s irresponsible action, which has damaged the country’s reputation as international passengers were also affected.

“Mavcom was caught completely off guard. (MYAirline) did not even officially inform Mavcom. I checked with Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim. As the executive chairman of Mavcom, he was not informed by MYAirline until we enquired and it confirmed the suspension took effect at 6am this morning,” he told a press conference at Parliament today.

MYAirline Sdn Bhd, in a statement early today, said its operations have been suspended until further notice due to immense financial pressure.

Loke said the move – the first in the country – affected up to 125,000 passengers, with a ticket sales value of more than RM20 million as the carrier had sold tickets until next March.

He said MYAirline must publicly apologise to all affected passengers, including those who were stuck at the airport today as they were not informed in advance of the suspension.

Loke said his ministry directed Mavcom to set up a special committee to look into the matter and liaise with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to ensure all affected passengers receive refunds.

“MYAirline has assured Mavcom it will honour its obligations to the passengers and reimburse them as soon as it has financiers.

“We understand many passengers bought the tickets using credit cards. We are looking into cooperating with BNM to see if it can issue the refunds as soon as possible,” Loke said.

MYAirline, which has only been operating for 10 months, operated eight aircraft and has about 900 employees, flying from KLIA Terminal 2 to eight domestic destinations (Penang, Kota Bharu, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Sibu, Tawau, Kuching and Miri) and one international destination (Bangkok).

Loke thanked Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Batik Air and AirAsia for offering discounted fares to passengers who sought alternative flights.

Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd would assist passengers by providing special counters and waiting areas and by issuing meal vouchers, he said.

Mavcom had approved the issuance of an Air Service Licence to MYAirline for a period of 12 months effective November 15, 2022. – Bernama, October 12, 2023.