EMPLOYEES of MYAirline Sdn Bhd are still required to carry on working although the carrier has suspended its operations, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said.

The national umbrella body for unions said the employees’ status remained the same even after the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) suspended the carrier’s air service licence (ASL) on November 1.

MTUC secretary-general Kamarul Baharin said MYAirline employees have been told to continue working as they have yet to receive any termination letter from the company.

“MTUC has been informed that the workers are still required to work, some from home, because they have yet to get their termination letters,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He also said MTUC was now handling the matter, adding that workers have been advised not to issue any statements, fearing repercussions from the company.

In an email sighted by The Malaysian Insight, MYAirline stated that employees are still required to work from home, while those with specific tasks are needed on site.

Meanwhile, an employee who wished to be known as “Am”, told The Malaysian Insight that he has been struggling to make ends meet for his family following the MYAirline debacle.

He said he would lose his car next month if he is not able to make payment by the end of November.

“It is not only me facing this problem. Many others are facing similar troubles.

“If I am not able to pay my car loan by November, I would lose my car to the bank. On top of that, we are still required to work from home.

“I’m not too stressed about the car, but I am very concerned about my family. Yes, my wife is working, too, but I am the breadwinner. I cannot let my wife handle everything,” he said.

Another employee mirrored Am’s sentiment and expressed sympathy towards his other colleagues.

He said he has already submitted applications to work in other companies but has yet to receive replies.

“To consider myself lucky is inappropriate. Everyone is struggling. Like me, I have parents that I need to take care of. Others who are married, they have children, homes to pay and maybe bank loans.

“Not getting paid is a huge problem for us. That is why some have lodged police reports. Let’s see how things unfold in a week or two,” said the 29-year-old bachelor.

Yesterday, the Human Resources Ministry told MYAirline employees to contact the Labour Department about their outstanding wages.

Workers at the airline were left in a lurch after the sudden suspension of the air carrier on October 12.

The ministry said 123 of the airline’s workers had already filed claims at the Labour Department for their wages.

The ministry urged remaining staff to do the same. The carrier has almost 700 employees.

Mavcom on Wednesday suspended MYAirline’s ASL with immediate effect following the low-cost carrier’s failure to comply with its licensing conditions and its suspension of operations.

It said it had found the airline’s written representation unsatisfactory. 

About 117,000 passengers holding tickets with a total value of over RM22 million were affected by the carrier’s sudden suspension. – November 4, 2023.