Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Ashadiya

Three Melaka transport companies, alleged of profi

Ashadiya — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 20:13:49 +0800

Three Melaka transport companies, alleged of profiteering, to be charged in court

Sunday, 16 Jun 2024 2:56 PM MYT
MELAKA, June 16 — Three transport companies in Melaka that failed to provide a reasonable explanation for their service price increases during Op Kesan 2.0, which has been in effect since June 6, will be charged in court next week.

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Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Melaka director, Norena Jaafar said that written notices under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011 were issued to the three companies, but they failed to respond within the stipulated time frame.

“Preliminary investigations found that the three transport companies had been approved for ‘fleet card’ application under the Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 (SKDS 2.0).

“These companies are among 41 SKDS 2.0 beneficiaries inspected to detect any unreasonable service charge or price increases,” she told reporters at the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) Pasar Besar today.

She said this after an Op Kesan 2.0 inspection in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha, which was also attended by State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee deputy chairman, Datuk Zaidi Attan.

Norena further explained that Melaka KPDN will continue to intensify inspections on SKDS beneficiaries throughout the state in stages to curb unreasonable price increases for services or goods.

She said that every day, five teams comprising 17 enforcement officers will be deployed to inspect the companies involved, and written notices under Section 21 of AKHAP 2011 will be issued if they are found to have committed related offences.

The public with information regarding price increases of goods or services involving SKDS beneficiaries can report it to KPDN at 012-6654292 for further action. — Bernama

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...in-court/140013

wah, market is heating up

Ashadiya — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:46:56 +0800

https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2023/08/01...-from-rm255216/

RM255K

Retiree lost rm500k

Ashadiya — Sat, 13 May 2023 13:39:09 +0800

Retiree says Credit Suisse collapse cost him RM500,000

PETALING JAYA: A former manager who lost half a million ringgit in bonds invested with Credit Suisse Bank, which went bust recently, says he was not entirely aware of the level of risk involved when he bought the bonds last year.

The 71-year-old investor, who only wanted to be known as “John”, told FMT that he had purchased the bonds through a Malaysian bank.

The bonds were written off when Credit Suisse collapsed in March, after years of scandals, changes in the top management and multi-billion dollar losses.

It was thrown a lifeline by rival banking group UBS Group AG but while shareholders received compensation, the bonds were written off, leaving holders such as John out in the cold.

He said this was a departure from standard procedure where bondholders come ahead of shareholders.

John said the bank customer relationship manager who sold him the bonds told him that it was a low-risk income fund with expected gross annual returns of more than 6%.

He said the bank did not disclose any other information, such as the consequences if Credit Suisse were to collapse. However, he conceded that he also failed to conduct any research prior to purchasing the bonds.

John is now looking to enlist the help of a lawyer to recover his money.

He said that when Credit Suisse began to experience financial difficulties, he contacted two employees of the bank but they only gave him “textbook stereotype explanations”.

However, an employee of the bank, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said John had been regularly updated.

A source attached to the fund house that sold the bonds told FMT that the fund series purchased by John could not be diversified, so investors would lose everything.

Another source said that while the bonds that John purchased were low-risk, they would become “the riskiest bonds” if Credit Suisse defaulted on payments.

Last week, it was reported that Asian investors had joined a series of international lawsuits being filed against the Swiss government over its handling of the takeover of Credit Suisse.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...t-him-rm500000/

Blogger detained

Ashadiya — Sat, 13 May 2023 10:01:59 +0800

Blogger detained by MACC over graft probe involving RM41m project

PUTRAJAYA (May 12): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained a blogger on Thursday (May 11) to assist in the investigation of an allegation of corruption in an RM41 million project involving a ministry.

The man in his early 60s was arrested after giving his statements at the MACC headquarters here Thursday and is believed to have received a bribe of about RM1.3 million from an information technology (IT) company in 2020.

According to na MACC source, the bribe is believed to be a lobbying incentive to ensure the company succeeded in obtaining related contracts.

Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin issued a two-day remand order against the blogger starting Friday following MACC’s application at the Putrajaya Magistrate's Court.

MACC senior director of investigation Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim when contacted confirmed the arrest, adding the case was being investigated under Section 16 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/666801

Honda new 1.5L?

Ashadiya — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 23:22:09 +0800

Chairman resigned

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

Ktard Klcc gang

Ashadiya — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 11:29:33 +0800

So when d rest of ktard joining this event?

Anyone playing this game?

Ashadiya — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 18:02:37 +0800

[YOUTUBE]WNrz9_Fe-Us[/YOUTUBE]

im not an accountant, but ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

Pink form for a listed company soon!

Ashadiya — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 01:23:39 +0800

Invoke staff will get shares when company is listed, says Rafizi

PETALING JAYA: Invoke staff will be given shares when the company is listed on the stock exchange in the future, says Rafizi Ramli, founder of the data analytics firm.

The PKR deputy president said this would be just reward for the hard work put in by its youthful staff.

“The young staff members at Invoke have helped increase the company’s value to tens of millions (of ringgit) in two years. When Invoke is listed, they will all get shares,” he said in a Facebook post.

Last week, Rafizi, who is contesting the Pandan parliamentary seat in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15), declared RM16.74 million in investments, which included Invoke shares said to be worth RM16.7 million.

Bersatu Supreme Council member Abdul Latiff Ahmad then asked Rafizi to explain why there were only 14 shareholders in the company, including Rafizi himself, who is listed as the firm’s majority shareholder.

According to Latiff, Rafizi had in 2017 said that the company would allot shares to Invoke staff who, he said, “had sacrificed much” for the company.

Rafizi said the distribution of the shares was contingent on his staff proving themselves to be “smart, creative, hardworking, brave and honest”.

He pointed out that he employed 150 young people between the ages of 22 and 27, 70% of whom were Malay.

“Some 30% of them scored straight As in SPM and obtained first-class degrees from leading universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Cornell and UCL,” he said, adding that they had expertise in the field of technology, digital marketing and software engineering.

After Rafizi’s asset declaration last week, another Bersatu man, former Batu Pahat MP Rashid Hasnon, pointed out that Invoke was set up as a not-for-profit organisation and was not meant to enrich anyone.

He said statements on Rafizi’s website showed that Invoke could not use its profits for gain, meaning that it could not confer benefits on its shareholders.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...ed-says-rafizi/

If im bad, why you made me the bos?

Ashadiya — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 07:53:32 +0800

GE15: Why make me prime minister if I was so bad, Mahathir asks PKR

LANGKAWI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today hit out at PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli for pouring scorn on his leadership as prime minister during Pakatan Harapan's (PH) 22 months in power.

Describing the attack as an attempt to smear his image, the 97-year-old Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) chairman said he was elected as the PH prime minister after the 2018 general election, despite being criticised by the opposition parties during his first stint as prime minister.

"When he is competing against us, he smears our image. It is up to the people whether they want to believe them or reject people like Rafizi. For a second he supports one guy, the next second he supports the other guy.

"Since I am contesting (in the 15th General Election) he is attacking me. They used to make all sorts of allegations against me, accusing me of being a dictator, accusing me of cronyism.

"However, after I joined their party (PH), I was picked as the prime minister. If they believed that I was so bad, why they picked me then," he asked.

Dr Mahathir, who is defending the Langkawi seat, was responding to Rafizi's remarks recently that PH did not need to cooperate with the former premier to secure the support of Malay voters in the Nov 19 election.

Rafizi claimed that Dr Mahathir did not deliver the Malay votes to PH in the previous general election, which saw PH defeating Barisan Nasional (BN) which had been in power for six decades since the independence.

Rafizi was reported as saying the Malay supports for PH did not change several months after Dr Mahathir and his former party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) joined PH coalition in 2016.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said a meticulous vetting of the candidates has enabled Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) to offer clean personalities for GE15 without being rejected by the grassroots.

Dr Mahathir, who is also GTA pro-tem chairman said to date, none of its candidate had withdrawn or faced objection from members.

"GTA is fielding 132 candidates, including in Sabah. Although there were some issues, we have resolved them and none of the candidates is withdrawing from the polls.

"At first, we thought it would be difficult to get 120 candidates but (on the contrary) many are interested in contesting the GE15 as GTA candidates," said Dr Mahathir who is defending his Langkawi seat in the Nov 19 polls, after meeting the constituents at Siti Fatimah Restaurant here today.

All candidates representing GTA will contest in the GE15 under the Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) banner.

Dr Mahathir said if his health permits, he would be travelling around the country to GTA candidates in their campaign.

"I will try to travel around the country to help the GTA campaign, (however) we don't have much time to campaign.

"Tomorrow morning I will be here for the nomination process and in the afternoon I will return to Kuala Lumpur before leaving to Sabah on the next day (to campaign)," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2022/1...hathir-asks-pkr

Teacher make a police report

Ashadiya — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 01:07:25 +0800

Strap-on shoe incident: Police confirm teacher lodged separate report

TASEK GELUGOR: In an about-turn, the teacher in the shoe-strap incident has lodged a police report, denying allegations made against her by a student.

On Tuesday, the 13-year-old student had lodged a police report against a senior teacher for allegedly punishing her for wearing strap-on shoes to school.

The Form One student claimed that she was told to kneel on the tarred road with her hands raised during the school assembly.

She claimed she had told the senior teacher that her family could not afford to buy another pair of shoes with laces.

She also claimed that after the assembly, the teacher called her and cut the holy string on her hand and asked her to wash off the "pottu" and "vibhuti" on her forehead.

The student claimed that she felt ashamed to go to school after the incident.

Seberang Prai Utara police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Radzi Ahmad said initial investigations revealed that the student had just transferred to the school last month.

He said police had recorded statements from several witnesses, including from Malay and non-Malay students and teachers.

"They claimed that they did not see the student kneeling during the assembly.

"Witnesses also claimed that they saw the holy string on the student's hand and the 'pottu' and 'vibhuti' on her forehead after school hours.

"I can confirm that we have also received a a report from the teacher, denying all the allegations against her," he said in a statement tonight.

Radzi said the case was being probed under Section 298 of the Penal Code.

"Investigations are still ongoing. People should not speculate on matters, especially those involving religion which can affect racial harmony.

"Police view the matter seriously and will not compromise," he added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/11/...separate-report

MACC probes leaked SD asking allegiance to Zahid

Ashadiya — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 19:12:16 +0800

MACC probes leaked SD asking allegiance to Zahid as PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reportedly initiated an investigation into the alleged statutory declarations (SD) signed by Umno candidates ahead of their election candidacy announcement to pledge support for Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki reportedly said his agency has received reports lodged over the matter.

“We have received complaints on the said letter and the allegations.

“MACC will open investigation papers so that matter can be looked into,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.

According to Azam, investigations will be conducted under Section 23 of the MACC Act for abuse of power.

Azam also said certain individuals will be called to have their statements recorded in the course of the investigation.

Yesterday, a SD allegedly signed by Umno’s Lenggong candidate Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah went viral on social media.

The SD promised among others to support Ahmad Zahid as the prime minister after GE15 concluded.

Other “promises” depicted on the SD were to give major Cabinet posts and political appointments to Umno MPs, as well as dropping court charges involving top Umno BN leaders.

BN has since denied its existence, and blamed political rivals for the uproar against the purported document.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...hid-as-pm/37247

So many pm choices

Ashadiya — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:52:27 +0800

Ibrahim Ali for prime minister?

BANGI: Ibrahim Ali, the president of Malay-based party Putra, has named himself as Gerakan Tanah Air’s third prime ministerial candidate.

Ibrahim, also known as Tok Him, said he would be the best choice after GTA chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad and deputy Mukhriz Mahathir.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...ime-minister-2/

Syed Saddiq to defend Muar

Ashadiya — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 18:47:28 +0800

Syed Saddiq to defend Muar

PETALING JAYA: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will defend his Muar parliamentary seat in the coming general election.

Syed Saddiq’s candidacy was announced by Muda’s deputy president Amira Aisya in Johor tonight. Amira is also the party’s election director.

The Muda president will face off against Barisan Nasional’s Helmy Abd Latif and Perikatan Nasional’s Abdullah Husin on Nov 19.

Speaking to a crowd, Syed Saddiq said he wanted to “renew his contract” with the people of Muar.

Syed Saddiq, who was then with Bersatu, won the seat in the last general election with a 6,953 vote majority.

“I was given the opportunity to serve then, now give me the opportunity to return and serve the people of Muar again.”

He went on to say that Muar was close to his heart and he would be by its “side, in good and bad times”.

Last week, the party announced three candidates who would be fielded in Barisan Nasional strongholds.

The three candidates are Danial Abd Majeed (who will contest Kepala Batas in Penang), Siti Rahayu Baharin (Tanjong Karang, Selangor) and Lim Wei Jiet (Tanjung Piai, Johor).

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...to-defend-muar/

Which pyramid scheme is this?

Ashadiya — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:28:15 +0800

Seven nabbed, almost RM1m in cash and assets seized

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven people including a Taiwanese have been arrested at a commercial centre in Jelutong, Penang, for alleged involvement in pyramid scheme activities.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) enforcement director-general Azman Adam said four premises occupied by the suspects in Penang and Kedah were also raided during the ‘Op Reward’ conducted on Wednesday.

He said preliminary investigations showed that the company involved had been promoting the pyramid scheme through online applications and sale of certain packages to the public for the past few years.

“The raiding party seized various documents, laptop computers and handphones to facilitate investigations.

“Nine luxury cars and several branded handbags belonging to the suspects were confiscated, 38 accounts in seven banks were frozen and an amount of cash seized, all worth RM967,720.29,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The operation was jointly conducted by the ministry’s enforcement division special task force, National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), Bank Negara Malaysia, police and Cyber Security Malaysia.

Azman said the company was suspected to have conducted the pyramid scheme activities in Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Sarawak, apart from running other business activities.

The case is being investigated under Subsection 4 (1) of the Direct Selling and Anti-Pyramid Scheme Act (AJLSAP 1993) for conducting direct selling without a licence and Section 27B of AJLSAP 1993 for promoting the pyramid scheme.

The suspects are also being investigated under Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001 for alleged involvement in money laundering. - Bernama

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/seven-nabb...ized-MC10037597

SD shares Got buyer meh?

Ashadiya — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:20:53 +0800

Serba Dinamik MD Abdul Karim offloads 100 million shares for RM1.5 mil

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 25): Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohd Abdul Karim Abdullah sold 100 million shares or a 2.7% stake in the oil and gas service provider last week for RM1.5 million.

According to bourse filings, Mohd Abdul Karim disposed of the 100 million shares via off-market transactions on Oct 17, as well as on Oct 20, bringing his shareholding in Serba Dinamik to 538.6 million shares or a 14.52% stake.

Mohd Abdul Karim on Oct 20 sold a block of 50 million Serba Dinamik shares for 1.5 sen per share, a filing on Tuesday (Oct 25) showed.
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Three days prior, on Oct 17, the group managing director had disposed of another block of 50 million shares for the same price, according to a filing on Oct 20.

Based on back-of-the-envelope calculations, this translates to RM1.5 million for offloading the 100 million shares.

In late December last year, Mohd Abdul Karim, together with Serba Dinamik and three other executives were charged by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) for submitting a false statement involving revenue of RM6.01 billion for its financial period ended Dec 31, 2020.

However, the charges against the accused were dropped in May this year, after they paid a total of RM16 million in compounds issued by the SC, following the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) decision to accept their representations.

Serba Dinamik’s troubles began in May 2021, when its former external auditor KPMG flagged audit discrepancies in regard to the group’s financials.

Its troubles continued after its refusal to comply with a bourse directive to release a factual findings update of the special independent review — conducted by Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd in regard to KPMG’s red flags — would result in the counter being suspended for seven months from October 2021 to May 2022.

Shares of Serba Dinamik ended half a sen or 20% lower at two sen on Tuesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM62.12 million. The day before KPMG raised the red flags, the counter traded at RM1.61. Since then, it has fallen 98.76%.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/serb...shares-rm15-mil

Charging fried egg rm1.50 is expensive?

Ashadiya — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 23:02:48 +0800

M’sian Shares Why Charging Customers RM1.50 For Fried Egg Is Reasonable

As inflation hits, many businesses have been increasing their prices and the hike has caused many people to feel a pinch in their wallets. Just recently, a Malaysian shared his thoughts on the price hike.

An egg for RM1.50 fair or unfair?

In his post he mentioned that,

“A customer has mentioned that charging them RM1.50 for one fried egg is expensive. Given that our restaurant has air conditioning, and cleanliness is well maintained allow me to share the calculation I just did:

Cost of an egg (according to market price): RM0.45
15ml of oil needed to fry an egg: RM0.09 (RM29 / 5,000ml x 15ml)
Time spent waiting for oil to heat up (labour money): RM0.25 (assuming we cook for 60 days)
Soy sauce used for the egg: RM0.04 (RM28.70/4,000ml x 6ml)
Time taken to scoop the egg out (labour money): RM0.11 (assuming worker gets RM55 a day)
Time taken to collect the plates back to the kitchen (labour money): RM0.10 (assuming worker gets RM55 a day)
Dish soap: RM0.05
Time taken to wash and wipe the plates: RM0.12 (calculated based on RM50 that worker gets)
Electricity, water and utilities bill for 90 seconds: RM0.06
Chair and table damages: RM0.03
Gas used to cook the eggs: RM0.05.”
Walking Omelette Gif - Find &Amp; Share On Giphy

He then mentioned that the total cost to “fry an egg” would total up to RM1.35, which means from the RM1.50, they only earn RM0.15.

“Is earning RM0.15 a lot for people to be complaining about it? Plus, the most we could earn is RM0.30 as doctors would suggest you only eat 2 eggs a day”, he added

Netizens react

Following his post, many netizens have commented and here’s what some of them said:

“I think RM1.50 is a decent price, I’ve seen other eateries that sell RM2 per egg.”

“If you don’t want to eat it, it wouldn’t be expensive. The problem you have now is that you want to eat it, but you think you’re on the losing end. If you think so, just go home and make your own eggs.”

Some netizens were mad with the way he did his calculations and here’s what they said:

“So, you’re saying that if I brought my own plate, took the eggs out myself and eat it outside of the shop, then you would sell the eggs to me at RM0.88? If you want to calculate it that way, I’m happy to oblige.”

“Okay, the next time I go out for food, I won’t order the food all at once, since we’d calculate separately. If I were to order it at one go, they’d only make one trip to me, then I’d be at the losing end.”

Do you think it’s fair to pay RM1.50 for a fried egg? Let us know in the comments below!

https://worldofbuzz.com/why-charging-custom...-is-reasonable/

Look like you can get your money back

Ashadiya — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 20:33:55 +0800

Stricter refund rules being proposed under changes to aviation consumer protection law

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Passengers will be able to get refunds in the original mode of payment for flight disruptions under amendments to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC), which is targeted to be implemented in the first quarter of 2023.

"This new provision will effectively eliminate any inconsistencies in the types of refunds accorded to consumers. Additionally, the commission further proposes that airlines should offer a refund in the original mode of payment should a flight be delayed," said the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 19).

The new provision is one the changes proposed in the 2022 MACPC to protect consumers who have paid money in advance for flight tickets or travel passes if the airline is unable to render services as promised in the event of a financial crisis, such as a debt restructuring exercise, liquidation, or licensing issues, it added.

"Where an airline anticipates disruption to its operations, it is proposed that the airline should notify and submit a plan detailing consumer redress to Mavcom, which can then take appropriate steps to ensure the protection of consumers," it said.

The economic aviation regulator said it has released a consultation paper on the proposed amendments to the code, which include protection concerning refunds, passenger entitlement, travel passes, and the removal of cancelled flights from airlines’ booking systems.

Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim said as part of its effort to champion the rights of aviation consumers, it is proposing changes to the MACPC to better address gaps that have come to light, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Mavcom’s stakeholder engagements on these proposed enhancements are already well underway. It is integral to the commission that we take this step together with relevant stakeholders to make certain that they are fully aware of Mavcom’s expectations in the elevation of aviation consumer rights.

"Additionally, the engagement sessions provide an opportunity for aviation service providers to provide their feedback, ensuring that the enhancements proposed champion consumer rights, while still supporting aviation industry players’ business operations,” he said.

Since the MACPC came into force in 2016, airlines are required to refund travellers if flights are cancelled or significantly changed. The inability of airline passengers to get cash refunds on flights that were cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic was one of the top complaints received by Mavcom. Some cash-strapped airlines were only offering the choice of a travel voucher or rebooking for flights cancelled, rather than providing cash refunds to passengers.

Since its publication in July 2016, this will be the second enhancement of the MACPC, following the first revision in 2019. The amendments in 2019 included eliminating hidden charges for air travel to ensure greater transparency of airlines’ obligations towards consumers, and clearer guidance for consumers on their rights and interests as air travellers.

Mavcom said it is now seeking public feedback on its consultation paper, and all feedback and views must be in writing and delivered before 5pm on Nov 7 via the commission’s website or post to Mavcom.

The MACPC applies to all local or international airlines, full service or budget carriers, operating into or out of Malaysia.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/stri...-protection-law

Regarding Air Asia Service License

Ashadiya — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 18:01:15 +0800

The issues regarding AirAsia’s Air Service Licence

I READ with interest on recent news that the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) had granted AirAsia a conditional air service licence for six months starting Oct 1, 2022 until March 31, 2023, upon which if the airline could not comply with specific conditions set by Mavcom by Dec 31, 2022, they may not be given another six months extension until September 2023.

This announcement, which was made in September serves as a reminder that airlines must comply with Mavcom’s strict rules and guidelines.

But importantly, what is unsettling is the fact that Mavcom did not elaborate on what kind of conditions that AirAsia must meet before Dec 31, 2022, in order for AirAsia to be given further extension. Other airlines don’t seem to have this kind of problem.

Mavcom failed to mention this. Are the conditions related to safety procedures, or something else? It is crucial for the public to be aware of this important turn of event, as flight safety and operations is not a trivial matter.

Furthermore, what would happen if passengers have already purchased tickets to travel after March 31, 2023? Will their flight get cancelled if AirAsia fails to meet any of Mavcom’s specific conditions?

Mavcom really need to allay the fears among the public regarding this conditional renewal of AirAsia’s ASL. Mavcom needs to be transparent on the process. What are the conditions that AirAsia currently failed to comply?

It is noted that AirAsia is no stranger to violations of safety protocols and other conventions. In August 2020, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India suspended two senior executives of AirAsia India for a period of three months over “safety violations”.

In August 2019, it was learned that Mavcom might fine AirAsia for possible infringement of the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC) for charging customers a processing fee when using credit card or online banking.

Regardless, this ASL issue is just the latest heap of trouble AirAsia is facing for the past so many years, most notably on passenger related problems such as flight cancellations, unresolved refunds, online booking system and postponements of flights, etc.

Due to this, last month Mavcom released a statement reprimanding airlines for failing to pay attention to customer complaints, which had increased from 157 in 2021 to 1,240 in just the first half of 2022. Furthermore, 42.1 percent of all these complaints were filed against AirAsia.

It is perhaps a breath of fresh air to hear the Secretary General of Malaysia Consumers Movement, Mr Sukhdave Singh to call a spade a spade by saying that Mavcom is an ineffective agency.

In a news report, he said, “Mavcom, as an agency entrusted with protecting consumer interests, is toothless. We saw this during the Covid19 period where airline operators initially ignored requests for refunds, and following a public outcry, offered limited travel credits and vouchers, much to the dissatisfaction of many.”

He added, “Following this, AirAsia X claimed that 270,000 affected travellers had received their refunds. But who can verify this? We, at the Malaysia Consumers Movement, continue to receive complaints that there are still people waiting for their refunds. As a matter of fact, I am still waiting for my refund for the flight that was cancelled by AirAsia.”

It is the wish of the public to see airlines, not just AirAsia to roll their sleeves and improve their operational capabilities. Afterall, Malaysia is famous for its hospitality. It is unfortunate that instead of hospitable services, we as consumers get hostile services.

For once, when we pay for a service, we want to feel the comfort that the airline will not forsake us with cancellations of flights or delays in flight schedules. Bring back the pride and integrity in serving your customers. When you owe money for services not rendered, it is only fair cash refunds are made quickly and in full.

Technical, safety and security procedures must be followed all the time. This will restore the confidence of your customers and regain loyalty that has been lost. It is indeed common sense, yet this virtue seems to elude most service providers, airlines not excluded.

The role of Mavcom is to protect the public, not to frustrate them.

Hamzah Ishak is a reader of TMR

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2022/10/17/...ervice-licence/