The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) and Kuala Lumpur International Airports (KLIA) received massive backlash not too long ago after announcing the revised passenger service charge (PSC) rates (formerly known as ‘Airport Tax’). Many believed that the new rates were unnecessary and that they should focus on improving the airports’ facilities.
To make matters worse for the local aviation industry, Business Financing UK released the “Best and Worst Airports in Asia” ranking last month where KLIA took the no. 8 spot on the Worst Airport category. After being made aware of the ranking, Transport Minister Anthony Loke finally addressed the issue.
Speaking to the media yesterday (Tuesday, 19th March), Anthony Loke said the government already has plans to improve airports in Malaysia, but not necessarily as a response to Business Financing’s ranking. He also added that one survey ranking should not be taken as a conclusion as there are other surveys conducted where results may vary.
“We can’t just take it arbitrarily because nowadays there are many surveys conducted by various parties. Sometimes, how they conduct it, and where they get their sources to come to that conclusion, are questionable,” he told reporters. Still, regardless of the rankings, the politician stated they are in the process of upgrading airport facilities such as the aerotrains.
“We are not being defensive. As I mentioned yesterday there are two big projects going on. The first is the aerotrain which is being overhauled and the second is regarding the baggage management system that is being upgraded. It will take a year or two to upgrade,” he elaborated. Anthony also clarified that the government is taking the feedback from netizens positively and is using it as a motivation to be better.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Loyalty Lobby reported that Malaysia Airlines allegedly shut its arrival lounge services for business and first-class passengers since 1st March. According to the report, passengers were told by employees that it was a newly instituted policy that the airline has yet to update on its website.
Although it does not affect lounge access for transit passengers, it can be inconvenient for those who arrive early and are unable to check in to their hotels or cannot book a ride and would rather (wait comfortably) at the lounge until they can go to their next destination.
Sources: TheStar, TheRakyatPost(1)(2), BusinessFinancing, LoyaltyLobby
