AS IF the spiralling cost of living is not enough of a headache for ordinary citizens, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has decided to compound the woes by announcing a passenger service charge effective June 1.
Regardless of the destination, international travellers will need to pay RM73 for flights departing from KLIA1 (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) while those leaving via klia2 will incur a RM50 service charge.
1. The Malaysian Aviation Commission announces that effective June 1, all international departures from Terminal 1 of the KLIA 1 will incur a passenger service charge of RM73, and RM50 for KLIA 2.
This is regardless of whether the passenger is travelling within or beyond Asean. pic.twitter.com/1zPCBmcFK6
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) March 12, 2024
The news was shared on BFM News’ (@News BFM) X page (formerly Twitter) with details of other passenger service charges with levies being imposed for those using KLIA as a transit point.
The announcement left many fuming. Below is a sample of the comments by netizens.
Many also pointed out that airports in Malaysia have become a source of national embarrassment given the poor maintenance and lack of facilities.
Quite a few netizens observed that the airport operator was often not there to provide useful services but just an exercise in keeping up appearances.
Many were demanding answers from the authorities, especially the Transport Ministry and airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
Others lamented that this was yet another kick in the teeth for the country’s tourism industry.
The pertinent question was where has all this extra cash be funnelled to? Will it be used to improve the airports?
More than one netizen grumbled that this was an unfair service charge when there are no other options available.
It is fair to say that virtually all the comments were negative in nature with most totally unimpressed by having to pay for substandard services and facilities.
The Madani government seems to have misread the mood on this issue. While there is no doubt that airports nationwide are in dire need of refurbishment and that cost of maintenance has gone up, this is quite possibly the worst time to be adding to the financial burden of ordinary Malaysians.
Or is this just a sneaky attempt to deter Malaysians from going abroad for their holidays?
Whatever the reasons may be, one netizen’s comment summed up the scenario perfectly. – March 13, 2024
