THE Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) and Transport Ministry (MOT) through the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) must be more proactive and take immediate action against the multiple complaints of constant delays and rescheduling of domestic flights not just by Capital A Bhd (AirAsia) but by other airlines as well.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said this in response to the recent reports of surging cases of flight delays and reschedules during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive seasons which has not only caused inconvenience to consumers but also incurred economic costs as well.
“MOT and MAVCOM are duty-bound to investigate airlines for frequent rescheduling and take necessary actions to protect consumers’ rights including those from Sabah and Sarawak,” commented Dr Yii.
“I have received multiple complaints from the public who have been affected, with some being delayed while others were stranded in Kuala Lumpur for up to 10 hours.
“For consumers this can be interpreted as a form of ‘misrepresentation’ if they purchase a flight ticket for a certain time but gets rescheduled to a different time.”
While Dr Yii said he understood that some delays or reschedules are unavoidable, he noted that there has to be some form of reasonable threshold on the number of flights during a certain period of time that can be rescheduled, and that the delays and reschedules must always be based on legitimate reasons.
“KPDNHEP Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that his ministry will conduct investigations in the interest of consumers but I urge for quick action over the matter and for a long-term policy to be put in place to ensure this does not happen again and for airlines to be made accountable for their set schedules,” he noted.
“Such investigation such not be used as an excuse to delay the necessary action. There is no need for lengthy investigations or even lengthy research into the issue as the flight records are already there as evidence of constant delays and rescheduling.”
According to Dr Yii flight delays and reschedules are nothing new – they have been happening for years although nothing concrete has been done to keep the airlines accountable.
“Consumers have the right to claim compensation for continuing their journey but many a times this is subjected to many terms and conditions which are a hassle to consumers.
“Furthermore, these compensations do not cover time lost and indirect economic loss due to the change in flight schedule.”
As such, all relevant ministries must work together to holistically address this issue once and for all, he added.
“Instead of just conducting investigations, a clear timeline should be set on when action will be taken and a comprehensive policy on addressing this issue must be mapped out to keep the airline companies accountable,” he remarked. – May 10, 2022
