malaysiangThe implementation of the enhanced Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC) is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 2024), according to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM).
MAVCOM in a statement today said the planned enhancement of the MACPC included the improvement of existing and insertion of new provisions on key consumer issues such as refunds, airline advertisements as well as flight delays and cancellations.
It said the enhanced code would serve as another step toward increased transparency and greater accountability within the aviation industry, making it more in line with global best practices in consumer rights protection.
“Over the years, the MACPC has consistently served as a reliable framework safeguarding the rights and interests of air travellers in Malaysia. Leveraging lessons learned in the post-COVID-19 period and insights from consumer complaints received by MAVCOM, these updates are designed to address evolving consumer needs more effectively,” the statement read.
On another note, MAVCOM said it has completed the development and implementation phase of the Airports Quality of Service (QoS) at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) in the first half of 2023.
It said under the Airports QoS in BKI, MAVCOM has developed and subsequently enforced 19 quality-of-service elements for airports to adhere to, where the commission would also conduct regular inspections to ensure that the airport operator complies with those elements.
“The 19 elements at BKI are based on four key service quality pillars consisting of passenger comfort and facilities, queuing times, passenger and baggage flows, and operator and staff facilities. BKI has been meeting its respective targets for its quality-of-service elements from May 2023 onwards.
“Aside from BKI, the Airports QoS targets will also be implemented at other airports in Sabah including the state’s second-largest airport, Tawau Airport, where the implementation phase will commence in the first quarter of 2024,” it said.
Meanwhile, MAVCOM also encouraged consumers to book their Christmas and year-end flights in advance, including the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration and school holidays in February 2024, for more affordable fares, availability of flight tickets, as well as various offers and promotions.
“In April 2023, MAVCOM began monitoring airfares for the Christmas 2023 travelling period for flights between Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah. The observation indicated an increase in average fares for travel during the festive period from RM338 in April 2023 to RM490 in September 2023 as most of the cheaper tickets are sold out.
“As of Sept 27, 2023, one-way direct economy class airfares for routes from the Peninsular to Sabah and Sarawak ranged between RM279 and RM1,398, with 27 per cent of airfares being below the average fare,” it added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
