SEPANG: The government will evaluate and come up with feasible options to resolve the dispute between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and AirAsia Group Bhd, a senior minister said.

"I believe all parties must sit down and discuss in the best interest for the country. That should be the priority and objective of all, which involves other stakeholders too,” said Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali at the launch of Malaysia Airlines’ pilgrimage charter airline, Amal, here today.

MAHB had filed a lawsuit against AirAsia and AirAsia X Bhd on December 10 for a collective RM36 million in outstanding airport tax collection.

The sum represents the balance of a gazetted airport tax rate, known as the passenger service charge (PSC), on international departures that AirAsia had refused to collect in full.

Late last week, AirAsia said MAHB had rejected its offer to mediate a dispute over the PSC collection at klia2.

AirAsia had proposed mediation to MAHB in an attempt to amicably resolve the dispute.

It was also reported that AirAsia had long been yearning to build its own low-cost carrier terminal for its operation in the country.

Azmin said any new proposals to resolve the dispute including the setting up of a new terminal should be discussed and evaluated.

"I’m certain the government together with relevant ministry are more than happy to facilitate the discussions," he added.

Azmin said the government must look at details of the reported terminal proposal from private parties.

"Certainly the government needs to look into the details if it is in accordance with the industry’s demand,” he said, adding that the review involved all relevant authorities and ministries to discuss for the aviation industry’s future.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2019/02/459594/azmin-ali-helping-resolve-malaysia-airports-airasia-dispute