Editor’s note: First, it was Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook who hit out at financially distressed budget carrier MYAirline Sdn Bhd by demanding the budget carrier to issue public apology to some 125,000 passengers affected by its abrupt suspension of operations (since Oct 12).

The affected passengers (based on ticket sales up until March next year) have apparently forked out RM20 mil in terms of ticket value, according to the Seremban MP citing information furnished by MYAirline.

In the same light, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has held MYAirline accountable for refunds to travellers affected by the carrier’s suspension of flight operations.

In a statement, the Malaysian aviation regulator said it has instructed the budget carrier to discontinue the sale and booking of its flights from all booking platforms until further notice.

Notwithstanding this, now its own employees have berated MyAirline for the management’s lackadaisical attitude towards staff welfare and well-being. Below is the sentiment shared by an anonymous employee of the airline company with the media:

I am writing as an individual affected by the abrupt cessation of MYAirline’s operations although my views may not represent that of all MYAirline employees.

The situation has taken a dire turn with our lives suddenly upended. While MYAirline has labelled this a “temporary” suspension, essential payments such as LHDN (Inland Revenue Board), SOCSO (Social Security Organisation), EPF (Employees Provident Fund) and our September 2023 salaries have not been received to-date.

The paradox lies in the declaration that we are still technically employees while no support has been extended. 

We implore the relevant government agencies to consider providing financial assistance, whether in the form of direct financial aid or bank moratoriums.

Approximately 1,000 employees across Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are grappling with an unexpected financial crisis.

This move has left many of us in dire straits with no means to support our families. Among us, there are single parents, low-income earners and various vulnerable groups who have been severely impacted by this unexpected turn of events.

The mental health of each employee should be a paramount concern as many of us are grappling with depression, anxiety and immense stress due to the sudden upheaval of our lives.

Some of us are planning to file official complaints at the Labour Department offices in Subang Jaya and Bangi tomorrow (Oct 16).

We hope that swift and stern action will be taken against the owner Datuk Allan Goh Hwan Hua, the board of directors and top management, namely Rayner Teo Kheng Hock and Stuart Cross for their apparent irresponsibility in allowing this crisis to unfold (Teo apparently stepped down as CEO to be replaced by Cross barely four days before the budget airline’s abrupt suspension of its service).

We understand that passengers have been significantly impacted by these developments but we hope that the plight of MYAirline employees is not overlooked. – Oct 15, 2023

https://focusmalaysia.my/even-employees-have-lambasted-myairline-want-stern-action-against-owner-top-management/