GERAKAN has hit out at the quality of Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) flight services which has in recent times sparked strong dissatisfaction among passengers following flights that have been seriously delayed to the extent of been cancelled.

Such situation not only affects passenger travel planning but also have a negative impact on the country’s image, according to the party’s Public Service and Complaints Bureau chief Ong Siang Liang.

“In the case of prolonged delay exceeding 24 hours which affected Flight MH165 from Doha to Kuala Lumpur (KL) on Sunday (Aug 12) due to engine problems, passengers who were stranded during the period suffered greatly,” Ong pointed out in a media statement.

“The second case concerned flight MH789 from Bangkok to KL which was scheduled to depart on Aug 5 at 1pm but was delayed several times before finally cancelled.

“Passengers were left stranded in Bangkok for more than 30 hours but given only food coupons worth 300 baht (about RM38) with hotel accommodation provided only after midnight. Even the chaotic management and lack of adequate compensation add to the pain of passengers.”

In this regard, Ong wanted the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) to pay serious attention to this issue by speeding up a comprehensive investigation into the quality of MAS services while taking effective measures to improve the level of flight management to ensure similar incidents do not recur.

“The recent service issues have not only affected the passenger’s travel experience but also directly affected the country’s image,” lamented Ong who contested for the Kepong parliamentary seat in the May 2019 14^th General Election (GE14).

“As a national carrier, MAS is not only a mode of transport but also represents Malaysia’s image at the international level.”

Additionally, Gerakan wanted the aviation regulator to strengthen airlines’ passenger protection policy by reprimanding MAS for the uncertainties and hardship that it has caused the affected passengers.

Gerakan further stated that it is not in favour of the amendment mooted by the Transport Ministry (MOT) with regard to the merger of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and MAVCOM which is currently in the pipeline.

“Gerakan insists that the intended merger will certainly not add value to the interests of passengers and urges MOT to cancel the amendment,” added the Perikatan Nasional (PN) component party. - Aug 14, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/gerakan-blasts-mas-for-frequent-flight-delays-extended-cancellations-wants-mavcom-to-reprimand-flag-carrier/