KUCHING, May 10: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) and Ministry of Transport (MOT) have been urged to act quickly to resolve the flight delay fiasco including implementing a long-term policy to ensure domestic airlines meet the desired service schedules.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, in making this call, said that delays are not a new problem but have been present for years, yet nothing has been done to keep airlines accountable.
“Investigation into the matter should not be an excuse to delay necessary action. There is no need for lengthy investigation or even lengthy research into the issue as the flight records are evidenced by constant delays and rescheduling.
“KPDNHEP and MOT through Mavcom (Malaysia Aviation Commission) must be more proactive and take immediate action against (sic) the multiple complaints of constant delays and rescheduling of domestic flights, not just by AirAsia but also other airlines, including Malaysian Airlines,” he said in a statement today.
Having received many complaints from the public affected by the flight delays, Dr Yii pointed out that the relevant authorities must properly address this issue holistically in order to protect the rights of consumers as well as to promote better economic growth through efficient travels.
Instead of just conducting investigations, he urged the authorities to set a clear timeline on when action will be taken and to release a comprehensive policy to address the issue one and for all, including to make the airliners accountable.
“While I understand some rescheduling of flights is unavoidable, there has to be some form of reasonable threshold on the number of flights in a certain period of time that can be rescheduled, and it must always be based on legitimate reasons.
“Flight delays not only cause much inconvenience to passengers, but also incur economic cost to them. While they have the right to claim compensation, this is subjected to various terms and conditions which are troublesome,” he noted.
Dr Yii emphasised that compensation does not cover the time lost and indirect economic loss as a result of the change in flight schedules.
“That is why the ministries must work together to holistically address this issue once and for all,” he added. — DayakDaily
