By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 5: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has filed 60 charges against a Sarawak aviation services company and its director for conducting refuelling operations without a valid Ground Handling Licence (GHL) at Kuching Sessions Court.
In a press statement issued today, Mavcom highlighted that a GHL is mandatory for any entity or individual performing ground handling services in Malaysia, including aircraft refuelling operations.
The company, which specialises in aviation services, faces 30 charges under Section 37(1) of the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 (Act 771), while the director is charged for the same 30 offences under Section 37(1) read together with Section 92(2)(b) of Act 771.
The alleged violations occurred at North Pan Hangar, Kuching International Airport, between July 29 and August 18, 2019.
Both the company and its director claimed trial to all charges during the proceedings held in four separate Sessions Courts yesterday (Dec 4).
Judges Iris Awen Jon, Afidah Abdul Rahman, Musli Ab Hamid, and Saiful Bahari Adzmi granted undeposited bail of RM30,000 with two local sureties for the director.
Meanwhile, the company’s representative, Datuk Akim Matrang, was required to execute an undeposited bond of RM5,000 per case.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Azhari Yusof is prosecuting the case, while Datuk Azrin Ahmat and Samuel Bong are representing the accused.
A pre-trial case management has been set for Jan 16, 2025.
If convicted, they each face a maximum fine not exceeding RM1 million, or imprisonment term of not exceeding three years, or both.
Mavcom’s executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim stressed the need for strict compliance with aviation regulations.
“All aviation players must secure all necessary regulatory approvals before commencing operations, as mandated by both Malaysian law and international standards. Mavcom remains committed to safeguarding the industry and will take firm action against any violations,” he stated. — DayakDaily
