4PAM wants explanation on move to hike passenger service charge

The Public Transport Users Association says airports are not providing equal services, and notes that prices of goods and services at airports are too high.

KUALA LUMPUR; The Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) has expressed shock over the Malaysian Aviation Commission’s (Mavcom) proposed 46% hike in Passenger Service Charge (PSC).

Its president Ajit Johl suggested, in a statement, that the ministry of transport should form a committee of stakeholders to resolve the PSC issue.

Mavcom had said, in order to fund its operations after government financing ceases next year, it planned to charge air travellers departing from Malaysia a levy of RM1 from January.

Also, Mavcom wants to implement “a complete equalisation” of the PSC among all local airports next January.

“The international PSC for destinations beyond Asean in klia2 is still lower in comparison with KLIA and other airports. A complete equalisation, which we are currently reviewing this year, will potentially result from [the current] RM50 to increase to RM73”, Mavcom chief operating officer Azmir Zain said yesterday.

Ajit asked: “Are the airports offering equal facilities? The airports do not even offer wheel chairs for passengers.”

Ajit also wants a detailed information and breakdown of PSC collection and utilisation, and how users, who are unable to take a flight, can get a refund. He said this involved millions of ringgit of user funds.

Ajit said: “Mavcom is proposing to tax users for its financial sustenance, but is unable to disclose its operating cost. How can a commission tax user’s to finance its operations”?

He wants a clear explanation from the commissioners and the minister of transport.

Ajit also noted the high cost of goods and services at airports, saying with increasing passenger traffic and non-passenger traffic, shop owners should not be charging higher rates.

“The airports have more volume than some commercial buildings in the city, yet offer products and services at higher prices. This is profiteering and Mavcom should step in and ensure that the price of goods and services is controlled.” - FMT