Mavcom says it won't intervene in MAHB-AirAsia spat

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) said today that it will not intervene in the ongoing dispute between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and AirAsia Group Bhd.

Mavcom executive chairperson Nungsari Ahmad Radhi said that the commercial dispute between the two parties would not affect its own operations.

“We are here to spur regulations and we are also the competition regulator. We will not let this affect our operations at Mavcom. 

"We have our issues but right now, to us, business is as usual,” he told the media after a panel discussion organised by the Khazanah Research Institute today.

Nungsari also said before the passenger service charge (PSC) was implemented, every player was brought to the discussion table and the decision was agreed upon.

“It can be seen on our website and be accessed by everyone. Hence, this dispute is only between them and it does not involve Mavcom,” he said.

It was earlier reported that AirAsia had served a notice to Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd (MASSB) claiming almost RM480 million for losses incurred from operating at KLIA2.

Meanwhile, MAHB was reported as saying that it will resolve contractual matters related to the PSC through the courts, as it seeks to recover an average loss of RM7 million a month due to AirAsia Group Bhd’s disregard of the RM73 gazetted rate.

In a statement later, Nungsari clarified that since the dispute between AirAsia and MAHB is currently going through due process of law, any comment on this matter may be deemed sub judice.

"This was the basis for my comments earlier today that Mavcom will not interfere with the ongoing dispute between MAHB and AirAsia, given that the matter is currently undergoing legal proceedings.

“As such, the commission will refrain from making any comment at this juncture on this matter," he said.