Malaysia Airlines tops punctuality list for domestic flights — but ministry says passengers still protected if delays happen
Comparatively, at the end of 2024, MAS recorded an OTP of 84.7 per cent, while AirAsia and Batik Air recorded OTPs of 67.9 per cent and 73.9 per cent, respectively.
The ministry said that in the event of flight disruptions, airlines are required to deploy a delay management team, issue a press statement within 24 hours for major disruptions, and submit a detailed report to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
'The MOT, through CAAM, will assess all complaints against airlines and take appropriate action in accordance with the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC),' the ministry said in a written reply published on the Malaysian Parliament's website yesterday.
The MOT was responding to a question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai), who had asked the ministry to explain the main causes of the increasingly frequent flight delays, particularly domestic routes, as well as the immediate and long-term measures being taken to protect passengers' rights and address their losses.
According to the ministry, the MACPC was revised and gazetted on September 2, 2024, to enhance consumer protection.
The updated MACPC outlines the obligations of airlines to uphold passengers' rights, particularly in the event of delays and cancellations.
'Key enhancements introduced in the 2024 revision include the requirement for airlines to offer refunds in the original form of payment for flight delays exceeding five hours, including for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances,' said MOT. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Beyond disputes: Turning Ambalat and Pedra Branca into platforms for maritime cooperation
THE maritime disputes over Ambalat and Batu Puteh are complex. Ambalat, located in the resource-rich Sulawesi Sea, is claimed by Malaysia and Indonesia since the early 2000s. The area is believed to contain significant hydrocarbon reserves, and both countries have issued oil exploration licences that have led to diplomatic protests and naval stand-offs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently emphasised the role of Sabah — which is the Malaysian state closest to the area — in ensuring that any joint development has equitable outcomes for border communities. Meanwhile, the dispute over Batu Puteh was partially resolved in 2008 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over it to Singapore. In the same judgment, the ICJ ruled that Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia, while sovereignty over South Ledge would rest with the state in whose territorial waters it is located. As the ICJ did not delimit maritime boundaries, South Ledge's status is unresolved. In recent years, bilateral efforts have intensified to resolve outstanding maritime issues. At the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in January, both governments agreed to begin technical work to delimit maritime boundaries in the Johor Strait, using the 1927 Territorial Waters Agreement as a legal basis. Singapore's continued engagement through the Joint Technical Committee reflects its commitment to resolve maritime issues through dialogue and legal frameworks. These disputes reflect deeper questions of sovereignty, historical memory and control over vital sea lanes. But they also present an opportunity to transform contested maritime zones into shared spaces of cooperation. Malaysia and Indonesia should consider establishing a joint development authority (JDA) to manage resources and reduce tensions over Ambalat. Similarly, Malaysia and Singapore could explore cooperative arrangements around Middle Rocks and South Ledge, focusing on maritime safety, environmental stewardship and scientific research. Such frameworks — already proven in the Malaysia-Thailand JDA in the Gulf of Thailand — would allow all parties to benefit economically while preserving their legal positions. Importantly, joint development does not require any party to relinquish its claims. Under Article 83 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , states are encouraged to reach provisional arrangements pending final delimitation. Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have played pivotal roles in Asean's evolution and have consistently advocated for peaceful dispute resolution and regional stability. Their cooperation on Ambalat and Batu Puteh could serve as a model for other maritime disputes in Southeast Asia, including in the South China Sea. A coordinated initiative involving Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore — each addressing their respective maritime disputes — could serve as a model for broader governance reforms within Asean, strengthening its commitment to pragmatic diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Public discourse in all three countries must focus on collaboration. Parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders should advocate for open dialogue, confidence-building measures and creative legal solutions. The media should frame these disputes as opportunities for partnership. Ambalat and Batu Puteh should be reimagined as foundations for a shared maritime future — where sovereignty concerns are balanced with economic pragmatism and regional solidarity. The establishment of JDAs would not only unlock resource potential but also signal that Southeast Asia is capable of resolving disputes through diplomacy and innovation. During the recent Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to resolving the Ambalat dispute through peaceful means. Both leaders agreed to explore joint development initiatives as they recognise that legal processes may take years. This bilateral momentum reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. On the Batu Puteh front, Singapore has likewise shown its willingness to cooperate. These parallel bilateral engagements — Malaysia with Indonesia over Ambalat, and Malaysia with Singapore over Batu Puteh — signal a commitment to regional stability, peaceful dispute resolution and collaborative maritime governance.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Singapore leaders praise Malaysia's role in Thailand-Cambodia crisis
SINGAPORE: Singapore's leaders have praised Malaysia's efforts in managing the crisis along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shared this during his two-day working visit to Singapore. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong conveyed their appreciation in separate meetings. Ahmad Zahid highlighted Malaysia's commitment to regional peace and stability. He attended the Singapore National Day Parade at the invitation of the Singapore government. During the meetings, he congratulated Singapore on its 60th National Day celebrations. Discussions with PM Wong focused on strengthening bilateral ties and strategic projects. Both leaders explored ways to boost foreign direct investment and job creation in Malaysia. New areas of cooperation in tourism and TVET were also discussed. The gig economy's legal framework was another key topic of conversation. Ahmad Zahid shared Malaysia's initiatives to protect gig workers through social policies. In talks with DPM Gan, the importance of ASEAN's market potential was emphasised. Malaysia's role as a leading halal hub was also highlighted. Gan noted Singapore's support for Malaysia's TVET sector through trainer exchanges. Ahmad Zahid described the discussions as productive and forward-looking. He expressed optimism about closer Malaysia-Singapore strategic cooperation. The meetings concluded with a luncheon hosted by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. - Bernama
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
DPM Zahid arrives in Singapore for republic's national day parade
SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived in Singapore on Saturday for a two-day working visit and to represent the Malaysian government at the 2025 Singapore National Day Parade this evening. He was received by Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon. "This visit is highly significant as this year marks the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Singapore diplomatic relations. "God willing, I believe this visit will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between our two nations and open more doors for cooperation that will benefit our people and countries," Zahid said in a post on Facebook. During the visit, he is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and hold a bilateral meeting with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said discussions will focus on bilateral cooperation and matters of mutual interest to strengthen existing ties. In 2024, Singapore was Malaysia's second-largest trading partner globally and its largest among Asean member states, with total trade amounting to about RM396.22 billion (US$86.69 billion). For the period of January to March this year, bilateral trade increased by 12.2 per cent to RM97.93 billion (US$22.00 billion). — Bernama
