Restoring the Joy of Air Travel in Malaysia

Dato Yong Soo Heong

NST 

Thursday December 12th 2024

Air travel in Malaysia once evoked excitement. Affordable fares and convenient schedules allowed Malaysians to explore the country and venture abroad to neighbouring countries with ease. Flying was more than a means of transport — it was part of the adventure.

Sadly, that golden era feels like a distant memory. Today, limited aircraft, a shortage of spare parts, and a lack of skilled maintenance personnel have left the aviation industry in turbulence. The result? Skyrocketing fares, frustrating delays, and disheartened passengers.

Take, for instance, the recent ordeal of a football team from Penang. Their journey to Kuching turned into a 21-hour nightmare, leaving the players physically and mentally drained — and costing them their match. Team manager Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam voiced his frustration:

"In 21 hours, one could have flown to London and watched a Liverpool match. Instead, we were stuck between Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Kuching."

The team missed multiple connecting flights as their budget airline repeatedly cancelled flights for technical reasons. Other options? Another so-called budget airline was prohibitively expensive. Chew suggested that the airline in question could have arranged alternative transport, like a bus to KLIA, to connect with available flights to Kuching to save his players the agony.

His message was clear:

"Don’t take passengers for granted. Many fly out of necessity — be it business, sports, or emergencies—not just leisure. They deserve better."

Chew’s frustration resonates with countless Malaysians. Although one government entity claimed that passenger complaints had dropped by 32 per cent to 2,063 in the first half of this year when compared to the same period of 2023, it still worked out to almost six a day. And many also wouldn’t have bothered to complain if they hadn’t been outraged or given a raw deal.

Passengers frequently face delays or "re-timed" flights due to technical issues, bad weather, or insufficient fleet capacity. One airline admitted to operating 20 per cent below capacity because of maintenance challenges, parts shortages, and delayed aircraft deliveries.

This recurring crisis calls for decisive intervention. Authorities must hold underperforming airlines accountable and create a more competitive aviation market. Opening the skies to new players could level the playing field, reducing fares and improving service quality.

Such changes could also reduce reliance on costly subsidies. This year alone, the government has allocated RM48 million on subsidised air travel for university students and festive-season trips between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. These funds could be better utilised elsewhere if the aviation sector operated efficiently.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has taken steps to address these issues. By merging the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), he aims to streamline processes like licensing and service delivery. Previously, investors faced unnecessary hurdles navigating approvals between the two entities. 

One party, for instance, applied in February this year but was only contacted in November to re-submit because one of the regulators wanted more information. Time is money for any investor and nine months of delay is sure to frustrate any optimism to shore up the aviation sector. Such a lackadaisical attitude certainly runs contrary to the need for a clean civil service espoused by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.  

Encouragingly, the skies are brightening. A European airline has expressed interest in entering the Malaysian market, while a local company led by experienced pilots and engineers plans to offer charter services for religious pilgrimages and leisure travel. These developments promise greater affordability and choice for travellers by mid-2025.

As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia Year in 2026, restoring the joy of air travel is crucial. A vibrant, efficient aviation sector will not only ease domestic woes but also enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a global tourist destination.

It’s time to bring back the fun and freedom of flying — and ensure every journey takes off without a hitch.