Sabah braces for weekly loss of 6,000 passengers

The suspension of MYAirline flight operations, which took effect recently, has dealt a severe blow to Sabah, resulting in a loss of approximately 6,000 passengers every week.

Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Christina Liew, disclosed that this suspension has also affected the number of domestic flights coming to the state, where domestic arrivals constitute a significant portion, ranging from 70 to 80 percent.

Liew emphasized the importance of maintaining connectivity and expressed hope that the issue would be promptly resolved. The suspension has sent ripples through the region, and the Ministry of Transport has expressed strong disapproval of MYAirline’s actions.

Sabah faces significant dent

MYAirline Sdn Bhd’s decision to suspend flight operations indefinitely has sent shockwaves through Sabah, particularly impacting the state’s tourism sector. With the suspension of operations, Sabah faces a weekly loss of approximately 6,000 passengers, a significant dent in the state’s domestic air travel.

The Sabah Tourism Board underlines the importance of domestic arrivals, with the majority of travelers coming from within Malaysia. Connectivity plays a crucial role in supporting tourism in Sabah, where a substantial portion of tourists arrives through domestic flights. The sudden disruption in these operations has raised concerns about the state’s tourism sector.

This suspension’s suddenness and the absence of prior notice have prompted strong criticism from the Malaysian government. Transport Minister Anthony Loke termed MYAirline’s actions as “irresponsible” and “completely unacceptable.”

The abrupt suspension has left passengers stranded and raised questions about the airline’s responsibility to its customers.

Disappointment and disapproval

MYAirline Sdn Bhd’s suspension of flight operations, including the daily Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur route, has stirred controversy and concern over its abruptness and impact. The Ministry of Transport, led by Anthony Loke, expressed deep disappointment and disapproval of the low-cost carrier’s actions.

Transport Minister Loke emphasized that the sudden suspension had taken the authorities by surprise, as even the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) was not officially informed about MYAirline’s decision. This lack of communication and transparency has raised questions about the airline’s responsibility towards passengers and regulatory authorities.

Loke is determined to address the issue with seriousness and urgency. He has instructed Mavcom to take necessary actions and explore possible remedies. Furthermore, MYAirline’s discussion of the possibility of a takeover by another party or a change in shareholding has added a layer of complexity to the situation.

The sudden suspension of operations, with grounded planes and missing airline staff, has not only disrupted travel plans but also posed challenges to the country’s aviation industry’s reputation. The Ministry of Transport is taking these developments very seriously, with a focus on resolving the situation and ensuring the interests of passengers and the aviation industry are safeguarded.

The situation remains complex, with discussions about a possible takeover or shareholding change. The disruption has raised important questions about accountability, responsibility, and the airline’s obligations to passengers and regulatory authorities.