Air fares remain despite DCA's fee hike - Liow

The Ministry of Transport gave its assurance that there would be no hike on air fares despite the increase in fees charged by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) on airlines operating out of Malaysia.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the government was concerned about the rising cost of living faced by the rakyat in the country.

The government would continue to improve the quality of services in the aviation sector and the proposed services charges were deemed reasonable, he added.

"We will ensure that the increased charges would not impact the price of flight tickets and such. We understand the burden caused by the rising cost of living.

"We are concerned but we must continue to improve the services by DCA," said Tiong Lai at the launch of Road Transport Department ceremony here today.

He added that after 40 years in operation, this marked DCA's maiden effort in introducing the hike.

"It has never been done before and for now, the charges remained the lowest in the region. It is appropriate for us to introduce the increase, but I promise that we would review the decision soon," he added.

He also urged the DCA to engage stakeholders to review the proposal.

The increase in fees, he added would improve DCA's services in providing quality equipment and air traffic control.

Previously, the DCA had reportedly that airlines operating out of the country (Malaysia) would be required to pay up to 10 times more in fees charged by the DCA effective April 15.

The increase would involve the usage of airspace, air traffic convenience and other services including Air Operator Certificate and the pilot's flight license.