Govt wants MAS operations to run smoothly - Liow

The government wants the Malaysian Airlines System Berhad (MAS) operations to be smooth-running and unaffected by the company's restructuring.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said currently, the restructuring of MAS did not affect the company operations due to the high commitment of its manpower.

"Personally, I want MAS' operations to run smoothly because it is very important for the country. To date, there are no problems with MAS' operations.

"I am happy to note that all MAS personnel are giving tremendous support and commitment to ensure the operations of MAS are running smoothly in serving the people," he told a media conference after opening the MCA Tangga Batu division annual general meeting here.

On June 1, MAS started a significant new phase in its restructuring programme by terminating 20,000 personnel. Of the total, 14,000 were offered to join the new entity, Malaysian Airline Berhad.

Liow urged MAS personnel or associations representing staff involved in the termination of service to

channel their problems or questions via the right channels.

On a plan by the National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) to hold a strike, following the termination of service of MAS personnel, Liow said MAS had lodged a police report on the matter.

He said Nufam was not a recognised association and MAS would not conduct any discussion with an unrecognised organisation.

Meanwhile, on a MAS aircraft which performed an emergency landing at the Melbourne Airport, Australia on June 12, after receiving a false alarm on its engine fire, Liow said it was a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure safety of its passengers.

"MAS has good safety record, the action by the pilot was correct and followed the SOP.

Flight MH148 from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur had 300 passengers and crew.