The only reason the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) allowed Suasa Airlines to fly from Subang to Langkawi in Kedah last week was because the airline had claimed it was a non-commercial flight.
In his clarification, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Suasa Airlines does not have the Air Service Permit (ASP) or Air Service Licence (ASL) from the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) that is required to transport paying passengers.
Suasa Airlines only holds an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) granted by the DCA after passing technical inspections, he said.
"The government is taking this matter very seriously as they are breaking multiple laws at once. It is a breach of our airspace.
"When DCA received Suasa's application, it's just a point to point flight from Subang to KLIA, a non-commercial flight. When they applied to fly from KLIA to Langkawi, it's supposed to be a demonstration flight.
"But Mavcom received complaints that the flight to Langkawi was a commercial one. Flying commercially without the ASP and clearance from Mavcom is a very serious offence," Liow told reporters after launching the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Customs Organization (WCO) joint conference here, today.
He said Mavcom and the Royal Malaysian Police have both started their respective investigations on the airline since yesterday.
The minister was responding to questions on why Suasa Airlines was allowed to fly from Subang to KLIA, and then to Langkawi last July 22.
In a statement yesterday, DCA director-general Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman had said that Suasa Airlines Sdn Bhd had received a temporary approval from them on Dec 15, 2015, but not for the airline to operate a commercial flight.
Furthermore, the AOC was issued to Suasa Airlines, not 'Monspace Airlines' or 'Monspace Sky Airlines' as per the label on the Boeing 737-400 aircraft that was used for the flight last Friday. Having a different label on the aircraft automatically nulled the AOC.
Mavcom had also lodged a police report against the company for misleading the public by marketing itself as an airline, although it did not possess an ASL or ASP.
In their statement yesterday, the commission also advised consumers to refrain from making flight arrangements with the airline to ensure they do not face inconvenience in their travels.
Nuradilla Noorazam
Tue Jul 26 2016
Liow said Suasa Airlines only holds an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) granted by the DCA after passing technical inspections.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.