The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has revised the target date to gazette its proposed enhancements to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC), now setting it to the end of June 2023. Prior to this, the commission had hoped to gazette the MACPC amendments in the first quarter of 2023.

“We had a consultation process last year, and we hope to get another follow-up session with the airlines this month, and then we get all of the internal approvals. We hope to gazette it, let’s say targeted by mid-year,” said the chief operating officer of MAVCOM, Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin. He also emphasised that while the commission will do its best, the dates are out of its control as there are things that could happen unexpectedly to affect the process.

In October 2022, MAVCOM had proposed several enhancements to the MACPC that are aimed at strengthening consumer protection for travellers. Among other things, it is proposed that passengers should get their refunds for flight disruptions in the original mode of payment, namely cash. This means that airlines will no longer be allowed to offer refunds in the form of travel vouchers or re-bookings – as many have done for flight cancellations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the MACPC enhancements proposed that passengers should also get the option to obtain a refund if a flight is delayed for two hours or more, as opposed to the current provision of just free meals and refreshments, internet access, hotel accommodation, as well as other relevant facilities (for flight delays of two hours or exceeding five hours). Moreover, airlines will be required to provide information on overbooked flights.

The existing MACPC, meanwhile, was gazetted back in June 2016, and applies to all local and international airlines. Both full service or budget carriers operating into and out of Malaysia must also abide by the code. Other consumer protection measures that are listed under the current MACPC include the offer of a refund of flight ticket for travellers within 30 days if flights are cancelled or significantly changed.

(Source: Malay Mail)

• TAGS:
• MACPC
• Malaysian Aviation Commission
• Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code
• Mavcom
• Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin