The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has dropped a bombshell on travelers, announcing an overhaul of the passenger service charges (PSC) set to hit pockets from 1 June 2024 until the end of December 2026.
Brace yourselves, as a fresh transfer PSC will also come into play, targeting those in transit through any Malaysian airport.
In a move bound to stir controversy, MAVCOM outlines the revised PSC rates, which will swing between RM7 to RM73, now folding in a security charge for enhanced airport security services. Here’s the breakdown of the looming charges that promise to reshape your travel budget:
Domestic flights, excluding Senai International Airport, will see a departure PSC steady at RM11, with a new RM7 transfer fee.
International flights from KLIA 1 will uniformly rise to RM73 for departures, with a RM42 transfer PSC.
Departures for ASEAN and beyond from KLIA 2 and other airports will adjust to RM50, with transfers setting you back RM29.
In a silver lining, tickets purchased before the 1 June 2024 deadline will dodge the updated rates, a sigh of relief for early birds.
MAVCOM’s revamp is pitched as a strategy to uplift and safeguard traveler interests while buttressing the aviation industry against the backdrop of shifting market dynamics. The transfer fee, in particular, mirrors practices in international hubs across Singapore, Japan, the UK, Germany, and France, marking a significant policy shift.
Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim, MAVCOM's executive chairman, assures that the recalibration is grounded in extensive stakeholder feedback, aiming to bolster the industry's resilience, recovery, and competitive edge. What nonsense.
Final Thoughts
I can't say I'm surprised with the latest hike. The current government seems to be consistently raising taxes and prices for those who are slightly more privileged. On one end, I'm glad that the airport will have more funds at their disposal so as to finally solve all the existing problems at both KLIA and KLIA2, which I consider one of the worst airport terminals in the world. On the flip side however, I'm pretty sure a good chunk of this money is going to end up in pockets of "undisclosed personnel" if you know what I mean!
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