LETTER | The International Aviation Authority (IAA) has urged the cabinet to review its decision to dissolve the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) which it plans to merge with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (Caam). The concern arises from the importance of having an independent economic regulator which is free from conflict of interest. The independency of such institution determines the type of decision or stand that it will decide in the future. 

A close example we can use is the 1MDB scandal where it was reported that some parts were missing in the report produced by the previous auditor-general which means it had been tampered with. If the auditor-general was independent and free from any conflict of interest, we might have been able to prevent the 1MDB scandal from the start.

The Ministry of Transport has confirmed that Mavcom would be disbanded and its key roles will be absorbed by Caam. Besides that, the ministry has stated that the main reason for the merger is to address US Federal Aviation Administration's recent decision to downgrade Malaysia's air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2 as well as to empower Caam with its financial position. 

However, is it the best solution possible to absorb Mavcom into Caam? How sure are we that this merger will create a more capable and quality aviation regulator and not chaos? Can the merger provide a positive impact on Caam and enhance its functions as well as its purpose. What if it doesn't?

Mavcom has delivered many positive impacts upon the aviation industry. These are among of them that have impacted consumers travelling.

Firstly, Mavcom has eliminated hidden charges for travel with the latest amendment to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC), which has been effective since June 2019. In accordance to the MACPC, the required airline must publish the final price of an airfare which includes the base fare and all charges to be paid to the airline, government-imposed taxes and fees, charges prescribed under any written law, as well as fuel surcharges. 

This is really important because many consumer are not aware of the hidden charges and they will end up has to pay for something they were not informed about.

Secondly, refunds for flight tickets should be reimbursed to passengers within 30 days from the date the passenger requested for a refund. The amendments also include a refund to consumers on passenger service charges, taxes, fees, and charges prescribed under any written law for both refundable and non-refundable tickets, should a passenger not travel. 

Thirdly, its initiatives to educate consumers on their travel rights. Mavcom had launched the "FlySmart" application which is a convenient platform for consumers to have easy access to essential information and lodge their complaints from their mobile devices.

Based on all these points, Mavcom has been effective in trying to understand the everyday troubles of consumer and in providing the solutions as well. These are among the very positive qualities that have been shown by Mavcom and the government should consider their achievements and performance before merging the commission with Caam. 

Why do we need to change an organisation which is already been working well? The government should reconsider their decision and provide for a special select committee to deliberate on the pros and cons of this decision.  

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.