The Transport Ministry is prepared to mediate in the passenger service charge (PSC) dispute between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the AirAsia group to de-escalate tensions, said its minister Anthony Loke.

"I want both sides to sit down and thrash it out. Yes, we will mediate it. We hope a harmonious situation will arise,” he told reporters after launching the “Happy Guests, Caring Hosts“ service culture and senior citizen and family-friendly facilities at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) in Sepang today.

MAHB's subsidiary Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd is suing AirAsia Group Bhd's unit AirAsia Bhd and its long-haul affiliate AirAsia X Bhd for RM9.40 million and RM26.72 million, respectively, for alleged PSC arrears.

The PSC, paid by departing passengers, is collected by the airlines upon purchase of tickets. It is later passed on to MAHB on the completion of the flight.

Loke said the dispute needed to be settled.

"We have to sit down to talk about it. Whatever issues arise, they have to be dealt with,” he added.

- Bernama