PARLIAMENT | Deputy Transport Minister Ab Aziz Kaprawi told the Dewan Rakyat today that the government will act against low-cost airline AirAsia, which allegedly imposed higher fares during peak hours. 

Bung Moktar Radin (Umno-Kinabatangan) had complained that the budget carrier had charged approximately RM2,000 for a one-way flight ticket from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur.

"I have had discussions with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) to take appropriate action so as to prevent AirAsia from profiteering and taking advantage of peak hours (to impose a higher fare), as it would impact a segment of the community," said Ab Aziz.

Earlier, Bung (photo) had claimed that he saw some villagers being forced to purchase new tickets after they had arrived late for boarding. 

"The villagers complained (that they had) no money, so I gave a bit. Luckily, I have (money)," he said. 

"If you are a budget carrier, then you have to impose cheap fares. From Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur, (you charge) close to RM2,000. 

"I don't know how they can win the best flight (award) for several consecutive years. If I were to rate them, I would not give them any marks," he lambasted. 

The government has proposed to amend the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 to enable Mavcom, the civil aviation regulator, to handle the complaints related to various fees and charges imposed by carriers.

However, a check on AirAsia website shows passengers would pay between RM700 to RM1,000 for Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur for a single trip this month.