The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has imposed a financial penalty on AirAsia Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd, amounting to RM160,000 each, for advertising misleading air ticket prices.

Both entities have made the full penalty payment to the commission on Oct 26 and Nov 9 respectively, it said in a statement.

According to the Mavcom, the misleading air ticket prices advertised in the second quarter of this year falls under the non-compliance of subparagraph 3(1) of the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC).

As prescribed in the protection code, an airline must indicate the final price of airfares to be paid for the air transport service offered or published by an airline in any form, including the Internet.

“The final price of airfares shall include any taxes, fees, charges, surcharges which are unavoidable at the time of publication.

“AirAsia Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd were imposed a financial penalty, amounting to RM160,000 each, for advertising misleading air ticket prices,” Mavcom said.

It added that as the first consumer protection code specifically intended for Malaysia’s aviation industry, the MACPC ultimately provided for more transparency on aviation service providers’ obligations towards consumers and clearer guidance for consumers on their rights and interests as air travellers.

-- Bernama