KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The government has no plan to reduce airport tax because it is relatively cheaper than that of other countries, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat said the tax in Malaysia was RM51, lower than that in Singapore (RM52), Jakarta (RM54), Hong Kong (RM65) and Bangkok (RM76).

He was replying to a question from Tan Tee Beng (IND-Nibong Tebal) who wanted to know whether the ministry gave any discount on airport tax to budget carrier AirAsia and if the airline could reduce its airport tax.

Jelaing said no discount on airport tax was given to AirAsia or any other airline in the country.

“Section 24A of the Civil Aviation Act 1969 empowers the minister of transport to licence airport and flight services whereby Malaysia Airports Holdings Sdn Bhd (MAHB) has been permitted to provide the services and collect airport tax in accordance with the licence given.

“The decision to reduce airport tax as well as relevant charges and fees comes under the jurisdiction of the minister in accordance with section 3 of the Act,” he said.

In a written reply to a question from Wee Choo Keong (IND-Wangsa Maju), Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the Civil Aviation Department always ensured that every aircraft allowed to fly met the safety requirements.

“The maintenance rules and procedures of all civilian aircraft are subject to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1996 and Airworthiness Notice which are constantly updated in accordance with the regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

“There is no discrimination in terms of safety procedures between aircraft of low-cost carriers and other scheduled domestic and international airlines,” he said.

Kong said all aircraft were subjected to an annual check when it came to renewing the certificate of airworthiness.

However, unscheduled checks were carried out at random and ramp inspections were undertaken every month to ensure that the aircraft were safe for use. — Bernama