Tony and Malaysia Airports

• In the last few days, Tony of Air Asia, has been using public medium to attack MAHB on their plans to raise the airport tax. His obsession with MAHB is now bordering insanity. He is attacking MAHB by using the excuse that flying should be made affordable. Indeed flying should be made affordable and by that Tony should consider lowering his ticket prices. What many do not realized is that AA ticket cost is relatively as expensive as MAS. If he wants to make flying affordable, then AA must reduce their cost. What AA is doing now is giving the impression that AA gives lower cost by breaking down the various cost like basic fare, fuel surcharge, insurance, meals, baggage cost and others.

• For example the cost of baggage should start from zero for people who has hand carry but this is not the case. Food like Nasi lemak and Briyani are excessively priced at RM12++. Insurance coverage is made an optional item. Because it is no longer sold a group insurance, those he decides to take them end up paying a higher rate. There is a fee for counter check in. In reality everyone who has luggage has to check in at the counter. Maybe Tony should look at all this cost before blaming MAHB for making flying expensive.

• It is public knowledge that AA at one stage refused to pay millions it owed MAHB and only paid them after getting a substantial discount. These are airport taxes that AA collects on behalf of MAHB and yet they took away monies that are not theirs by not paying MAHB the full tax sum.