PUTRAJAYA, Sept 5 — Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) must ensure its subsidiary, MAB Engineering Services, takes decisive measures to attract skilled new workers.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said there must be efforts to expand training programmes and offer competitive salaries to appeal to skilled professionals.
He said airlines must stay ahead in this area to maintain a strong workforce.
“There have been criticisms from the opposition, suggesting the government is allowing foreign companies into the market. However, competition in this sector cannot be avoided.
“Higher salaries naturally provide employees with better options. But, from a positive perspective, it opens the door to more high-paying job opportunities,” Loke said.
Loke was speaking to reporters after officiating the launch of the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint (MADB) here today.
Meanwhile, Loke said a recent Malaysia Airlines flight incident, where a Seoul-bound plane returned to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 on Monday, is being investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.
Loke reiterated that the decision to turn back was taken to prioritise passenger safety, adding that the airline is also taking further measures, such as reducing flight frequencies to create more room for aircraft to undergo maintenance, repair and overhaul.
“The incident has not impacted the aviation sector as a whole, with the number of flights, aircraft and passengers continuing to rise each month,” he said.
He said the number of passengers rose by double digits this year from last year, adding that passenger movements are expected to reach between 95 and 105 million, and could return to pre-pandemic levels.
Separately, Loke expressed concern over the increasing number of incidents involving underage drivers, which pose a serious risk to road users.
He said parents must take full responsibility for allowing their children to handle the vehicles.
“How can the ministry monitor every family? It’s the duty of parents to educate their children and ensure they don’t drive recklessly,” he said.
It was reported yesterday that a 10-year-old boy was caught driving his family’s Toyota Corolla that led to a crash with two other vehicles in Taman Arowana Impian, Seremban.
Seremban police chief Mohamad Hatta Che Din confirmed the boy’s parents have been detained for further investigation under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001.
— Bernama
