KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 19): Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has suggested that Malaysia Airlines (MAS) consider offering passengers additional benefits to make up for the temporary suspension of hot meals aboard its flights.

In his concluding remarks on the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review report at Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, he emphasised that while he acknowledges the need for MAS to improve its services and food quality, being the national carrier, MAS must uphold a positive image to ensure passenger satisfaction.

"However, the government cannot intervene in ticket prices, as these are determined by Malaysia Airlines based on market factors. Nevertheless, I believe Malaysia Airlines will consider all suggestions," Loke said.

Loke (PH-Seremban) was responding to a question from Beluran Member of Parliament, Ronald Kiandee (PN-Bersatu), who enquired whether the Ministry of Transport would recommend that MAS lower ticket prices while it addresses the issue of hot meal offerings.

On August 30, MAS’ parent Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced the termination of its long-standing in-flight catering partnership with Brahim’s Food Services Sdn Bhd (BFS) after extensive negotiations.

MAS engaged eight new F&B suppliers, including Pos Aviation Sdn Bhd and MAS Awana Services Sdn Bhd, to prepare its in-flight meals starting September 1.

As of September 1, MAS introduced revised in-flight meal offerings on routes previously served by BFS, which led to passenger backlash after they were served pre-packed food instead of freshly prepared in-flight meals.

Last week, MAS said in a statement it aims to fully restore its full meal service by mid-November this year.

Meanwhile, Loke also explained that the suspension of hot meal services on routes affected by the recent catering transition at MAS was due to the absence of hi-lift trucks. However, MAS is gradually reinstating hot meal services.

"Indeed, some routes continue to provide only packed food, but on other routes, hot meal services have already been resumed. For instance, I flew with MAS to Kuching last week, and hot meals were provided. Similarly, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu have also reintroduced hot meals."

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