KUALA LUMPUR: Airlines must prioritise safety in maintaining their aircraft, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
This comes after an audit by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) on Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB).
"We cannot take any chances (on safety). This has been communicated to both MAB and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)," he said at a press conference today.
The national carrier has been hit by a string of flight disruptions including six technical issues in two months.
CAAM's audit report of MAB was presented to the Cabinet earlier today.
Loke said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed Khazanah Nasional, MAB's sole shareholder, to ensure the airline implements all mitigation measures for the issues it is facing.
MAG, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal has said it would reduce its flights until December to facilitate corrective measures.
It also said several factors including technical and manpower challenges, and supply chain constraints contributed to the disruptions.
Meanwhile, Loke said Malaysia Airlines' financial position remained strong.
"If needed, it (Malaysia Airlines) should request financial support from Khazanah," he said, when asked if the mitigation measures would impact the airline's financial position.