In a statement, Mavcom said it had issued Rayani Air with a show cause letter following an evaluation of the airline’s commercial standing and capabilities to continue as an ASL holder.

The evaluation was carried out following the provisional suspension of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Department of Civil Aviation in April.

“Rayani Air is required to submit its representation in writing within 14 days to Mavcom before Mavcom decides on whether Rayani Air should be allowed to continue to hold the ASL or whether it should be revoked, or suspended,” read the statement.

Mavcom said Rayani Air needs both an ASL and an AOC to operate a passenger and cargo airline business. Should the ASL be revoked, Rayani Air will no longer be allowed to provide air transport services commercially in Malaysia.

In the meantime, the commission advised consumers to refrain from making any flight arrangements with Rayani Air to avoid inconvenience.

Mavcom will also work with relevant parties to assist passengers that have been affected.

The issuance, suspension and revocation of an ASL came under Mavcom’s scope when it was established on March 1, 2016.

On April 11, DCA suspended Rayani Air’s operations certificate for three months after the airline halted operations following a pilot strike that left dozens of passengers stranded.

Rayani Air is Malaysia’s first shariah-compliant airline, featuring tudung-clad female flight attendants.