Clarifying that the airline only had approval to conduct demo flights, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai added, “We have received complaints from the public that Suasa Airlines had taken passengers using MonSpace Airlines.

“The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) only gave permission to Suasa Airlines to carry out demo flights.”

Liow said on the sidelines of an International Civil Aviation Organisation conference here today when asked by reporters if the airline had a licence to fly commercially after reports emerged that the DCA had given them the necessary permission.

The minister said the DCA had only issued the airline an Air Operating Certificate for demo flights from Subang Airport to KLIA and from KLIA to Langkawi.

“To operate commercial flights, they need an Air Service Permit issued by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom),” he explained.

“It is a serious offence and violation to fly without Mavcom’s approval. The airline did not get clearance to fly commercially.”

He said this was a matter concerning the safety and security of the nation.

Liow added that Mavcom would lodge a police report against the airline and issue them with a show-cause letter.