“When it is back to full service, the waiting period will be around 40 minutes,” AAM chairman Tunku Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha was quoted saying.

This promise came after the outsourcing of its breakdown services for minor on-the-spot repairs, replacement of batteries and towing, the Star Online reported today.

AAM was said to have been servicing motorists at only 70% of its capacity, reportedly due to internal troubles.

“If calls are not being attended to quickly, it could mean it’s peak time,” Tunku Mudzaffar added.

AAM, which celebrates its 85th anniversary this year, has been stuck in debt to the tune of RM4.5 million.

This triggered speculation that the AAM headquarters in Shah Alam was up for sale to raise funds to settle the debts.

It was reported later that a potential buyer had been found for the building but the move was aborted after members opposed it in a Special General Meeting on Oct 3.

According to Tunku Mudzaffar, AAM is working towards fixing the situation despite the challenges the company is facing.

He also said the issue of unpaid salaries that the staff had been complaining about since last year, would be resolved in two to three months.

On a separate matter, AAM in a statement yesterday said the memorandum of agreement it signed with Stoper Industry Holdings Sdn Bhd on Nov 1 last year was only for a two-month trial.

The contract was ended earlier this year because of non-compliance to the rules of the association. AAM also said the intended joint-venture was not signed, according to The Star.

“It was not intended to be a takeover of any sort, but a synergy of two entities to address the challenging market. The AAM constitution does not provide for a takeover,” it said.