In a statement, Zacharevic said he had remained firm in seeking a fair resolution, but that the offer he received from AirAsia failed to “reflect the value of my work or address the broader issue of unauthorised use”.

Zacharevic said he had done everything in his power to resolve the issue in an amicable manner.

“However, AirAsia has now declared its final offer, leaving me with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect my rights.”

Last November, Zacharevic claimed that AirAsia had not sought his permission to use the artwork titled “Children on a Bicycle”.

He said it was not the first time the airline had used his work without his consent.

Zacharevic said he had contacted the airline over the previous cases but that “there was no positive outcome”.

Today, Zacharevic said he had formally asked AirAsia to stop using his artwork without proper credit, consent, or compensation.

While the airline initially responded to these requests, new instances of unauthorised use had repeatedly emerged, he claimed.

“This repeated behaviour has broader implications. Beyond my personal experience, it sends a damaging message that artists’ work can be used freely, without regard for intellectual property rights.”

Zacharevic said such practices not only undermined his work but also harmed the entire artistic community in Malaysia and the region.

“I feel a responsibility to stand up – not just for myself, but for all artists – to challenge this narrative and demand accountability,” he said.