He said the airline’s aircraft would only be grounded  when undergoing periodic maintenance, according to safety requirements and industry standards.

“Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a business entity with commercial operations. All decisions in terms of aircraft maintenance and repairs are made based on the company’s operational needs.

“All repair and maintenance costs are fully borne by MAG as part of its operating costs.

“The transport ministry does not bear any of these costs,” Berita Harian reported him as saying at a press conference in the Parliament building.

Hasbi was responding to Dr Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) about the number of Malaysia Airlines aircraft that were non-operational due to damage and also the costs borne by the transport ministry.

Taufiq also asked if the nation had enough local aircraft engineers to ensure repair and maintenance operations continued to run smoothly.

In response, Hasbi said the nation has 4,113 qualified aircraft engineers that are certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.

He said of the total, 2,318 have B1 (mechanical) licences, 879 have B2 (avionics) licences, 51 have both B1 and B2 licences and 865 have A (technician) licences.

“The government is committed to ensuring the flight and maintenance, repair and overhaul sectors have enough engineering manpower, sufficient both in terms of numbers and skill, specialisation and preparedness.

“It will continue to monitor industry developments and strengthen cooperation with training institutions and the private sector,” he said.