Air Passengers Have To Pay Security Charge From Jan 15 2007.

All air passengers using airports in the country operated by Malaysia Airports Bhd will have to pay a security charge from Jan 15 next year, RM6 for international flights and RM3 for domestic flights.

The charge will make up a part of the cost of the air ticket, similar to the current passenger service charge, Malaysia Airports said in a statement Thursday.

It said the security charge was applicable for all tickets issued on and after Jan 15 but passengers who buy their tickets before Jan 15 for travel on or after that date are not required to pay the charge.

The statement said the charge was being collected in accordance with Regulation 170A of the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Regulations 2006 that states that a security charge shall be payable in respect of any person boarding an aircraft carrying passengers for hire or reward.

Malaysia Airports said the security charge became necessary after the Sept 11 2001 incident when airports had to significantly tighten security enforcement and procedures.

Many airports around the world began to levy the security charge immediately after the Sept 11 incident but in Malaysia the additional cost of the enhanced security measures had so far been absorbed by Malaysia Airports, it said.

It also said that it was the responsibility of airlines to make the collection and payment of security charges for all flights from Jan 15 2007 for ticket purchases done on or after that date.

Malaysia Airports said its security charge was lower than that imposed by airports elsewhere in the world.(Bernama)
Image - James Morrison