Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) is suing AirAsia X Bhd for outstanding airport charges, rent and late payment charges amounting to RM34.88 million.
The legal suit was taken after AirAsia X’s failure to pay the outstanding sum despite numerous demands, according to the airport operator.
MAHB told Bursa Malaysia that its wholly-owned subsidiary Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd (MA Sepang) had filed the writ of summons and statement of claim against AirAsia X at the Shah Alam High Court on April 27.
“The board is of the opinion that it is necessary for Malaysia Airports (Sepang) to pursue the civil suit to best protect its interest,” said MAHB.
“The civil suit is not expected to have any material impact on the financial and operational position of the company. Any further updates in respect of any material development will be made from time to time,” it added.
Reacting to MAHB’s lawsuit, AirAsia X in a statement on late Monday said it has consistently made monthly payments to MA Sepang, the latest of which was made on Monday, after MA Sepang filed its suit against the airline.
AirAsia X said it made an RM16.6 million payment to MA Sepang on Monday, the latest in a series of four payments it has made since February 2, 2018.
“This is contrary to claims made in a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim filed by MA (Sepang) that AirAsia X has refused and/or failed to fulfil outstanding payments,” AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said.
Benyamin added that, along with AirAsia Bhd, they have lodged many official complaints regarding dissatisfactory airport facilities and high charges in the past but MA Sepang has shown little to no interest in resolving the outstanding issues.