No decision yet on financial aid for debt-hit AirAsia, says Loke

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook disclosed that the government has not yet decided on providing financial aid to the struggling AirAsia Group Bhd, according to the report. Both the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance are presently examining various proposals to assist the airline. Loke emphasized that the government's top priority is to ensure the airline's continued operations and maintain connectivity, as the bankruptcy of a major airline would not only lead to job losses but also disrupt connectivity, with adverse consequences for the country.

Loe's statement came while concluding the debate on the Transport Ministry's 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat, in response to Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut) who expressed concerns over the low-cost carrier's high debt and questioned whether the Transport Ministry was considering assistance, citing the airline's 26,000 employees and the potential impact on jobs.