KUALA LUMPUR: The government is exploring ways to help airlines remain sustainable and ensure connectivity is maintained, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
"We are trying to ensure the aviation industry is sustainable, and the government's priority is to ensure connectivity continues.
"The Finance Ministry is looking into the matter," he said when winding up the debate on the Transport Ministry's 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Loke said the government's priority was to keep national airlines operating, as the collapse of any major airline would affect connectivity.
"If an airline shuts down, it is not only the crew who lose their jobs. The bigger problem is connectivity.
"That would have a serious impact on the national economy.
"This issue remains a priority for the government, and we are doing our best to ensure it does not happen," he said.
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government had made no agreement or commitment to provide financial support to low-cost carrier AirAsia amid financial difficulties linked to the Middle East conflict.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said applications for government support from companies in any sector were assessed based on the interests of the country and the people, the government's fiscal sustainability and the protection of public funds, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
AirAsia plays a significant role in Malaysia's air connectivity, particularly for domestic travel. The airline carried nearly 60 per cent of domestic passengers in 2025, with a large share of air connectivity in Sabah and Sarawak depending on its flights.
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