SEPANG (Sept 21): The Ministry of Transport will be setting up a new Malaysian Aviation Council to bring together the voices of all stakeholders to improve the efficiency of the industry. 

"We need to be more focused so we can have a clearer picture of the issues on the ground, in order to formulate better policies to improve the industry. We will invite stakeholders from airport operators to airlines, associations and even ground handlers," Transport Minister Anthony Loke said at a press conference earlier.  

Loke said the council's first meeting will be in November and he will himself chair the meetings, which is hopes to convene four times a year.

"In the past, I was told that this was not the practice. Stakeholders were engaged differently or individually. This is not healthy. We want the industry to grow and not be biased against anyone. So we want all stakeholders to work together in this new council without bias, and ensure they benefit. I expect all chief executives to be at the meeting,” Loke said.