(In the final part, Bernama delves into Majlis Amanah Rakyat's (Mara) silence on the episode and details from a former director and an employee. As the investigation continues, questions about accountability and justice in Malaysia's educational funding and aviation sectors remain unanswered)
KUALA LUMPUR: In the final chapter of the pilot training debacle, Bernama sought clarification from Mara's Education Sponsorship Division regarding the issues surrounding Skyvax Holdings Sdn Bhd, which coordinated aviation training for future pilots, and inquired about any legal action taken against the company.
Despite Bernama’s attempts to engage Mara, the organisation remained unresponsive, deepening the intrigue surrounding the situation.
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Just as the first and second parts of this article were published this week, Mara’s Corporate Communications Division issued a statement without any mention of Skyvax Holdings Sdn Bhd.
The statement described Mara's collaboration with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) since April 15, 2018, focusing on producing highly skilled cadet pilots for airlines under the group, including Malaysia Airlines (MAS).
MAG identified potential cadet pilots based on Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) guidelines, while Mara provided loan facilities and employment with MAS upon graduation.
The statement mentioned that 39 Malaysian students pursued a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) at the Czech Aviation Training Centre (CATC) in Prague, with 38 securing employment with MAS and one continuing studies domestically, expected to finish by 2025.
ALSO READ: Dreams grounded: Malaysian aviation trainees left in financial ruin by aviation company
Mara concluded the statement by noting strict actions, including police reports and legal measures against those involved, but left many critical questions unanswered. Bernama reached out to Mara's corporate communications division director, Abd Fareas Noew Hanzah, before publication for further clarification, especially regarding the company's name.
He confirmed that the police reports and legal actions were directed at Skyvax Holdings, the company mentioned in Bernama’s previous coverage.
However, when questioned about the timing of the police report and specifics of the legal actions against Skyvax, Abd Fareas declined to provide further details, citing confidentiality and advising adherence to MARA's issued statement.
Abdul Fareas stated that the incident involving Skyvax occurred between 2021 and 2022, with legal actions nearing conclusion.
The lack of transparency about Mara's actions against Skyvax Holdings and the financial arrangements raises concerns about the reasons for Mara’s financial support to Skyvax and the delay in taking legal action.
ALSO READ: Mara says it has taken appropriate action over missing pilot training funds
These unresolved issues underscore the need for further investigation to ensure accountability and protect student and public interests.
Skyvax's Perspective
To understand the company's stance, Bernama contacted one of Skyvax Holdings' directors. Through phone conversations and text messages, he acknowledged his role as the company's director "but only on paper."
When asked about trainee pilots unable to complete their training due to unpaid fees, he attributed the issue to the effects of Covid-19, which led to the company's closure.
Regarding allegations and legal actions against the company, he stated that the case has been under police investigation since early 2022, with over 10 police reports lodged.
He emphasised that no misappropriation of money occurred, categorising the issue as a breach of contract, advising complainants to take civil action.
After the initial articles appeared, the director expressed his desire to meet with Bernama for further clarification.
Bernama also spoke with former employee Mohamad Shazwan, who revealed how the company faltered.
As Skyvax Holdings' operations and sales coordinator executive, and later client manager, Shazwan handled students' enrolments for training in Prague.
He advised clients to make payments in stages to avoid risk, despite company owners’ instructions for lump sum payments.
Shazwan’s account revealed that the company owners included siblings, with one brother directing operations. The company’s financial troubles led to Mara covering costs for sponsored students and a contentious meeting with MAG representatives.
As the company wound down, the owner started a new venture in food and beverage, which also closed down.
Shazwan expressed confusion over Mara's inaction against the company and emphasised the former CEO’s limited authority, asserting she was cleared of wrongdoing.
The debacle, marked by financial and emotional fallout, highlights the need for stringent oversight and accountability in educational funding management. Affected families continue to seek answers and justice, hoping for accountability and redress. – Bernama
