KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 — Rayani Air probably suspended its operations as it was unable to meet several key performance indicators (KPIs), Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

The New Sunday Times today reported Liow as saying that his ministry had previously issued a warning to the nation first Shariah compliant airline to improve its services.

“They have made the decision probably because they could not improve their services and meet their KPIs,” he was quoted as saying.

Yesterday, Liow was reported as saying that matters relating to passengers' rights and compensation following the airline's suspension will be referred to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAC).

Rayani Air halted its operations since Friday until further notice as part of a company restructuring exercise, after a pilot strike reportedly forced at least three flight cancellations yesterday.

The troubled airline, which launched its maiden flight just about three months ago last December 20, has been hit with allegations of sabotage, as well as flight delays and cancellations.

Rayani Air was also investigated by the Transport Ministry after it issued handwritten boarding passes to passengers on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching last month.