State-owned flag carrier Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) said on Dec. 27 that it has received a statement of objections from the European Commission (EC) for alleged anti-competitive practices in air freight.

Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd, a unit of the national carrier, has also been served with the statement of objections in relation to the EC's investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

MAS said the charge sheet did not indicate the amount of fines that might be imposed.

It will take legal advice in relation to the EC investigation, it said.

"The MAS group of companies has a policy of compliance with all applicable laws, including competition laws, in their countries of operation," said MAS.

The EC has sent out similar documents to other airlines, including Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific, Japan's All Nippon Airways and Air New Zealand.