It said an investor was about to pump funds into the troubled airline and pay off outstanding debts on June 30 when the government suddenly decided to withdraw its flying licences.

Rayani said it was trying to get the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) to reconsider and restore its ASL (air service licence) and ASP (air service permit) so it could operate again.

“With this second chance, the investor can take over the company with a new and better management.

“We can’t promise when these approvals can be obtained. But our priority is our obligations towards our customers.”

The Facebook statement urged customers to be patient and not present themselves at its office which had already closed down.

“We will make an official statement once we get positive news.”

It apologised for being unable to refund customers who had bought tickets which they could not utilise.

Disgruntled customers and former staff owed salaries have been visiting the airline’s office in the vain hope of getting their money.

Some had been given cheques but these “bounced” when presented at banks for payment.