MAB lodges report over claims Indian nationals landed at KLIA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) has lodged a police report against two social media users who claimed that passengers from India came in on several flights despite the entry ban on Indian nationals due to Covid-19.

The airline said the report was lodged yesterday against two people.

“MAB finds the accusation by certain individuals detrimental not only to its reputation, but to the country’s credibility in curbing the spread of Covid-19.

“The report was filed against the duo for their erroneous claims on social media,” said the national carrier in a statement yesterday.

MAB also said flights from May 1 to yesterday from India were cargo-only flights and did not carry any passengers.

The flights had utilised its passenger-to-cargo (P2C) system, with only aircraft carrying freight comprising pharmaceutical goods, medical supplies, mobile phones, electrical components and courier packages allowed in.

“The flight did not carry any passengers other than the flight crew who remained on board during transit.

“As a further precaution, the airline also did not allow any ground maintenance personnel in India to enter its aircraft.

“Since the country imposed the temporary ban on the entry of Indian nationals into Malaysia on April 28, MAB has cancelled all its scheduled passenger flights to and from India to comply with the ruling.

“We want to reiterate that all flights deployed by the airline are subject to approval by relevant authorities in the respective countries and with strict adherence to safety and health standard operating procedures,” it said.

One of the two persons, in his social media post, had claimed that he was instructed by his employer to fetch an Indian national from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and send him to a quarantine centre.

He had claimed that the Indian national had arrived via MH191 from New Delhi. In the posting, he also shared the alleged passenger’s name as well as his supposed passport details.

The claim, however, was refuted by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who said the allegations were not only irresponsible but had also caused restlessness, panic and anger among Malaysians.

Wee said he had checked on the claims.

“There was no flight as alleged and the MH191 aircraft was a cargo flight.

“The statement made was doubtful, as there are no private employers who can pick someone up to be sent to the quarantine centre. Such matters are handled by the National Disaster Management Agency.

“It is also clear that there is no such person named Ajit Prasat on board flight MH191 as alleged. Please stop spreading rumours or fake news.

“Two police reports have been made to ensure that people are not confused by the baseless accusations that can cause public worry,” said Wee on his official Facebook page.