KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) has lodged a police report against two social media users who had claimed that passengers from India were flown in via several flights despite the entry ban on Indian nationals due to Covid-19.
The airline said the police report was lodged today against the two people - Wan Hilmi Wan Mohd Nor Hilmi and Muhammad Fahmi Abdullah.
"MAB finds the accusation by certain individuals detrimental not only to its reputation but views it as a threat 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 today.
MAB also said flights from May 1 to today (May 3) from India were full cargo flights and did not carry any passengers.
The flights had utilised its Passenger-to-Cargo (P2C) aircraft carrying freight comprising pharmaceutical goods, medical supplies, mobile phones, electrical components and courier packages.
"The flight did not carry any passengers other than the flight crew who remained on board during transit. As 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 entry of Indian nationals into Malaysia on April 28, MAS has cancelled all its scheduled passenger flights to or 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 respective countries and with strict adherence to safety and health Standard Operating Procedures," it said.
Muhammad Fahmi, in his post, had claimed that he was instructed by his employer to fetch an Indian national from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and send him to a quarantine centre.
He had claimed that the Indian national had arrived via MH191 from New Delhi. In the posting, Muhammad Fahmi also shared the alleged passenger's name as well as his supposed passport details.
The claims, however, was rebuked by Transport Minister Datuk 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 made by Muhammad Fahmi.
"There was no flight as alleged and MH191 aircraft was a cargo flight. The statement made was doubtful as there are indeed 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 onboard 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.