MAS ACTIVATES OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR PANDEMIC FLU

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has
activated operating procedures for pandemic flu based on the World Health
Organisation (WHO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
guidelines, following the outbreak of swine influenza.

This was is line with the Health Ministry's directive, said MAS general
manager for Corporate Safety, Security, Health and Environment, Captain Dr Ooi
Teong Siew, Wednesday.

The operating procedures for pandemic flu had been issued to Malaysia
Airlines crew members, airport operations staff, maintenance and cleaning
personnel and all other staff directly involved in the handling of passengers,
cargo and baggage, he said.

Dr Siew said Malaysia Airlines, the flag carrier in Malaysia, would be
assisting the ministry in expediting
the screening of passengers arriving from the United States and other affected
countries, particularly those with connecting flights.

"The screening is being carried out by the ministry as a precaution against
the swine flu outbreak and passengers with obvious symptoms will be
quarantined," he added.

Dr Siew said Malaysia Airlines' measures included close monitoring of
passengers for any signs of illness, provision of sufficient inventory of health
safety equipment onboard, and thorough cleaning and disinfections of the
aircraft upon passenger disembarkation, which were similar to those implemented
during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak back in 2005.

He said Malaysia Airlines staff had been provided with information
on swine flu in efforts to heighten general awareness of hygiene to minimise the
risk of infection.

"At this stage, there are no travel restrictions in place and Malaysia
Airlines is still operating normally.

"However, our passengers who have booked to travel to Los Angeles or New
York can make changes to their flights at no charge from now until the end of
May," he said.

Dr Siew said Malaysia Airlines would continue to coordinate with
the Health Ministry to closely monitor the pandemic flu and was prepared to
strictly adhere to public health directives put forth by the ministry.

"This is especially with regards to our international flight arrivals from
and departures to the US," he said.

-- BERNAMA