MALACCA: MH148’s air-turn back decision was made in line with the stringent safety measures adopted by MAS.
“Safety of passengers is very important for the airline. It was an isolated occurrence.
“The emergency landing should not be linked to MH370 and MH17, which were not caused by safety defects,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He told this to reporters after the Tangga Batu MCA division AGM opening here.
Liow added the MH148 flight served by Airbus 330 was being inspected by MAS engineers and ground personnel as part of the investigation into the case.
Liow was earlier asked whether the elements of sabotage by disgruntled MAS employees could be the cause for the suspected engine fire of flight MH148.
The Kuala Lumpur–bound flight made an air-turn back to Melbourne on Saturday before making an emergency landing at Melbourne airport with all 300 passengers safe.
A preliminary inspection showed no physical evidence of fire externally.
Liow said in-depth probe by Department of Civil Aviation on Flight MH148 would determine the cause of the problem.
MAS terminated its employees on June 1 and new job offers were given to 14,000 out of 20,000 staff.
A new company, Malaysia Airlines Bhd will take over from the current one on Sept 1.
Liow said any grievances by MAS staff should be channelled to Human Resources Ministry through accredited work unions or by the affected individuals, themselves.
Earlier, in a separate function in Kuala Lumpur, Liow, the MCA president, urged Chinese traders to take part in the business opportunities under the various 1Malaysia programmes.
“There are many more, such as the 1Malaysia People’s Shop, 1Malaysia People’s Textiles Store and the 1Malaysia People’s Menu that the Chinese can take part in”, he said at the 33rd Kojadi AGM.
These initiatives, he added had fewer participation from the Chinese compared to other races.
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