KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Following public backlash after revising its cabin baggage policy to facilitate social distancing, AirAsia has reversed its decision to now allow seven kilogrammes of cabin baggage per passenger onboard an aircraft, instead of the five kilogrammes reported previously.

The revised weight is currently reflected in AirAsia’s latest cabin baggage policy.

However, the number of baggage allowed per passenger remains the same, at one.

AirAsia later confirmed the policy reversion in an emailed statement to Malay Mail.

"The allowance has been reverted to 7kg but it will be strictly for one piece of cabin baggage only.

"This will help minimise unwanted contact between a guest and another guest’s baggage and vice versa, as was normally the case when a guest carries more than one hand-carry baggage,” the email stated.

The airline did not specify the reason for the reversion.

The airline added that the move was done in the best interests of its guests and crew.

Initially, AirAsia reportedly slashed cabin luggage to five kilogrammes to minimise unwanted contact between guests and another guest’s baggage and vice-versa, which led to a public outcry on social media.

In the initial announcement on Monday, AirAsia Group chief safety officer Captain Ling Liong Tien had in a statement said the amended cabin baggage policy was made to facilitate social distancing, especially during embarkation and disembarkation, by allowing only one piece of cabin baggage not exceeding five kilogrammes per guest.

Apart from the cabin baggage rule, guests are also required to bring and wear their own face masks before, during and after their flight, as well as during check-ins and bag collection.

Those without face masks will not be allowed to board their flight.