KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 ― The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) urged Malaysia Airlines to review its cabin crew cuts after a bomb threat forced Flight MH128 to turn back to Melbourne last night.
NIOSH chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye cited news reports that said passengers had to help the national carrier’s crew members overpower a man who had allegedly attempted to break into the Airbus A330’s cockpit with what he claimed to be a bomb.
“It shows that such an incident could happen on any commercial aircraft, including Malaysia Airlines or other local airlines, if they have insufficient skilled crew members to handle emergency situations,” Lee said in a statement today.
He said, as a frequent flyer of Malaysia Airlines, he had noticed fewer flight attendants in its aircraft since October 1 last year, with the number of flight attendants on its Boeing 737 reduced to four from six.
“Apparently, this is the result of Malaysia Airlines Bhd’s cost-cutting measures as part of the airline’s rationalisation programme.
“What concerns me is the safety and comfort of the passengers since fewer flight attendants will be in the First, Business and Economy classes at any one time,” said Lee.
The head of the centre under the Ministry of Human Resources pointed out that one of the cabin crew must be in the cockpit if the pilot or first officer needs to take a toilet break, in line with international aviation regulations that require two people to be in the cockpit at all times.
According to Lee, flight attendants have the duty to protect passengers’ safety and welfare and ensure that passengers follow emergency procedures in emergencies like cabin fires, first-aid situations or hijackings.
“Malaysia Airlines should review the number of cabin attendants and ensure that there are always sufficient number to handle any situations, especially emergencies.
“We do not want to see the quality of service and safety affected by a smaller number of cabin crew,” said Lee.
The media reported that the suspect on the Kuala Lumpur-bound Flight MH128, who was restrained by crew and passengers, had not been carrying an explosive device, but a powerbank. The man reportedly had a history of mental illness.
