KUALA LUMPUR: Airlines will have to comply with social distancing requirements as Malaysia moves towards relaxing the Movement Control Order (MCO), which is currently in its fourth phase, from Monday onwards.
According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the transportation sector (aviation), all airlines must ensure passengers in aircrafts are not seated next to each other by leaving an empty seat between them.
The SOP, which was shared in the National Security Council's (NSC) Telegram group today, stated that the requirement applies to all airline companies operating domestic and international routes.
"Preferential blocked seats by passengers is also not allowed," read the SOP which was issued after Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the government will allow almost all economic sectors and businesses to resume operations from May 4 onwards.
The SOP also advised flight attendants to avoid coming into close contact with passengers during meal service throughout their journey.
Among other requirements are the enforcement of one-metre distancing between passengers when they are boarding aircraft.
Airlines are also required to conduct disinfection exercises on their fleet after completing their operations.
In a separate SOP for the land public transportation sector (rail services), it was stated that all public rail transportation can now operate from 5am until midnight starting this Monday.
The new operating hours apply for rail services operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) and Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL).
"Rail operators should also prepare thermal scanners at all entrance to their premises and stations," the SOP stated.