5-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) A recent post on Malaysian blogger Wong Shuping’s Facebook page, “Blue Skies, White Clouds, Counting Grids,” has sparked a heated discussion. She shared the unpleasant experience of a friend who encountered issues with the in-flight meal while traveling in the business class of a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi.
Wong Shuping pointed out that her friend’s flight was initially delayed on Monday, from the scheduled departure time of 9:40 am to 3:00 pm due to unforeseen circumstances. She became curious after reading reports about Malaysia Airlines searching for a new catering supplier and allowing passengers to bring their own food. She asked her friend, “How is your in-flight meal?”
At the time, her friend didn’t think much of it and replied that since he was in the business class, he believed it wouldn’t affect him much.
However, the photos her friend later sent showed that the received in-flight meal consisted of only a bottle of mineral water, an apple, two bread rolls, and two pieces of cake, among other items.
In an interview with “Oriental Daily,” Wong Shuping revealed that business class passengers are typically served proper meals, but due to the transition period, such meals were being provided. Her friend was disappointed to learn that he received the same meal as economy class passengers, considering that business class tickets cost more.
She also noted that considering the flight duration was over four hours, according to airline standards, a full meal should have been provided.
Netizens share similar experiences
This incident has grabbed the attention of netizens who have been discussing the service quality of Malaysia Airlines and sharing their own similar experiences with accompanying visuals.
Some mentioned receiving the same meal box on a Malaysia Airlines flight from Miri to Kuala Lumpur two days ago, along with a RM20 voucher.
Others complained that although they received a proper meal on their flight back to Kuala Lumpur from Ho Chi Minh City on the 3rd, there were no headphones or blankets available, and even beer and peanuts were absent.
Malaysia Airlines ended its in-flight meal contract with Brahim’s Food Service company on August 31 and initiated its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) from September 1 to provide meals for specific routes.
During the transition period, Malaysia Airlines will offer alternative in-flight food and beverages for affected routes, while other routes will continue to be serviced by their current supplier, POS Aviation.
To address the situation, Malaysia Airlines announced yesterday that passengers on affected routes are allowed to bring their own food on board. However, the choice of alternative meals must comply with relevant regulations, and self-heating food and non-halal food are not included in the permitted food range. International passengers departing from or transiting through Malaysian international airports are not allowed to carry liquids exceeding 100 milliliters.
