'Aviation authority ready to assist US agencies over door plug probe'

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is prepared to assist the United States Federation of Aviation Administration (FAA) in its probe into the Alaska Airlines' door plug incident.

The door plug of the Alaska Airlines aircraft, which was blown off mid-flight recently, was labelled “Made in Malaysia”.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said CAAM has contacted FAA Asia-Pacific in Singapore after the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed yesterday that the door plug was manufactured in Malaysia.

“We (CAAM) have proactively reached out to the FAA office, to offer our assistance following confirmation that the door plug was made in Malaysia. So far, they (FAA) said that they will come back to us should they require assistance.

"Even though the door plug was manufactured in Malaysia, it is a component that falls under the approval of FAA… in terms of the product approval, it is under FAA," he said.

Loke said this to reporters after the inauguration of luxury liner Costa Serena's international cruise homeport at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal today.

Yesterday, media reports said NSTB had confirmed the Boeing BA 737 MAX 9 door plug that blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this month was manufactured in Malaysia.

Commenting on today's programme, Loke highlighted that the collaboration between luxury cruise line Costa Cruises and leading cruise operator Hwajing Travel & Tours (Hwajing), has the potential to provide long-term economic benefits.

The successful establishment of the country's first international cruise port in Port Klang will not only enhance the tourism sector but will also contribute positively to the nation’s economy, he added.

"The cruise line has obtained halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for several of its restaurants to cater to Muslim tourists," said Loke.

He pointed out that most international cruises lack halal restaurants, posing a challenge for Muslim tourists.

The halal-certified restaurants are aimed at addressing this gap by offering halal dining options to the passengers, he added.

- Bernama