Detach batteries from e-cigarette when on board—MAHB

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PUTRAJAYA—With immediate effect, passengers carrying the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) need to detach the batteries from their vaping device during flights, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) Monday.

The announcement was made following the overheated e-cigarette device on board flight OD 1003 while en-route from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur on October 24.

In its Facebook posting, MAHB said at present the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations did not allow e-cigarettes to be checked in as baggage, but allowed for them to be hand-carried on board of the aircraft.

“Following this latest incident, MAHB has implemented an additional safety precaution, effective immediately whereby passengers will be asked to detach the batteries from the equipment,” it said.

Meanwhile, MAHB has referred the matter to the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) for further advice.

DCA director-general Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman in a statement today said that DCA was concerned about the reported incident of an e-cigarette that burst into flames on board Malindo Air flight OD1003, injuring the owner.

Malindo Air in confirming the overheated e-cigarette incident today said it occurred during cruise at 35,000 feet approximately at 6:02 p.m., mid-journey between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.