Malaysia Airlines only allows passengers with valid written approval from the Royal Malaysia Police (Polis Diraja Malaysia/PDRM) for interstate travel to check-in at the airport, in line with the nation’s law to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement on its website, Malaysia Airlines said the requirement has been effective since Thursday (May 21).

"This is in accordance to Rule 6(3) in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) (No. 5) Regulations 2020 dated May 12, 2020, which stipulates anyone having to travel from one area of infection to another or crossing state borders to obtain written approval from the PDRM prior to travelling, by land or air travel.

"Passengers without the written approval from PDRM will also not be allowed to cross any airport checkpoints before being allowed to proceed to the airside,” Malaysia Airlines said.