When smoke emanated from the cabin yesterday afternoon, an ATR aircraft owned by MASwings had to turn back from Miri international airport to Labuan carrying 29 passengers yesterday afternoon.

Spokesmen from Sarawak Fire and Rescue operations center said the pilot had contacted Miri International Airport on the incident, based on information received 25 passengers, two pilots and two flight attendants of the flight were on board.

He said the Miri International Airport Fire and Rescue team had deployed seven personnel and two fire engines to prepare for the runway as soon as the distress call was received at 4.32 pm.

"The plane departed from Miri for Labuan at 4.05 pm but turned around and landed safely at 4.24 pm. All passengers and crew were safe," he said.

He said Miri International Airport authorities confirmed no fire occurred but the flight was canceled.