THE Transport Ministry will consider rescheduling early morning flights so that they do not interfere with the praying times of Muslims.

Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah said airline operators must be considerate of Muslim prayer times when timing their flights. 

“Airlines have to take into account the passage of time, prayer times and so on. Hence, it is a good idea for us to study (the flight schedules) for the common good,” he told parliament during Minister’s Question time. 

He was responding to a supplementary question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (Alor Setar-PN), who asked if the ministry was considering reviewing flight schedules, especially flights in the early morning, so that they do not clash with prayer times. 

“I raised the matter is because there are complaints from airline employees, especially Muslims, that they do not have time for subuh prayers,” said Afnan.

Hasbi said it has been his experience that the pilot will sometimes wait for the passengers to finish praying before take-off. 

He urged passengers to plan their flight schedule so that it does not clash with their prayer times. 

“Passengers must know their schedule. Maybe they can perform their ablutions early or pray on the plane,” he said.

Earlier, Larry Sng (Julau-PBM) asked the Transport Ministry for a response to the Sarawak government’s proposal to establish the state’s own boutique airline. 

To this, Hasbi said the state had yet to submit an application.

He said the ministry, through the Malaysian Civil Aviation Commission (Mavcom), will consider the proposal upon receipt of a complete application.

Hasbi said a new airline must obtain an air service licence from Mavcom and an air operator’s certificate from the Malaysian Aviation Authority.

“I understand that Mavcom and the Sarawak government will be discussing the matter further today at 4pm in Kuching.” – June 4, 2023.