Maswings bans passengers from using Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Maswings Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned unit of Malaysia Airlines, has banned passengers from using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on its flights due to safety concerns.

Maswings said passengers were not permitted to turn on or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 while on board with immediate effect.

"These devices are also not permitted to be stowed in checked baggage," it said in a brief statement today adding that the airline would not be accepting cargo shipment of the said device.

Maswings followed other major airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Airlines and Etihad Airways after certain units of the smartphone batteries were reported to explode, prompting Samsung to suspend the sales of the smartphone.

Maswings operates in Sarawak, Sabah and Indonesia, including the Rural Air Services (RAS).