No power banks in bags

PETALING JAYA: Airlines operating from Malaysia have joined those in other countries in restricting power bank usage on planes.

While power banks were previously banned from check-in luggage and allowed only in carry-on baggage, new rules require passengers to carry them on-person at all times.

Batik Air is among those introducing the new policy.

Effective immediately, it said, passengers may carry a maximum of two power banks, which must be kept on-person at all times.

They cannot be placed in carry-on baggage. Power banks remain strictly prohibited in check-in baggage on all its flights.

The safety measures come following a rise in on-board incidents due to power banks.

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Among the airlines that have imposed restrictions on power bank use are Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Taiwan carrier EVA Air and Thai Airways.

On Jan 28, an aircraft belonging to Air Busan was severely damaged at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea after a faulty external battery pack caught fire.

“For enhanced safety, the use of power banks inside the cabin is strictly prohibited.

“Passengers are also advised to exercise caution when carrying auto-magnet charge power banks as these pose additional risks.

“Check-in staff will inspect power banks before boarding to confirm they are in good condition and meet the required watt-hour limitations,” Batik Air said.

Power banks carried onboard must not exceed 100Wh or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh).

According to AirAsia Move’s website, all South Korea inbound and outbound flights prohibit power banks, spare batteries and electronic cigarettes from being stored in the overhead compartment and must be carried on-person.

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It said the items must be individually packed either through being sealed in plastic, in insulated pouches or in the original packaging to prevent short circuits.

“Guests departing South Korea will receive clearance stickers affixed to these items or their pouches by check-in staff.

“Cabin baggage without power banks, spare batteries or electronic cigarettes may be placed in the overhead compartment,” read the notice. “Power banks, spare batteries and electronic cigarettes are strictly not allowed in checked luggage.”

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), however, said it had not issued any blanket ban yet.

CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said any ban on power bank use in planes was up to the operators.

He said CAAM had published proper guidance on safety measures, including a recommendation for airlines to ensure compliance with lithium-ion battery transport regulations.

“The airlines can decide to ban it on their carriers,” he said.

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In the March 4 notice, Norazman said current procedures require power banks and spare lithium batteries to be carried in carry-on baggage only.

“Airline operators should advise passengers to avoid storing power banks in overhead compartments and instead carry them on their person.

“Customer service personnel and cabin crew play a pivotal role in risk mitigation,” it said.

He said cabin crew must remain vigilant in identifying potential hazards and be trained to manage such incidents.