Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) cargo subsidiary MABkargo Sdn. Bhd. (MASkargo) has successfully flew in the first batch of COVID-19 vaccine to Malaysia. Over 300,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine were transported via a Passenger-to-Cargo (P2C) flight utilising the Airbus 330-300 aircraft in close collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Health, Pfizer and DHL Express.

Speaking on the historic event, Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, Captain Izham Ismail said, "We are proud to be able to serve the country in this very important mission, as Malaysians and residents look forward to receive their dosage under the national vaccination programme. Being the country’s national carrier, we take this responsibility of transporting the vaccines very seriously, as the success of the vaccination programme is key in helping the country achieve economic and financial recovery. Despite being very experienced in handling time and temperature-sensitive items, we still worked hard at preparing the organization in this highly complex and demanding task to ensure seamless end-to-end execution. Our skilled workforce and adequate infrastructure are vital points in ensuring the safe, secure and hygienic handling, transportation and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to Malaysia or any part of the world.”

The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines involves highly coordinated transport and security protocols to ensure safe delivery of vaccines to key hubs/points of vaccination. MASkargo has conducted live simulations and dry runs during its international and domestic scheduled flights in preparation for the various types of vaccine, each of which has different logistic requirements Malaysia.