MH179: German turned aggressive after refused shot of whisky
KUALA LUMPUR: A German passenger of a Sri Lanka bound Malaysia Airlines flight who allegedly caused a stir in mid-air on Saturday, was apparently infuriated after his request for a shot of whisky was turned down by serving crew on duty.
Police said the 54-year-old foreigner who runs a business in Bali, Indonesia had arrived here days earlier for a business meeting.
It is learnt that he had boarded the flight to Sri Lanka on Saturday for another business meeting and had checked in to the business-class section.
Minutes after the flight departed the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and was still in its climb phase, the businessman ordered his drink.
However, his request was turned down by an air stewardess as passengers and crew were required to remain buckled in their seats during the climb phase and would only be served after the aircraft achieved level flight.
Angered by this, the man allegedly caused a ruckus on board the flight.
Selangor deputy police chief DCP Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said investigations showed that the foreigner was not drunk as reported but was simply upset his request for his drink was not entertained.
He said the foreigner is being held under remand and being probed for causing alarm on board a flight under laws of the Civil Aviation Act.
Sepang police chief Supt Abdul Aziz Ali said investigations is almost complete and police expect to submit their findings to the Attorney General Chambers tomorrow.
On Sunday, Malaysia Airlines said in a statement that the foreigner was intoxicated and airline crew of flight MH179 had to seek assistance from other passengers to restrain the man due to his large physique.
The commotion escalated when the man harassed the crew, prompting the captain's decision to return to KLIA. The flight orbited for two hours off the Straits of Melaka before landing at the KLIA where the German was handed over to police.
