KUALA LUMPUR (June 1): Malaysia Airlines Bhd said it has rescheduled flight MH128 as MH128D to depart from Melbourne after the flight was disrupted yesterday by an incident involving a passenger.

In a statement today, the national carrier added that the new scheduled flight will be operated by a fresh set of crew.

In a statement today, Malaysia Airlines said MH128 has been rescheduled to operate as MH128D on departing Melbourne at 2000hrs local time on June 1 and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 0235hrs local time the next day.

Australian media reported that this came after MH128 was forced to turn back to Melbourne Airport on May 31 due to a disruptive passenger who attempted to enter the cockpit and threatened to be in possession of explosive material.

Malaysia Airlines said its cabin crew with the help of one passenger managed to restrain the perpetrator who was immediately handcuffed and subdued.

"Passengers with critical onward connections have been allocated seats on Malaysia Airlines' earlier flight, MH148, departing Melbourne at 1355hrs local time on June 1. A total of three Malaysia Airlines flights are now scheduled to depart Melbourne today," the carrier updated.

Malaysia Airlines said the Australian Security authorities have screened all baggage and it is being transferred on the respective flights that passengers are rebooked on.

"Malaysia Airlines' technical and cabin crew that operated MH128/31May will not operate on flights until further notice. A fresh set of crew will be operating MH128D. An investigation led by Australian authorities is currently underway and Malaysia Airlines wishes to extend its appreciation to everyone involved during the emergency situation," the company said.

"Passengers have been sent to local hotels in Melbourne and will be departing to Kuala Lumpur throughout June 1," it added.