Airlines that wish to continue their operations during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period need to get the Ministry of Transport’s approval.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the stringent standard operating procedure (SOP) was implemented despite the increase in domestic flights.

“In fact, domestic flights are indeed permitted as I have announced at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport (LTSAAS) Subang.

"For example, Firefly is continuing its flights as well as MAS (Malaysia Airlines) flying to Sabah and Sarawak are still allowed," he said at a press conference here on Thursday when commenting on allegations that AirAsia Group airlines were operating on Wednesday.

Ismail Sabri said AirAsia was confident that the company had complied with the SOP and had obtained permission to continue the flights.

“Many are asking for more flights (Firefly and MAS), which may not be enough with just once a week.

"If AirAsia flies to Sabah and Sarawak, this is also to meet the needs of passengers who may not be able to fly as often as they wish because MAS flies once a week," he said.