WORDS are a powerful tool. The things that you say (and where you say it) matter more than you think they do. Words can change lives, create relationships and turn around and ground a plane full of passengers, as those on flight MH122 found out on Monday (Aug 14). While on their way to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney, Australia, a verbal altercation broke in the cabin where one of the passengers kicked up a fuss and made it seem like he was threatening to blow the plane up. This forced the captain to turn the airplane right around and return to Sydney where police on the ground immediately arrested the man. While it turned out the man was bluffing, this apparently won't protect him from the full weight of the law.
So, is it true that it is illegal to say 'bomb' on an aeroplane?
Verdict:
TRUE - in most countries, Malaysia included
It isn't an urban legend. Saying the word bomb or even even hinting at things that go boom while on an aeroplane can land you in some pretty hot water.
In Malaysia, we do not have a law specifically to chuck would-be "bomb-sayers" in jail, they can face being slapped with charges under Section 506 of the penal Code for inciting fear. This carries with it a maximum seven years’ jail time, a fine or both.
Just last year, a foreign woman was nabbed at Penang International Airport for saying the taboo word as a joke.
When checking in to board her plane to Medan, she told the ground crew there was a bomb in her bag.
She thought she was being funny, unfortunately (for her) airport staff and the police thought otherwise.
Sometimes, you don't even need to be on a plane or even at the airport to get into trouble for using "bomb" and "aeroplane" in the same sentence.
A Brit was fined GBP1,000 in 2012 for tweeting (or is it Xeeting?) out: "Robin Hood airport is closed. You've got a week and a bit to get your [expletive] together otherwise I'm blowing the airport sky high."
References:
2. https://www.thestar.com.my/
4. https://www.bbc.com/news/
