Malaysia Airlines flights from Sandakan to Penang (SDK - PEN)

Checkin at KLIA a breeze. MH Regional Lounge ex KUL a fantastic pit stop for those on the go and shuttle flights conveniently departing from the MTB at KLIA, making the journey extremely efficient. Ground handling team proactive in handling passengers with need of assistance. Coordinated well with aircraft team ahead of main boarding party. Seated at 7F and saw the care and attention paid by luggage loading team - even attending to a piece of luggage that appeared damaged before loading it onboard. Crew are naturally kind and personable - and flight deck announcements professionally made with clarity. Flight handling smooth, perfect touchdown in SIN.

The flight was an hour late due to late arrival on incoming flight. It seems to be the standard for this flight. Checked historical records and you will see that it is usually late. The economy class seating is really tight. The aircraft was really old. The toilets etc. were in pretty bad state. The crew was very average. Have been on flights with better service. None of the "Malaysian Hospitality" that the airline messaging keeps reiterating. Food was a shocker. Asian vegetarian meal -- I would have thought given Malaysian airlines is a an Asian carrier and that the flight was starting from Auckland, where the kitchens I bet would be staffed by asian chefs, what was served was something that a 5 year old would make. It was truly bad. Unfortunately had to bear two of those meals. Only ate a little. Since the flight was late, and there must have been headwinds (or the aircraft was too old to be pushed to make up time), we reached late at Malaysia. Thankfully they held the connecting flight for 50 minutes and I could get to my destination. After I complete my return leg back to Auckland, I think I will prefer not to choose Malaysian Airlines. The only reason to select Malaysian was the great connection between Auckland to Mumbai, with just one hour layover. On balance, the rest of the experience was just a bit too negative to overcome this positive.