Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi told the AFP news agency that the passenger, a Sri Lankan national, appeared to have been drunk and was overpowered by the plane’s crew and later arrested by airport security in Melbourne.

“It is not a hijack. One disruptive passenger tried to enter the plane’s cockpit,” Aziz told AFP, adding that there were no other passengers involved.

“The passenger, a Sri Lankan national, claimed to have a bomb. It was not a bomb but a powerbank,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines has also updated its statement released last night on the incident, denying that there was any attempt to hijack the aircraft.

“Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft ‘hijacked’.

“MH128 landed safely in Melbourne airport at 11.41pm.

“Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident,” the airline said, adding that all passengers and crew had safely disembarked after the plane returned to Melbourne.

“The affected passengers will be accommodated at hotels. They will be offered seats on the next available flight or on other carriers,” the airline said.

MAS plane diverts to Melbourne due to ‘disruptive passenger’