Malaysia Airport Berhad (MAB) will train members of the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) to guard small airports in remote areas of Sabah and Sarawak, said Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat.

He said as such Rela members would be trained on emergency flight operations by the MAB besides airport security measures by the police.

"So far, Bario airport is guarded by Rela members round the clock and we expect a few more small airports in the interior needed to be guarded by Rela as airport security is crucial," he told reporters after launching a safety and security awareness campaign at the Kuching International Airport here today.

He said the Home Ministry issued a directive on April 1 for small airports in the interior to be guarded by Rela members round the clock.

Meanwhile, MASwings, Malaysia's first commuter airline, will conduct a safety and security awareness campaign at Bario, Ba'Kelalan, Long Banga and Long Akah airports.

Its chief engineer, Nasip Roslan said MASwings was ready to team up with the MBA and other security agencies to create safety and security awareness among its passengers.