Malaysia Airlines today said it would defer its expansion plans due to the Sars outbreak, which would cost the carrier at least RM131.20 million in sales losses.

Asian regional assistant general manager Rashid Khan said passenger load factor has dipped to 53 percent this month amid the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) health scare which has killed more than 300 people worldwide.

International Air Transport Association data showed ticket sales for flights originating from Malaysia fell nearly 50 percent year-on-year to RM30.50 million in the second week of April alone, he said.