Malaysia Airlines, which has been hard-hit by record oil prices, said today that it will raise its fuel surcharge by up to 12.3 percent, in its second hike in less than a month.

"With fuel prices continuing to escalate, Malaysia Airlines is compelled to revise the fuel surcharge rates with effect from October 15, 2005," it said in statement.

The national carrier said it will raise its fuel surcharge to RM137 or 12.3 percent, from RM122 for travel between Malaysia and Europe, Australia and New Zealand, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa.

The fuel surcharge for travel between Malaysia and Asia would be increased to RM68, or 11.5 percent, from RM61.

Surcharges on tickets sold outside Malaysia and on domestic routes will remain unchanged, it said.

Further hikes possible

"Malaysia Airlines continues to monitor the fuel price situation and will take further measures to review the surcharge if necessary," it said.

The airline recently announced one of its worst ever quarterly losses at RM280.66 million in the three months to June after a profit of RM26.58 million a year earlier.

After posting the disappointing result quarterly result, Malaysia Airlines announced an ambitious five-year plan to boost profits by up to RM1.0 billion, which included a management shake up.

It last raised its fuel surcharge on September 21.