I recently flew with Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok in Business Class. The ticket was redeemed from British Airways for 16,500 Avios +$17 tax which is excellent value. Here are some photos of the trip:
Dedicated check-in for Business Class in row D at KLIA1.
![a sign in a airport](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_06-800x600.jpg)
![people standing in a terminal](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_10-800x600.jpg)
![a man waving in an airport](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_09.jpg)
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Regional
After check-in, I visited Golden Lounge Regional near gate A.
The lounge is huge and has floor to ceiling view of the airfield. There is also a great buffet selection, I particularly love the curry beef.
The lounge is also available for purchase for Economy Class guests. I think it was around USD 36.
![Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Regional](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_17.jpg)
![a room with tables and chairs](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_15.jpg)
![a room with tables and chairs and a large window](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_01-800x600.jpg)
![a room with chairs and luggage](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_04-800x600.jpg)
![airplanes parked at an airport](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_08.jpg)
![Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Regional](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_09.jpg)
![Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Regional](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_13.jpg)
![food in a buffet line](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_18.jpg)
![a trays of food in a container](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_05-800x600.jpg)
![a group of pots on a table with bowls and plates](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_14-800x600.jpg)
![a table with food items on it](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_03-800x600.jpg)
![a table with food on it](jpg/malaysia_airlines_golden_lounge_02-800x600.jpg)
MH780 Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok
Malaysia Airlines has about 4 daily flights to Bangkok with the majority of them on Boeing 737-800 and occasionally A330. My flight is operated by B737-800, reg 9M-MXJ.
![a white airplane on a tarmac](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_12-800x600.jpg)
I was sitting in row 1C as it was a completely full flight. Flight time was about 2 hours.
![Malaysia Airlines Business Class on B737-800](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_13.jpg)
![a menu of a restaurant](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_04.jpg)
![a woman wearing a face mask holding a tray of food in an airplane](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_05.jpg)
![Malaysia Airlines Business Class meal - Chicken Biryani main course with guava juice.](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_08-800x600.jpg)
![a tray of food on a tray](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_11-800x600.jpg)
![a woman wearing a face mask holding a tray of food in an airplane](jpg/malaysia_airlines_flight_07-800x600.jpg)
Summary
I think Malaysia Airlines still offer great value in the heavily competitive environment of South East Asia. It almost felt the value of their short-haul stands out better than their long-haul.
The food in both Business Class and Economy is decent for a 2-hour short flight. The Economy Class seat on this 737-800 seems to have been upgraded. The crew is warm and nice on my flight.
The Golden Lounge regional has a decent choice of food and a nice view of the apron. Malaysia Airlines do release a fair amount of seats for redemption. The best way to redeem short-haul flights is via British Airways Executive Club using Avios.