MASkargo, the cargo arm of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), aims to be a global leader in animal shipment with the launch of its new six-star animal hotel, local media reported Friday.

MASkargo has invested more than 1 million ringgit (265,957 U.S. dollars) to transform its animal hotel into a six-star facility, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, the New Straits Times reported.

Located in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the new facility would distinguish MASkargo from other cargo operators in the world by combining transport and premium care for all types of animals, ranging from wildlife animals to pets, MAS senior general manager (cargo) Ong Jyh Jong was quoted as saying.

This business has huge income-generating potential as there are only three players in the world with such services at the moment, Ong told reporters after launching the animal hotel on Thursday.

They are MASkargo, London airport and Amsterdam airport, said Ong, adding the two other airports, however, only offer basic animal care.

"What we are offering here is a additional service. So far the response has been good. we are optimistic that contributions from this new facility would easily double the revenue of our perishable goods business within this financial year," Ong added.

In the new hotel with over 1,248 square meters of space, animals or pets will have ample roaming space before their flight or upon arrival.

In addition, they will be taken care by experienced and well- trained handlers, providing constant supervision from pampering of the pets to handling exotic wildlife animals, said Ong.

Pet owners can use simple check-in system by booking accommodation through MASkargo Animal Hotel's website at www. maskargo.com/animalhotel, added Ong.

Source: Xinhua