Malaysia Airlines on Saturday announced sharp increases in fuel surcharges starting next month, the carrier's fourth hike in half a year.

"Fuel cost continues to remain as the single largest expense item for all carriers," it said in a statement.

"Malaysia Airlines has been taking measures to mitigate this rise in cost by streamlining and matching fuel surcharge rates in line with other airlines."

The loss-making airline said that, from Feb 1, fuel surcharges would rise from US$20 or less now to US$50 for routes from Malaysia to South Asian and East Asian destinations.

Administrative fee

Malaysia Airlines said it would also introduce an administration fee of 3.70-7 dollars, depending on routes, and raise insurance charges for international routes to five dollars from 1.25 dollars now.

Malaysia Airlines ended 2005 in a troubled state after posting two consecutive quarters of losses, and faced calls for cost cuts and better contingency plans in the face of rising fuel prices.

It recorded its second straight quarterly loss of nearly 368 million ringgit in the three months to September.