MCA: Growing trend towards conservatism becoming increasingly worrisome

[superadmin]

THE call by the National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to look into the handling of alcohol by Muslim cabin crew is short-sighted, said the MCA.

Its youth secretary-general, Saw Yee Fung, said the enforcement of such a proposal will cause Malaysia’s commercial airlines industry to lose out on its competitive advantage.

"Ultimately, the biggest losers would be the employees in the private aviation sector themselves.

"Among other factors, the free-flowing alcohol served on board Arab-based airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways without interference from religious authorities is a passenger puller.

"Adapting to clients’ needs rather than compelling customers to adopt one’s values will encourage travellers to fly with Malaysian-based airlines," she said in a statement.

As experienced flight attendants, Saw said Nufam would have earned plaudits by suggesting measures to raise the competitiveness of Malaysia’s airline industry and draw tourists.

"This can be done by suggesting to travellers to take advantage of Malaysia’s weak Ringgit and fly into and across destinations in Malaysia on board our Malaysian-based airlines," she added.

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