The uniforms of Malaysian flight attendants have always been a topic of heated debate in parliament, with some deeming them indecent and revealing.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently spoke out about this topic and advised those who find these flight attendants’ uniforms too revealing to simply look away, as reported by The Star.
Source: The Star
During parliament on Wednesday (Aug 1), Tumpat MP Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi from PAS had asked Loke whether he agreed that Malaysian flight attendants have revealing uniforms compared to their international counterparts.
“Do you find them too ‘menjolok mata‘ (indecent and distracting) compared to those in some international airlines like in the US and other places, where they wear pants as uniforms?”
Source: Berita Harian
Loke responded saying he had nothing to comment on as this is a very subjective matter.
“This is subjective, if you think it is revealing then don’t look at the stewardesses.”
According to Loke, as quoted in the Straits Times, airline companies need to adhere to safety standards drawn up by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
He stated that in order for airline companies to receive the safety certificate, they have to ensure that the flight attendants’ uniforms are suitable to perform duties during emergency evacuations.
He also said that airline companies are free to design their uniforms to fit their corporate image. The Kebaya uniforms from Malaysia Airlines, for instance, reflect our Malaysian identity.
Source: Malay Mail
In response to Loke’s winding-up speech on the Royal Address, Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, Rantau Panjang MP from PAS, said she had heard the same answers for many years and demanded the ministry to answer whether the revealing outfits would meet the safety requirements of the airline.
To this, Loke replied there were no plans to change the existing policies on flight attendants’ uniforms.
“We are aware that this is not a new policy and there is nothing new, but there are no plans to change the existing policies on the dressing of stewards and stewardesses. The image and outfit depend on the airline company.”
Source: Sinar Harian
Another PAS MP, Khairuddin Aman Razali had asked if Malaysia Airlines planned to allow Muslim flight attendants to wear the hijab, as reported by FMT.
Loke said this matter would have to be further discussed with Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB).
He added that the ministry has no issue if Muslim flight attendants decide to wear clothes that adhere to their faith.
“The Ministry has no restriction if Muslim air stewardesses choose to wear attire that are Syariah compliant as long as it fulfills the criteria set by CAAM,” he said.
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Also read: NZ Doctor Disgusted By M’sian Air Stewardesses’ Uniforms, Netizens Have Mixed Reactions
