The national flag carrier, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is planning on refreshing its cabin crew uniforms and they are asking customers if they should make their Kebaya more modest. The Kebaya uniform worn by MAS stewardesses has been around since 1972 and it is iconic to the brand. There have been several updates over the years but it is still unmistakably Malaysian as it incorporates Malaysian elements such as local flowers into the design.
In a survey sent to customers, Malaysia Airlines asks if you are in favour of putting a modest twist to the iconic Kebaya. It also asks if you are in favour of making changes to their uniforms to provide an option for female cabin crew to don a hijab while serving onboard both domestic and international flights.
Malaysia Airlines also asks in a follow up question if you would like to see their crew to move away from the Kebaya and opt for a more modest and practical uniforms donned by other airlines with pantsuit, skirt and jacket. It also welcomes other suggestions and ideas on their uniforms.
Modesty of cabin crew uniform has been discussed in Parliament
The modesty of cabin crew uniforms of Malaysian-based airlines have been raised by various parties. Back in 2018, Transport Minister Anthony Loke was asked by Rantau Panjang MP Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff if the “revealing” attire can ensure safety of air travel. Meanwhile, Kuala Nerus MP Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali also asked if MAS plans to allow Muslim stewardesses to don the hijab.
In response to the questions and remarks, Anthony Loke said the design of the uniform is based on the policies set by the airlines and he will discuss the matter about allowing the hijab with the management of the airlines.
Tumpat MP Che Abdullah Mat Nawi later remarked that the uniforms of Malaysian stewardess seem to be too revealing compared to cabin crew of other international airlines including the West which some uses pants. When asked for a comment, Anthony Loke said if what the stewardess wears is deemed too revealing, you should look away. He said the uniform design is subjective and if anyone finds it a problem, they shouldn’t look at the stewardess.
History of Malaysia Airlines’ iconic Kebaya uniform
The Kebaya uniform for cabin crew was first introduced in the late 1960s during the days of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). It was designed by Frenchman Pierre Balmain and the original design was carried on to Singapore Airlines after the split of MSA. When Malaysia Airline System commenced its operations in 1972, it needed its own uniform. A local designer was selected out of 9 submissions and the design had a Kebaya top supplemented by a skirt.
Since the acronym of the airline is MAS, they have branded most of their products and experiences after gold. Hence the term Golden Girls for its stewardess and Golden Lounge for its business lounge.
The next major change was in 1986 where the uniforms were designed by MARA’s Fashion Faculty students. As described by former MAS flight attendant Chang Chin Kwang, the design of the uniform represents the strong integration of the country. It features the Kebaya motif with local flowers while the lapel incorporates Sarawak’s weave design. He added that the Kebaya also features a functional design with the slit providing flexibility during an emergency. This allows the cabin crew to easily carry out their primary role for safety. In the 90s, there were several updates on the variations of the colours.
Other airlines under Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) such as MASWing and Firefly have their own set of uniforms. It is worth pointing out that Malaysia Airlines’ Amal unit has its own female cabin crew uniforms for Umrah flights to Saudi Arabia.
What do you think of Malaysia Airlines’ cabin crew uniform? Let us know in the comments below.
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