By: Megat Arizal Izram Megat Abdullah (Flight Operations)
“Tell me Megat, why is it that you want to be a pilot?”
That’s one of the questions I was asked during my interview before I started my career and here’s my reply.
“Well... I want to be a pilot because I want to see the world and meet new people.”
Guess what? It’s true. You get to go to many new places and meet many new people but sometimes... It’s nice to spend some quality time with the people you already know as in your family and friends.
The thing is we don’t get to choose the time (apart from applying our Annual Leave). As we know, Malaysia Airlines don’t stop flying during the weekends. They don’t stop during public holidays. And they surely don’t stop during the Hari Raya.
Now, after flying for more than 12 years, there were times when I had to perform my duties as a First Officer during Hari Raya. You may think that after all those years, I’m supposed to be used to it. Well, I am. But sometimes, no matter how often you’re away, Hari Raya is always special!!! When I was a young boy, Hari Raya is the time when I get new clothes and Duit Raya. Now, it’s my daughters turn. They’re the ones getting the new clothes and the Duit Raya from me. This year, if Raya falls on the 20th, I’ll be in Jakarta. As my girls prepare their new baju kurung, I’ll be preparing my uniform.
Now… for those who haven’t had this experience, it might seem a bit daunting to celebrate away from home but let me tell you something, in Malaysia Airlines, it’s not as hard as it looks. The Malaysian Hospitality starts from within and every crew member is aware that flying during the festive season is always a bit tough but we always make it a point to celebrate it in our own way.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a Malay, Chinese or Indian, everyone comes together in the spirit of 1Malaysia, to have our own mini Hari Raya. (If you’re lucky, it sometimes comes with Duit Raya too)
Now people... being away from home without your loved ones is always not easy but to me, there’s no better way to do it than with the crew of Malaysian Airlines. I feel very fortunate to be part of this MH family.
To everyone reading this, I’d like to wish you a very Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Ari7474 |