Letter to Editor
THE current controversy over national airlines Malaysia Airlines (MAS) serving booze to passengers rages on. Along with the air stewardess’ figure-hugging outfits, this will periodically make headlines when politicians have no other issues to pick on.
On the one hand, the call to ban alcohol on MAS flights to make it shariah-compliant is not a novel concept – there are already a whole host of carriers that implement this policy.
They are Saudi Arabian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways, Iran Air, Royal Brunei Airlines, Egyptair, Iraqi Airways, Ariana Afghan Airlines and Libya Wings.
It can be argued that such a move would be reflective of the fact that Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. The call for the ban is being led by PAS with its lawmakers claiming that this practice of serving booze made Muslim passengers and cabin crew uncomfortable.
Alas, the call by PAS legislators Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (Parit) and Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (Parit Buntar) to replace alcoholic tipples with local favourites such as cendol and ais kacang were roundly ridiculed.
Surely, a more appropriate non-alcoholic beverage menu can be devised but that’s another story.
‘Create separate cabins’
On the other hand, it must also be recognised that for many non-Muslims, the question is not simply about boozing but rather respecting the rights of minority groups. Nobody is forcing Muslims to imbibe such haram drinks and that some tolerance is to be expected.
To this demographic, bending to the will of the majority is akin to giving up civil liberties that go beyond enjoying a drink in the sky.
It is also pointed out that the national airlines of many Muslim countries do serve alcohol, including Emirates Airlines, Etihad, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Qatar Airways.
As gleefully highlighted by political analyst Prof James Chin, Malaysia’s own experiment with a shariah-compliant airline – Rayani Air – was a spectacular and unadulterated failure (it went bust in four months).
There is more to running an airline than whether it serves booze.
Politicians will foam at the mouth, claiming to be the defenders of a faith or champions of democratic principles while exploiting the issue for maximum effect.
Putting aside all the political posturing and calls to set up PAS Airlines or DAP Airlines, there is actually a more simple, prosaic solution. Just have separate cabins for boozers and non-boozers with non-Muslim staff attending to the former.
This idea stems from the likelihood of PAS Airlines segregating its male from female passengers by virtue of separate aisles, hence the need to have MALE air stewards to attend to male passengers and vice-versa.
That way, nobody’s sensibilities is compromised nor offended. It also negates the argument that there is any impinging of minority rights plus safeguarding Muslim travellers’ right to fly without being stuck next to an intoxicated passenger.
It also means MAS is free to continue operating as a modern, full-service airline that meets international customers’ expectations.
One would have thought this was simple and obvious enough a solution. But nothing ever is when the polemics of race and religion is involved.
A little give-and-take goes a long way and is more reflective of a Malaysian mindset that is accepting, understanding, and yes, tolerant. – Oct 24, 2025
Sober Flyer
Ampang
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Images credit: Multiple social media sources
