YOURSAY ‘Still despite its downside on food, it has a dedicated cabin crew.’

'Poor quality' food gripe of MAS passengers

Old Citizen: I refer to Malaysiakini’ s report on "poor quality food gripe of MAS passengers" and particularly its report that “celebrity cook Chef Wan, whose economy class nasi lemak was served ‘naked’ without cucumber, anchovies or nuts".

Last Saturday I flew MAS business class to Phuket. Served on board was the same ‘naked’ nasi lemak. What is needed is perhaps a stalk or two of the now famous kangkung!

Somucfun: I recently flew Emirates on a four-sector flight to Europe and the food quality was surprising good.

I flew MAS frequently for many years and I must say it is true, the quality of food had deteriorated and there were no change for many years. It’s time to buck up...

UBA: MAS doesn't fall short when it comes to experienced pilots and well-trained cabin crew. The catering has been a problem since the time of PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi because of a sweetheart deal with a crony caterer.

But the number one issue is still the top-heavy feudal-style management, especially the ones at the very apex of the food chain - that's right, the Umno cronies again!

Trublumalaysian: Go for the jugular - the MAS union. Strip them off their pacifiers every time they whine to their political masters/cronies. Let meritocracy rule and see how MAS will soar.

Idealistic, yes; but achievable? Definitely.

Commentable: MAS is lucky that despite its downside on food and aircraft presentation, it has a brave and dedicated front-line and cabin crew who have collectively off-set the negative points that the airline garnered.

Otherwise I dread to think that the airline is only worth three stars. Kudos to our fellow Malaysians who are sweating it out in the air and on the ground.

Azlan Ahmad: The staff is already demoralised after what had happened following MAS privatisation. After that it was all downhill and MAS has never really recovered and I bet it will never recover.

Blame whoever is instrumental in privatising the airline. In fact, all these Malaysia Inc and privatisation policies started in the 80s have brought untold misery to the average Malaysian now and had only resulted in the creation of a privileged few and cronies who have become filthy rich. Just think about that.

Anonymous_1371905809: As far as service is concern, I do believe MAS has done quite well when compare with other so-called developed nations' airline, while our neighbouring airline seems not so concern when it comes to Asian passengers.

Transform the management and turn MAS into profitable airline and it would be really wonderful.

Oracle: After one experience with ‘Chef on Call’ in business class (to Melbourne), I declined to use that service again. The food was simply bad.

I suspect that the only reason they have that service is to ensure that they do not need to carry sufficient quantities of food "choices" on board to reduce weight and workload.

And as for food served on the ‘bullock cart routes’ (regional flights), suffice to say that I eat at the airport before boarding.

Perhaps Skytrax should also rate service on such short routes and compare with Bangkok Air, Thai, Dragon Air, etc.

The Observer: Remember the good old days when MAS was professionally managed by Saw Huat Lye, the general manager, and his team?

Multi Racial: What the government needs to do is the hire a qualified and experienced CEO regardless of his or her nationalities, race and religion and allow the person a free hand to hire and fire staff and contractors with the objective of meeting the KPIs (key performance indicators) set by the MAS board.

Tok: Still RM1 billion ringgit of loses - when make money, cronies get bonus but when lose money, taxpayers top up.

Ablastine: So Malaysians are going to pay GST (Goods and Services Tax) and other taxes so MAS can continue to lose billions of taxpayers’ money and Umno cronies gain hundreds of million in return?

Vijay47: I am a relatively frequent air traveller and I do take Malaysia Airlines from time to time.

The meals they serve seem to have lost some frills, with no more chocolates, and could be unkindly described as just a couple of notches above "simple".

But in terms of taste, I have no complaints whatsoever and in fact would add that I enjoy MAS in-flight meals. Just as I do ‘Pak Nasser's nasi lemak or ‘briyani rice’ on AirAsia.

Let me also mention that Qatar Air's and British Airlines' food or service is not all that great anyway.

MAS service? The cabin crew on MAS flights (and ground staff) have always been pleasant, courteous, and indeed practise 'service with a smile'.

Now if only former MAS chairperson Tajuddin Ramli could have been like that.

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