Malaysia Airlines planes are seen parked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, in Sepang, Malaysia, Oct. 6, 2020. Photo by Reuters
Tourism industry leaders say a blanket ban on alcohol aboard Malaysia Airlines could damage Malaysia’s image as a tolerant, inclusive destination and weaken the flag carrier’s competitiveness.
Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), said many international airlines serve alcohol based on routes and customer expectations, Free Malaysia Today reported.
“Malaysia is known as a moderate tourism country. We emphasize values like tolerance, acceptance, and inclusiveness. That’s what makes Malaysia so appealing as a tourism destination.”
Sri Ganesh Michiel, president of the Malaysian Tourism Federation, urged the public to understand why the airline chose to serve alcohol.
Their comments follow calls from politicians to halt the serving of alcoholic beverages on Malaysia Airlines flights.
Hulu Selangor MP Hasnizan Harun argued in parliament that serving alcohol contravenes Islamic principles and puts some Muslim crew in a difficult position, New Straits Times reported.
Critics have pushed back, warning that a ban would erode the airline’s appeal to international travelers and hurt revenues, Borneo Post reported.
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