Nufam slams MAS over uniform design initiative

PETALING JAYA: The National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) chided Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) over its decision to have designer Datuk Seri Farah Khan design new uniforms for its staff.
"Why the haste in changing MAS' image? Why waste millions on the crew's baju kebaya and its workers, while the current uniform has been a well-known symbol and image of MAS nationwide?" the union said in a statement.
Nufam said the money for the uniform revamp could have been put to better use on improving MAS' management and staff instead.
"MAS should instead focus on paying aid to some 6,000 workers it has laid off.
"While the compensation paid is low, but its expenditure for other things can go into millions of Ringgit... it is unfair and illogical," it said.
Nufam also called on the government to assist in solving MAS' image and internal problems.
On Tuesday, MAS announced that Farah will design new uniforms for its various departments, and the new collection is expected to be unveiled before the end of this year.
Netizens, meanwhile, seem to be divided over MAS new uniform move.
"Why change somewhat that Malaysians are familiar with and proud of?" said Chong on a Facebook posting.
"The MAS look is unique to Malaysia, why change?" asked Bernard.
Abu Hurairah said on Twitter: "The new uniform will be fabulous… full of sequins."
The colour of the current sarong kebaya uniform was last updated in 1993 from the 1986 design.
The male uniform was updated in 2012.