For decades, the iconic turqoise kebaya uniform infused with elements of Malaysian flora has long been an integral part of the Malaysia Aviation Group’s image.
But the group has now introduced a new uniform for the frontliners of its ground-handling arm, AeroDarat Servives (ADS).
Taking a departure from the figure hugging kebaya uniform, the onground staff will be donning a tailored three-piece suit with skirt or trouser options for women in a deeper shade of blue.
The uniform also comes with a hijab, for hijab-wearing staff. For this, MAG collaborated with homegrown hijab brand TudungPeople.
TudungPeople founder Fazrena Aziz described the collaboration as a special, undercover mission with an objective "to craft a chic, Malaysian-inspired look that's sleek, friendly, and comfortable for those extended shifts.”
"Our first task was selecting the right material—chiffon crepe, an absolutely opaque fabric, ensuring the hijab remains thin and light. Known for its strength and graceful drape, it's both sturdy and delicate. The colour was customised to match MAG's stunning new blue.
"We crafted the hijab to be semi-instant, providing a structured and uniform appearance for all staff members, ensuring the perfect length for practicality at work, in sync with the revamped uniform.
"To add a distinctive touch, every hijab is embellished with an embroidery of MAG's signature wau,” she told Sinar Daily.
The chosen deep blue colour pairs well with the three-piece uniform that weaves in intricate ‘songket’ motifs. While TudungPeople were behind the hijab, the uniform was actually designed by the creative young minds of MAG.
For the uninitiated, this isn't the first time MAG and TudungPeople have worked together. They first collaborated during Raya 2023 where TudungPeople designed special Raya packets for distribution among all MAG passengers throughout the festive season.
The issue of moving away the Kebaya uniform to more modest options for cabin crew has previously been discussed about in Parliament back in 2018.
The Transport Minister back then who was also Anthony Loke, was asked by Rantau Panjang MP Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff if the kebaya uniform can ensure safety of air travel, and former Kuala Nerus MP Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali asked if MAS had plans to allow Muslim stewardesses to don the hijab.
Loke responded by saying he would discuss the matter with the management of the airline company.