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SUBANG JAYA, Malaysia: Every morning Malaysian pilot Azrin Mohamad Zawawi dons his white uniform and black captain’s cap before heading to work.
But instead of going to the airport, as he has done for two decades, he heads to a small noodle stand he now owns in a suburb outside the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Azrin, 44, is one of thousands of employees who have lost their jobs after airlines were blocked by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I need some income because my previous company laid me off,” said Azrin, whose most recent employer, Malindo Air, was forced to cut its workforce this month.
Deprived of a regular income, the father of four decided to start a food business, selling Malaysian dishes like a curry noodle dish made from a family recipe, laksa, and a mixed fruit dish called Rojak.
Former Malaysian pilot Azrin Mohamad Zawawi prepares food at his concession stand in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, on November 7, 2020 (Photo: REUTERS / Lim Huey Teng)
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His business received an unexpected wave of publicity when a photograph of Azrin in his captain’s uniform with a red apron taken by his wife and posted on social media went viral.
Still, customers say the business, aptly named Kapten Corner (“Captain’s Corner”), is more than a gimmick.
“The main thing is that the food must be good … I have eaten here twice. The first time I brought my wife and now my friends,” said customer Azman Yunus.
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Former Malaysian pilot Azrin Mohamad Zawawi poses for a photo in his uniform and apron at his home in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, on November 7, 2020 (Photo: REUTERS / Lim Huey Teng).
Another client, Syed Khadzil, also praised Azrin for finding a creative way to run a food business.
“The way you do business is also unique – get creative with your uniform. It’s a crowd draw,” Syed said.
For her part, Azrin hopes her experience can inspire others affected by the pandemic to try new ways of making a living.
“Take up the challenge and never give up … It’s like flying the plane, we always move forward,” he said.
