[ad_1]
Captain Lim Wei Lung has what many would call a dream job. As a commercial pilot, man has flown to different corners of the world. You’ve seen beautiful cloud formations up close in the blue skies above and the stunning landscapes of green fields below.
But as dreams progress, there are sometimes occasional nightmares. And one that Lim, and many around the world, currently face is the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, the AirAsia pilot has found that his vocation has stopped. It became more challenging when Malaysia implemented the motion control order (MCO) on March 18.
“Since our government implemented the MCO, the airline has cut most of its flights and then went into hibernation.
“So I had a break from flying and stayed home, spending quality time with my family,” says Lim.
Lim had to take a break from flying during the MCO. – CAPTAIN LIM WEI LUNG
During this time, Lim has enrolled in online courses to improve and enhance a new business environment in the near future.
In addition to that, the pilot has offered to be a delivery partner with Teleport, AirAsia’s logistics arm.
“Right now, my daily tasks include delivering essential products to customers and also helping the team monitor delivery operations from the back end,” says Lim.
The pilot with nine years of flight experience adds that he likes exposure to the logistics business.
AirAsia has resumed operations of selected networks.
Neoh says it is surreal to see the airport idle during the MCO. – NEOH WEE MINGFor many, traveling is a form of aspiration. But for people like Lim – pilots, hotel receptionists, flight attendants, tour guides, travel agents, and other tourism-related staff – whose bread and butter depend on people traveling and going on vacation, it’s been an especially difficult time. .
Aircraft engineer Neoh Wee Ming says it is surreal to see the airport idle during the MCO.
“I’m already used to it. One positive aspect is, of course, that there is absolutely no traffic coming to work, ”says AirAsia staff.
Neoh’s work routine these days includes maintaining aircraft and making sure they are in excellent condition and ready for operations.
“Right now, I am hopeful that the situation will only improve and this is just a phase that will allow us to appreciate a simpler way of life,” he says.
Only desert
Airports are not the only place without large crowds, as hotels find that their occupancy rate is falling.
A survey by the Malaysian Hotel Association (MAH) reveals that 20% of staff have already received salary cuts, while another 26% have vacations without pay. The study is based on a sample size of 41,000 employees.
The hotels have remained open during the MCO since they are on the essential services list. But they mostly serve border lines, essential service employees or the occasional stranded foreign tourist.
The view of an empty restaurant in a hotel during the MCO. – DANIEL PRONTO
Hotel service manager Wan Ku Mohamad, Syaifuldean Wan Mohamad Sairuddin says he misses the sight of a bustling lobby.
“I miss having a high occupancy, interacting with the guests, seeing them smile and listening to all their comments.
“Right now we are short on labor and we need to stretch our work hours to minimize staff, following government regulations to promote social distancing,” says the man who works at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
Wan Ku Mohamad Syaifuldean hopes that everything will return to normal soon.
“Honestly, when I return for the night shift, it is very bleak to see the hotel so quiet and empty, unlike before, when it was always busy, with guests enjoying live music or playing pool,” he says.
Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur’s front desk manager, Kuvan Vasudavan, says that daily work life “has changed tremendously” since the start of the pandemic.
The hotel’s front desk manager, Kuvan, says the hospitality industry has changed tremendously. – KUVAN VASUDAVAN
“We have seen a decrease in the number of travelers to the city, therefore the hotel is not busy as usual. However, we are busy trying to adapt to new policies, training and understanding preventive and security measures, “he explains.
Kuvan, however, says that the crisis also has a positive side, such as learning new skills.
“Previously, when the hotel is busy, we don’t always have time for such training unless we spend a few hours doing it. Personally, I have acquired some management skills and am really proud of it,” he says.
Element by Westin Kuala Lumpur marketing and communications executive Daniel Soon anticipates a slow recovery for the hospitality business.
“I’m from the marketing department and it’s really affected us a lot,” he says, adding that regular hotel promotions are being discontinued.
“The harsh truth is that even if the MCO is lifted, people still cannot travel unless it is important. People are still afraid to travel even at the low price.
“Many hotels suffered and some even closed their doors forever. I really hope that there will be a cure for Covid-19 soon so that the travel and hospitality sector can recover and regain its traction, ”says Soon.
A bustling scene in the hotel restaurant before Covid-19. – DANIEL PRONTO
Vice President of the Malaysian Economic Hotel Association (MyBHA), Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel, says the impact after the Covid-19 pandemic will be seen in many areas.
“Managing or operating a hotel business will not be the same. We must be able to adapt to this change and build traveler confidence as their confidence level has dropped, “he says.
According to Ganesh, hoteliers will have to adopt new standard operating procedures in the future.
These include the introduction of health declaration forms for the registration of visits at the reception and new sanitation regulations for the cleaning service.
Home improvement
Teh says tour guides and managers are in a wait and see situation right now. – MARTIN TEHMeanwhile, travel agencies, especially those that specialize in one-way travel, gave up on the fact that the travel landscape will irrevocably change after Covid-19.
Apple Vacations (Japan) senior manager Martin Teh says tour guides and managers are in a wait and see situation right now.
“Until more information is known about how much it is for our Covid-19 economy, nothing concrete can be finalized or decided today,” he says.
According to Teh, the travel behavior of most people will change in the future.
“It can become more free independent travel and small private groups.
“But I think Malaysians in general will still travel,” he offers.
These days, Teh, who used to lead tours of Japan, stays home. She spends her days cooking and teaching her children, as well as conducting online meetings.
As for travel agent YJ Chong, he has been busy at home dealing with deferment requests from travelers.
He says it could take three to six months to restore confidence in the travel industry.
Chong says travel agents can use this time to share their travel experiences and tips on social media. – YJ CHONG
“It is sad, but most managers, leaders and tour guides have lost their income during this period,” says Chong, who also works with Apple Vacations.
According to Chong, it is important for those working in the travel industry to acquire new skills while waiting for better days ahead.
“Self-learning and self-improvement are very important,” he says.
Chong recommends learning to video conference, do live streams on social media to share travel experiences, photography, and use video editing software.
However, what is certain is that the trip will move forward with a new normal, he says.
“New travel safety measures will be introduced, such as requiring people to wear masks, undergo temperature controls, use hand sanitizers, and practice social distancing when checking in at the airport and hotels,” Chong explains. Plus, he says it’s important for employees in the travel landscape to stay positive.
“Traveling has become a part of our lives and people will travel when things are ready again,” he concludes.
[ad_2]
