MASwings brings Kaamatan, Gawai cheer to KIA, KKIA

KUCHING: Cabin crew members of MASwings spread the festive spirit of Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak by holding festive send-off and welcome ceremonies at both Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Kuching International Airport (KIA) on the eve of the two occasions.

At KKIA, eight cabin crew members distributed complimentary ‘kurma’ (dates) to MASwings and Malaysia Airlines passengers, in conjunction with the month of Ramadan, as they sent off departing passengers and greeted those arriving at the airport.

Four MASwings flight hostesses who took part in the event at KKIA, are actually former ‘Unduk Ngadau’ (Kaamatan pageant queens) of their respective districts – an attribute that they showcased proudly by wearing their winning crowns and sashes.

The colourful ceremony was accompanied by the playing of a traditional musical instrument called the ‘kulintangan’, performed continuously by MASwings’ in-house talent Mohd Mazrull Mazwandy Mazlan.

Mohd Mazrull also encouraged his fellow cabin crew members to perform the ‘Sumazau’ – the well-known traditional dance of the Kadazans in Sabah.

At the KIA, MASwings’ Kuching cabin crew wore the traditional costumes of major ethnic groups in Sarawak, in celebration of Gawai Dayak, as they said farewell to outgoing passengers and warmly welcomed those arriving ones.

“Both activities at the KKIA and KIA were meant to enliven the atmosphere at both airports in view of the harvest festivals celebrated in Sabah and Sarawak.

“It also provided an opportunity for the airline to share both states’ rich, diverse and unique cultures and traditions in the spirit of hospitality – welcoming and sending off passengers on the eve of the Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations,” MASwings said in a press statement released yesterday.

MASwings chief executive officer Aminuddin Zakaria was present at both KKIA and KIA to meet and greet the passengers – donning the Kadazan and Iban warrior costumes at respective venues.

Both activities at the KKIA and KIA were meant to enliven the atmosphere at both airports in view of the harvest festivals celebrated in Sabah and Sarawak. — MASwings

MASwings cabin crew members – all dressed in the traditional costumes of major ethic groups in Sarawak – pose for the camera as they wait for the arrival of passengers at the KIA. At front is Aminuddin.

Passengers arrive to warm welcome by MASwings personnel at the KKIA.