The issue of alcohol being served on Malaysia Airlines flights has once again been raised by PAS, which does this now and then ostensibly to show that it is more Islamic than other Muslim-based parties.

This time it was the party’s Hulu Selangor MP Hasnizan Harun who called for an end to the practice of serving alcoholic beverages on flights by the national carrier; saying that the practice goes against Islamic principles and puts Muslim flight attendants in an uncomfortable position.

He said there was a clear justification for action to be taken as he had seen for himself the dilemma faced by Muslim flight attendants who are forced to serve something that is haram in Islam.

This is not the first time PAS has made such a call. In 2017, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, then PAS Youth deputy chief, made a similar request in response to an incident in which a drunken passenger’s disruptive behaviour forced a MAS flight to turn back to Melbourne.

There are 10 national carriers that do not serve alcohol on board: Saudi Arabian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways, Iran Air, Royal Brunei Airlines, Egyptair, Iraqi Airways, Ariana Afghan Airlines, and Libya Wings.

Most of these airlines may not be among the top choices of international travellers, but the truth is that they are not totally shunned either.

However, three other major national carriers of Islamic countries namely Emirates Airlines, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Qatar Airways serve alcohol on their flights. And these are among the most popular choices of international travellers.

In any case, the majority of airline passengers avoid alcohol, especially those on low-cost carriers that sell alcoholic beverages on board. It’s only on flights that serve free-flow booze that many passengers tend to drink, thinking that they are getting their money’s worth.

The question of whether Muslim flight attendants can serve alcohol on board flights is complex and often intersects with their personal religious beliefs, employment policies, and legal considerations.

It is perfectly understandable that many Muslim flight attendants face dilemmas when their job requires them to do so.

I even once ventured to ask one of them about this. She actually said it was indeed a dilemma for her and some of her colleagues, but they left it to the Almighty as it was only part of a job they had knowingly signed up for.

Airlines typically have policies that require all flight attendants to serve alcohol as part of their duties.

There have been cases abroad where Muslim flight attendants have refused to serve alcohol due to their religious beliefs, leading to disciplinary action or even termination from their positions. This puts them in a quandary – to quit or continue for the sake of earning a living.

Ultimately, it is crucial for both cabin crew members and employers to navigate these issues with sensitivity and understanding of the underlying religious beliefs.

Employing more non-Muslims

There are two things that MAS could probably do to stop the issue of serving alcohol on board its flights from periodically becoming polemical.

First, it could take the drastic measure of declaring itself a non-alcoholic carrier and risk losing some of its market. It could try out this policy for maybe six months or so to assess the company’s performance.

Obviously, this may be construed as taking a step backwards in a world that has taken several strides forward. However, there are groups that will say discouraging alcohol consumption is a step forward for better health of the people and fewer social problems.

But if that’s what PAS wants for the nation, we have to face the economic consequences. The ultras in the party must realise that there is always a price to pay economically if we disregard global needs.

The other option, which I think will also face objections from PAS, is for airlines to employ more non-Muslims. In-flight tasks could be assigned in such a way that only non-Muslim attendants are assigned to serve alcohol.

Of course it will be tougher on those planning the roster, with cabin management definitely becoming cumbersome.

But if such a move can stop PAS from consistently raising the issue to portray itself as the champion of Islam, it is worth a try.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.