The Malaysian aviation industry is being urged to enhance safety and security training for frontline personnel to better respond to evolving risks. Dr Nur Zairahtul Amirah Kamallazim, president of the Malaysia Aviation Skills Standard Association, highlights that incidents involving unruly passengers have increased globally, with non-compliance and verbal abuse being prominent issues.
She emphasizes that preparation must go beyond procedural knowledge, requiring aviation staff to have practical skills in risk recognition, communication under pressure, and de-escalation techniques. Structured competency frameworks—including emotional regulation and crew coordination—are crucial for addressing early warning signs like agitation or threats.
Nur Zairahtul advocates for greater collaboration between universities, training institutions, and airlines, utilizing real-world incident data to refine training scenarios and bridge skills gaps. She advocates for continuous professional development, ensuring that aviation personnel stay prepared for changing risks and threats.
"A safe and supported workforce is better positioned to protect passengers and deliver professional service,"
She stresses that cultivating a safety-first culture, where employees feel confident reporting threats or incidents, is essential. For those aspiring to be cabin crew, the focus should be on safety-critical skills rather than just hospitality, with proper training imparting confidence to recognize and manage risks effectively.
