Ex-flight attendants use govt aid to open stall

KAJANG: The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of those in the airline industry with the closure of many international borders. Many had to seek alternative means to make a living.

Former flight crew Didi Nadhirah Abd Hamid, 29, and her husband, Mohd Rashidi Ramli, 33, together with their ex-colleague and friend, Nabiel Haniff, 29, decided to operate a food stall which they called Dhapor Pramugari.

The three of them used to sell their dishes online, but have since moved on to operating a physical stall focused on laksa.

The stall is located at the Bangi Square Food Court in Jalan Reko here.

Didi Nadhirah and Mohd Rashidi, who is better known as Chidie Gillo, they have become somewhat experts in preparing Laksa Johor from their home state.

Nabiel, on the other hand, specialises in making Laksa Sarawak which is also his favourite food.

According to Didi Nadhirah, during the Movement Control Order (MCO), she was presented with the opportunity to hone her cooking skills which led to her developing a menu for an online business.

“Even though there’s a stark difference between what we used to do and what we’re doing now, we are still serving our customers food – only that it’s our own food and not something prepared in a central kitchen.

“This has been the biggest challenge in our lives but we are up for it and taking it all in our stride. “Before this, we did not get any aid but eventually we did and it has helped a lot.”

She said the three of them just could not bear to sit at home while waiting for the call to return to work as they had commitments.

“We worked very hard to develop this food business of ours and thankfully, all is well.”

They had applied for a special grant to expand their business and grow the Dhapor Peramugari brand.

As for Mohd Rashidi, he is very thankful to be among the many receiving government aid following the bleak situation in their career as flight attendants.

Source: NST