PASSENGERS on Malaysia Airlines flights can expect a change from the customary safety briefing before takeoff – there's a new safety video on board.
Featuring a list of Malaysia's notables, including astrophysicist Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Othman, gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, Mercy Malaysia founder Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood and former Miss Universe Francisca Luhong, the compact version video will be played on flights from August this year.
Directed by Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina and co-directed by Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim, the video also stars rapper Arabyrd, dancer Maple Loo, content creator Azman Naim, and actors Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Brian Chan, Joanna Bessey, Datin Lisa Surihani and Ida Mariana.
Tiara said she received a call from Malaysia Airlines in October last year, "when the entertainment industry was at its lowest ebb and we as a country were so down and dispirited.
"I envisioned this project uplifting and giving hope to the performing arts and entertainment industry so badly impacted by the pandemic, as well as lifting the spirits of all Malaysians.
"Fast forward to April 2022, to filming through three intensive days and nights with a team of 150 performers, technical crew as well as my co-director, Yusry, with the Malaysia Airlines team, all whilst observing the Ramadan fast.
"However, everyone without exception was in high spirits, to be performing in front of cameras again after so long. This was after all, not just for Malaysia Airlines, but for Malaysia; our motherland, our home. #SatuDuaTigaJom!”
The film begins with the airline’s cabin crew and Malaysian performance artists, clad in its signature baju kebaya welcoming passengers to watch the safety demonstration video. The featured stars then deliver the eight easy-to-follow steps on the safety do’s and don’ts in a punchy, musical narration.
This ranges from an Olympic gymnast showing the brace position in case of an emergency, a rock band urging passengers not to smoke on the aircraft, to the Harimau Malaya football club characters singing the importance of seat belt safety.
“I’ve always been a big believer in how songs become an anthem for you. And also whenever I read (bad news in the) press, I keep thinking the world needs a song,” Tiara told The Star.
Tiara co-wrote and produced the song with Sabahan singer-songwriter Mia Palencia.
The six-minute musical resulted in several songs of various styles and genres. Tiara agreed. "It’s like a mash-up."
The combination of styles was deliberate. “We wanted a song that is Malaysian and yet has an international flavour. The song is speaking to a global audience because the whole world fly Malaysia Airlines,” she said.
Tiara wants passengers "to pay attention" during the safety briefing. "I want to engage them so that they put away their phones and watch (the video) and try to actually know what it takes to be safe on the flight,” she added.
The video, while at its core highlights the importance of safety on board, also offers travellers far and wide the opportunity to experience the warmth and diversity of Malaysia.
Malaysia Airlines group chief marketing and customer experience officer Lau Yin May said, “Safety is of paramount importance for Malaysia Airlines as it’s in our DNA, hence why we are delighted to unveil ‘Satu Dua Tiga, Jom!’ as an informative yet super catchy safety video embodying the very best of Malaysian culture, performing arts, and of course our signature Malaysian Hospitality."
She said that this is all part of the airlines' efforts to enhance the in-flight experience for passengers.
"The video is also a celebration of Malaysia’s excellent and talented performing arts industry, and now we can proudly take them to the skies with us for all to experience and enjoy.” – The Vibes, June 22, 2022
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