PETALING JAYA: Several Malaysia Airlines employees have started their own businesses in anticipation of the layoffs next week.
A senior cabin crew member, who wanted to be known only as Jim, said he leased a piece of land for farming early this year and the business had taken off.
"I started growing drumsticks and ladies fingers on a piece of land with the help of two workers after I realised the company was not doing too well.
"I wanted to prepare something to fall back on," he said.
Jim, who has worked for MAS for more than 30 years, said he felt he might be among the first to be retrenched as he was nearing retirement age.
"The vegetables are harvested twice a week and I have a ready buyer who supplies the markets. The income will be enough for my family," he said.
Three other crew members of the airline have teamed up to open a pub and restaurant to prepare for the rough times.
"The two tragedies involving MAS planes hurt the company badly. We were aware of the possibility that we would be laid off.
"Instead of waiting, we set up the business and we're doing fairly okay now.
"I help to run the pub when I'm not flying," said the steward, who wanted to be known only as Charles.
Lim, another employee, said he had been selling health products as a contingency plan, adding that he set up the business while travelling to various cities as a crew member.
"I am now dealing with products from the United States and Hong Kong. When I am retrenched, I will just focus on the business," he said.
By Monday, 20,000 MAS employees are expected to get their termination letters or an offer to work in MAS Bhd, the new company which will take over the airline's operations.