MH370: The Gen Y discourse

By: Paul, Eva, Vanessa & Aainaa

Earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes are ‘common’ disasters that cause a great deal of damage to the affected people on many levels; mentally, physically, emotionally as well as spiritually. These events often involve casualties and survivors will be traumatized.

Unlike these familiar cases, the emergence of the latest missing flight named MH370, a Malaysian Airlines (MAS) flight which flew from Kuala Lumpur towards the capital of Beijing which vanished soon after take-off, has proven to be an unprecedented disaster of its own due to the incomprehensible nature of its disappearance.

The MH370 incident has boggled the minds of people as to how a 135 ton object can possibly vanish into thin air. The effects of this event have led to many theories and opinions from people of different age groups especially among Generation Y, also known as the Millennials.

Originating from Malaysia, the investigation of this issue is led by Malaysian officials. However, Generation Y felt that the situation has exposed on how unprepared and incompetent the government is in handling the issue.  Tarra, 24, said, “The Malaysian government is already known for being ridiculous and hilarious. Now, they are enforcing it.” She commented that Malaysia has already made a name for itself with the aid of the recent ‘BERSIH’ rallies concerning the unfair elections last year. According to Malaysiakini, the government still continues to be the country’s ruling party for the 57th year in 2014 although the opposition won more than 51% of the public’s votes.

“I’m sad because Malaysia has become a laughing stock, relating to the ‘bomoh’ situation. Besides that, they have been broadcasting such clear incompetence,” stated Shook Wai, 21. 'Bomohs' or shamans have surfaced at Kuala Lumpur's airport (KLIA) and conducted rituals involving coconuts and a ‘flying carpet’ in the attempt to find the missing flight.

This incident has been ridiculed by people all around the world especially Internet users who posted pictures of themselves sitting on ‘flying carpets’ on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram which has then gone viral.

Jake, a student, said “Memalukan Malaysia. Shows how inefficient the government is when handling these kind of cases. They even had the audacity to ‘promote’ RM1 whole chicken when everyone knows it isn’t true.” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has recently pointed out the availability of chicken for only RM1 which he saw at the market, despite the distressing situation. Jake added, “Also, he only attended one press conference on the missing plane. Shouldn’t the Prime Minister of a country take more responsibility during this critical time?”

For a fraction of people, the incident is trivial and is considered to be a norm therefore, it does not affect them. Ahmed, 27, said, “I feel neutral about it as plane crashes are somewhat similar to road accidents.” He also stated that accidents do not deter everyone from driving despite the increasing rate of road accidents in Malaysia. According to the Ministry of Works Malaysia, there are approximately 23.8 deaths per 100,000 people back in 2009 compared to 23.5 deaths in 2008.

“Well, surely I hope for them to be safe but even if they are not, life goes on and I still have to get through my days so, it doesn’t affect me much,” said Razim, 22.

Conversely, some felt that flying is no longer safe as they fear this might happen again. Aleysha, 21, thinks that safety concern is definitely in question especially with the MATTA Fair approaching and sales will be affected as many people will think twice of flying.

Krystle, an aspiring flight attendant said, “It has changed my perception on flying as I wanted to become a flight attendant. Since the MH370 incident, I have become more cautious and have reconsidered it.” Mark, 21, also stated how the incident made him think twice before flying.

MAS, serving the position of the national carrier have a well-known reputation of world class serving and safety credentials since its foundation in 1937 while scoring an impressive amount of aviation awards.

The last known fatal incident affecting MAS was the 1995 Tawau incident when the plane overshot the runway and crashed nearly two decades ago.

A flight stewardess from MAS, Eunice stated that she is upset and shocked at what had happened. “The security level of both the plane and the customs are managed well and the fact that a possible hijacking could happen is very shocking, especially for people who are working in this field. It makes me utmost worried about my colleagues who are subconsciously affected.”
On the other hand, the victims’ mental state and wellbeing of this event are also common worries as many have noted that mental support from closest family and friends is essential to those who are affected.

Foong, 21, said “Some of them might not be able to accept the fact that their family members are in the plane and may do harmful things out of irrational considerations. Hence, appropriate support and care from us would be of much help and encouragement for them to be stronger.”

Kim, 25, quotes the Malay proverb, ‘berat lagi mata memandang, berat lagi bahu memikul’ which translates to ‘the burden is heavier on those who are affected’, thinks that families and friends of those on board are facing critical pressure and experiencing grief.

All in all, the missing flight MH370 has proven to be food for thought, both in a positive and negative manner, and also provides exposure on how safe one can really be in the face of unprecedented disasters.