MALAYSIA AIRLINES - FLYING BACK TO THE 70s.

As our aircraft was taxiing out at Kota Kinabalu International, I saw a Malaysia Airlines B737-800 in the "Kelantan kite" livery. This reminded me of the old Malaysia Airlines System back in the 70s.

Later I found out that this B737-800 was painted to celebrate MAS’s 40th anniversary. 

 

Landed at KLIA, there was an other plane, a B747-400 in the same Malaysia Airlines System livery. 

This  B747-400 was re-commissioned after pulling out from retirement. Malaysia Airlines started their operations in 1972 with a fleet of B737-200 after slitting partnership with Singapore. Later came the B707s followed by DC10s, B747s, A330s, B777s and the latest, A380s. Following the unfortunate tragedies of MH370 and MH17, Malaysia Airlines has been forced to restructure and downsize and as part of that, the entire B777 fleet was grounded. According to a statement issued by the "new" Malaysia Airlines, they were putting this B747-400 back to service as a back up aircraft for their A380s routes.       

I wonder why do they need this old B747 as it is no longer a fuel efficient plane. Besides, they need crews specifically trained to operate the plane, having pilots exclusively for a backup plane seems rather expensive. 

Since Malaysia Airlines has 6 A380s mainly operating the 2 x daily London route, they should have enough A380s to go around even if any one of them is up for heavy maintenance. Is the old B747-400 really required? Perhaps, they should make full use of it for regional and domestic route to boost the image of their glory days.

 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY !!!

it's father's day in Malaysia and many parts of the world on 19June. My children sent me greetings and my wife accompanied me the whole day from lunch to tea time and dinner.

 "Yam Cha" lunch at WK Chinese restaurant.

We drove over to Papar town in the afternoon with the intention of eating durians but landed in a local coffee shop for "Satay" as no durians were available.

Black coffee, chicken and beef satay with peanut sauce and "Ketupat" (glutinous rice).

 A western dinner at Clarence Grill.

 Special smoke salmon and grilled prawn salad.

    Aussie Sirloin steak

It was a great day for an old man like me. I hope next Father's day will be a bigger celebration!

 

On this day, I have also received some beautiful pictures of Azalea and Hydrangeas from my friend Miura san and I would like to share with everyone. These pictures were taken at the Iwatsuki Park in Japan.  

 

 Some water lilies in the pond.

 

Hydrangeas in full bloom.

Thank you to Miura san for sharing these beautiful pictures with me and friends. 

HARVEST FESTIVAL SABAH - KOTOBIAN TADAU TAGAZO DO KAAMATAN.

The month-long May Harvest Festival celebration in Sabah was first "kick-off" in the Interior district of Tenom on 01May and ended at “Hongkod Koisaan” or the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang on 31May. People from the State Capital and the nearby towns joined the last two days celebration featuring cultural displays, dances, songs and many other cultural activities. 
Very unfortunate, the weather was not in our favour as it was raining most of the time.  

  The entrance to KDCA

 

The giant replica Sompoton(s)were put up for the occasion.

Sompoton is a mouth organ made from gourd with bamboo pipes in East Malaysia. It is originated from the state of Sabah and played by the indigenous people in the state especially, the Kadazan-Dusun and Murut.

 

Cultural and traditional houses.

Two young Murut girls in their traditional costume.

The "band" in action with their traditional instruments.

Cultural dance performed by the natives from Kota belud.

The State-Level "Unduk Ngadau" (Miss Harvest Festival) event was the main attraction. The photography session was a hit among the visitors.  

 

  

 

They were so willingly posed for the cameras.

 The display of bamboo products and mini "workshop".

  All items were hand-made.

 A young man was giving a "Kadazan" song with a bamboo flute.

This young lady was offering home made wine in the traditional bamboo cups.

The "Tapai" (Local rice-wine) corner.

A visitor trying out the "Tapai"

I was not able to visit all the exhibitions and cultural activities because of the rain. Hopefully, the weather will be kind next year!