How A Noodle Shop Helped An Unemployed Airline Pilot Bounce Back

Kuala Lumpur: Azrin Mohamad Zawawi, a pilot, lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic as the airline he worked for got grounded due to the global shutdown. But even such a setback couldn’t break the spirit of the 44-year-old Malaysian.

Driven by the urge to do something that will ensure a regular income, the father of four decided to start a food business by selling Malaysian dishes like curry noodle made from a family recipe, laksa, and a mixed fruit dish called rojak. He aptly named the food stall ‘Kapten Corner’, which has become a big hit, the Hindustan Times reported.

Even now, he puts on his white uniform and black captain’s hat every day and heads to work. But instead of going to the airport, he travels to a noodle stall in a suburb just outside Kuala Lumpur.

“I needed some income because I was retrenched by my previous company,” said Azrin, whose employer Malindo Air axed several employees recently.

His wife clicked a photograph of Azrin wearing his captain’s uniform with a red apron, which went viral on social media. That worked wonders for the publicity of ‘Kapten Corner.

“The main thing is the food must be good… I’ve eaten here twice. The first time I brought my wife and now I bring my friends,” said a customer.

Azrin hopes to inspire others who have been left unemployed.

“Embrace the challenge and never give up… It’s like flying the aircraft, we always move forward,” he said.