Malaysian Mother Flies Between Penang & Sepang 5 Times A Week For Work

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In a video published by CNA on Tuesday, 4 February, Racheal Kaur said she wakes up at around 4am on workdays and leaves home to catch her flight, which typically boards at 5.55am.

"The flight usually takes about half an hour to 40 minutes, and I'm in the office no later than 7.45am," said Racheal, an assistant manager in AirAsia's finance operations department.

Once she arrives at KLIA Terminal 2, it is only a seven-minute walk to her office.

Previously, she rented a place in Kuala Lumpur and only returned home once a week. However, with two children, aged 11 and 12, at home, Racheal decided to commute daily to spend more time with them.

"I feel that the need for the mother to be around more often. And with this arrangement, I am able to go home every day... I am able to see them at night... help out with any last-minute homework. You know kids. There's [always] something around last minute," she said.

In fact, flying daily is cheaper than when she lived in Kuala Lumpur, where rent alone would cost her RM1,400 to RM1,500 a month.

Her food expenses have also halved from RM600 to RM300 a month. In total, Racheal saves about RM700 monthly by commuting 600km daily.

"During peak periods or festive seasons, when we are actually on standby because, of course, commercial guests get priority, which is totally understandable.

"So those are the times that get a little challenging. You know you get a little anxious as to whether you'll be on that flight. But at the end of the day, I do go home so it's not a problem," said the mother.

Racheal acknowledges that the commute is tiring, but seeing her children at home every day makes the journey worth it.