Pilot With 11 Years Experience Now Drives A Funeral Van After Losing His Job To COVID-19
Ahmad Rashidi said, "If we think we're affected by the pandemic, there are more people who have already been affected for ages due to financial problems and poverty."
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many peoples' livelihoods and income, including a Malaysian pilot who has over 11 years of experience.
After losing his job recently, he is now a hearse driver.
A member of Amalteam, a non-government organisation (NGO) that focuses on providing hearse services for lower-income groups, Mohd Zulhairi Zainol recently shared the story of a man named Ahmad Rashidi on his Facebook.
He wrote, "Our new volunteer's name is Shidi. He was let go from his job through the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) just four months ago so he returned to Malaysia. He was previously a pilot with Etihad Airways for 11 years. Now he's with Amal Team as a respected hearse 'pilot'."
Along with the post, Mohd Zulhairi uploaded side by side photos of Shidi clad in his pilot uniform next to a recent photo of him in casual clothes while carrying burial shrouds and other tools needed for a Muslim funeral.
The 37-year-old ex-pilot said that he has come to terms with losing a high-paying job and would like to give back to the underprivileged instead
When interviewed by Harian Metro, Ahmad Rashidi said, "I met with Mohd Zulhairi, a volunteer who helps manage funerals for free on behalf of Amalteam. I signed up to be a hearse driver to help those who are disadvantaged."
"If we think we're affected by the pandemic, there are more people who have already been affected for ages due to financial problems and poverty," he added.
In another post, Mohd Zulhairi shared a photo of Ahmad Rashidi on duty.
He wrote, "Captain Shidi in action again this evening to transport a body to Kuantan with co-pilot Nik Amirul. Pray for their safety during the trip. Ready for take off."
Many netizens praised the man's humility and showered him with well wishes
One person said, "MasyaAllah, may Allah bless him always. Amen. A noble job that not everyone can afford to do. All praise to God."
Meanwhile, another user commented, "I got choked up reading this. Someone with a big job but willing to just be the 'pilot' of a hearse. Why do some of us get tested just a bit and already complain so much? Forgive me, God."
"Congratulations, young man Shidi for taking on a duty that is noble. May God bless you," said another netizen.
