When One Door Closes, Another One Opens

At times, when we become too attached to our past, we hang on to it for dear life. We keep staring at that shut door, hoping for it to open, not realizing the many doors behind, missed opportunities and possibilities.

Now, here’s someone who did not dwell on the past. Meet Muhammad Naeem Nasir, a Malaysian ex-pilot who served under Malaysian Airlines from 2014-2018, who then moved to Oman Air. Earlier this year, due to the pandemic, Naeem was laid off, and is now back in Malaysia. Instead of wallowing in what was to become, Naeem decided to open a street burger stall, in Bukit Jelutong.

From Boeings to Burgers- Former Pilot Muhammed Naaem Nasir now operates SmashedBurgers- a street burger stall in Bukit Jelutong. (Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIAVvgrp8Yu/)

The Burgers on the Menu: (L-R) Smashin’ Bacon, Smashed Burger, and Super Smashed Burger; Yummmmm! (Source: https://www.instagram.com/smashed.my/)

Known as Smashed Burgers, Naeem and his wife run the stall from 5pm to 11pm. Craving the taste of burgers they had while in Oman, Naeem started watching cooking shows and googling for recipes. He gradually perfected the burger. Smashed Burgers serve 3 types of burgers – Smashed Burger, Super Smash and Smashing Bacon.

Naeem has this to say to fellow colleagues in the aviation and tourism industry, and to all affected by the current pandemic “Don’t ever give up. Keep on fighting. Let’s hope everything will be back to normal.”

Apart from Smashed Burgers, Kapten Corner in Subang (operated by ex-pilot Captain Azrin Mohamad Zawawi), and Nasi Kukus Pramugari in Senawang (set up by former flight attendant Nur Shareen Mohd Zaini) deserve a mention. This just shows that anything is possible when you put your mind to something.

Now if you are craving for that perfect taste of Australian beef, caramelized onions, topped with cheese and bacon, you know where to head. If burgers are not what you fancy, I am sure you can find something to your liking. Support small business owners and startups, help them survive.

They’ve even had Amy Search visit their stall (yes, THAT Amy Search)! (Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIXgNHwppLd/)