DIRTY, messy and uncouth have led many to label Malaysians as an uncivilised bunch.
This was highlighted by a post on the Malaysian Education Info (and Homeschooling too) Facebook page whereby a contributor lamented that despite it being 2025, many Malaysians still had a backward mentality.
The poster, Shahrim Tamrin, used the self-service cafeteria in IKEA to highlight Malaysians lack of civic mindedness.
The former journalist at the Malay Mail and The Sun asked just when will Malaysians be willing to make a change, pointing out that etiquette matters.
Despite clear signs asking customers to clear up post-dining, it would appear many Malaysians are seemingly illiterate or choose not to understand English or Malay.
One netizen argued that it wasn’t linguistics that was a problem but rather attitude. Comparing the scenario with Indonesia where everything was mono-lingual, the situation was also similar.
Without a shift in attitude, Malaysia will continue to be viewed as a third world nation.
Many commenters agreed with the poster, with one pointing out that this was not confined to unruly youth. The older generation was just as bad.
One parroted the usual excuse trotted out by most Malaysians for such poor etiquette which is there are employees paid to clean up after them.
With another sharing a friend’s viewpoint that he was contributing towards the economy by keeping cleaners employed. It was claimed this friend was serious about his opinion and is a “well-educated” person.
However, some tried to justify such behaviour stating that the cheaper kopitiam and mamak eateries serve, take payment and clean up afterwards.
Another tried to place the blame at the door of foreign visitors and expatriates, contending that their perceived sense of cleanliness and hygiene changes when they come to Malaysia.
One blamed the education system for this lack of civic mindedness.
However, some reckon that the level of awareness is improving.
All said and done, there is much to be desired when it comes to Malaysians and civic consciousness.
As highlighted in the comments, many still have the thoughtless attitude that someone else is being paid to clean up. As for those who argue that they are paying premium at such establishments, they should NOT patronise such outlets if they cannot adhere to simple rules.
It is a truism that while there is plenty to be proud of as Malaysians, this is NOT one of them. Alas, one netizen was resigned to the fact that Malaysians will NEVER change. – Jan 3, 2025
