This made it into my Malaysia Boleh category, a showcase of uniquely Malaysian traits and unspoken realities.
Malaysia is ranked third least courteous country in the world, according to Reader’s Digest. Yes… I know I’m not the first to report this (thanks for the info Sheila) but I’m a “reporter” type of blogger anyways. I’m more towards voicing my opinions on issues I feel strongly about 
Malaysians are rude. I wonder why it took people so long to realize that but the truth is now out. Of course we can’t beat Mumbai, the rudest country in the world. I know – I worked for a year with people from that region when I was an exec in Telekom Malaysia. Those guys deserve the undisputed number one spot.
Thailand being on that list though, suprised me. From my experience they are 10 times more courteous and friendly than Malaysians in general. Or maybe it’s just because you’re a tourist with cash?
Here are some quotes from Readers Digest:
The region that most lacked courtesy: Asia. Eight out of nine cities in the region finished in the bottom 11.
…in Mumbai, they’ll step over a person who has fallen in the street.
In my eperience, people from Mumbai only treat you with courtesy if they think you’re “on par” with them socially.
… “It’s a quiet day. I’m in no mood to be courteous” – A young cashier in Kuala Lumpur has no interest in being helpful.
Nothing new. How many cashiers in Giant / Tesco / The Store / Carrefour even smile at all? Obviously they don’t think it’s part of their job.
Malaysians in General >>
Others may have different views, but here’s what I’ve observed in 26 years dealing with Malaysians (not to be confused with Singaporeans who look alike but are much worse in courtesy):
- If you drive a BMW / Merc then you’ll get more courtesy
- Related to cars, we are at our worst on the roads. I myself am a total jerk on the road
- People in rural areas tend to be more courteous than urbanites (especially in Penang or KL)
- People tend to be afraid of showing / receiving courtesy from strangers, probably because we were told as kids that strangers are bad news.
- Everyone parks in the spots allocated for the disabled. Why waste a good parking spot?
- People pretend to be busy or asleep when a pregnant woman is standing in front of them in an LRT. Why give up your seat, eh? There’s exceptions of course.
- Some of the pregnant women when actually offered a seat fail to even smile or say thanks..
- They don’t have time for courtesy since they only have 24 hours a day and most outlets in Mid-Valley closes at 10. Besides you’re not paying them to be courteous, so why bother?
- They like to flash their headlights without reason and speed on the highways but don’t pay the tickets (wait… this sounds more like Singaporeans)
Taking It Deeper >>
Chinese A: In my experience (sorry to say this) the Chinese-educated group tend to be the least courteous. I mean those who studied in private or semi-private Chinese schools. Because they only grew up with other Chinese-dialect-speaking friends, they also tend to mix less with the other races.
They basically live in their own world here in Malaysia, and perhaps if you speak Chinese dialects then you’d get a friendlier response. I speak Mandarin, and trust me it makes a world of a difference when dealing with people from this group.
I have opened a few doors, picked-up stuff they dropped and even helped with directions. I hardly got a “Thank You”. How do I know they belong to this group instead of the one below? Well, after 26 years in Malaysia most of the time you can tell…
Chinese B: The other group of Chinese (those who were schooled in Kebangsaan / International institutions) are a whole different story. They tend to have a better mix of friends, and they understand other cultures better. Although they are not super-friendly they do communicate better when spoken to and in my experience, just as courteous as any other Malaysian. Some of my best friends belong to this group…
Indian: Then comes the Indian group who can be rather snobbish. Don’t worry – they are only snobbish to other Indians
The most irritating this about this group is that they like to stare (at other Indians only I guess) and don’t seem to realize that it’s impolite. Most of them speak good English and Bahasa Malaysia and when spoken to they are more likely to acknowledge.
For example if you just purchased something from them (at their store) they are more likely to say “Thank You” as compared to the first Chinese group. As a customer they are also more likely to say “You’re Welcome”.
Malays: The friendliest race in Malaysia, in my humble opinion, are the Malays. I think it’s in their nature to be polite and show courtesy. You’re guaranteed to get at least a smile when you speak to them, or say “Thank You”. They are also the most approachable among everyone else.
My 3 Scenarios >>
Scenario 1: If I was in a car accident, and there were a Chinese guy, an Indian and a Malay guy standing across the street, who will I approach?
My answer: The Malay chap, if he hasn’t already rushed to help.
Senario 2: If I am lost and I (finally) decide to ask for directions, who will I approach?
My answer: The Malay chap again. He’s most likely to help. The Indian guy would too, but generally Indians tend to exaggerate when giving directions – everything is “just 5 minutes away” according to them.
Scenario 3: If both my hands are full, and I need to open the door to 7-11. Who will help me?
My answer: I’ll have to kick the door open because I don’t remember being so fortunate as to have someone help me open it. Might be different if you’re a woman
As a member of the least courteous country in the world, I would like to say “Thank you for visiting my blog.”
Now get back to work you lazy bum
(Just kidding)
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{ 35 comments }
Hi,
Quite an interesting subject I must say. Often talked about now that it had been highlighted for the upteenth time. I have a story to share. Might not be on courtesy but more on judgement.
One of my friends was relating an experience she had driving into one of these prestigious golf clubs in KL – get this – with her old beat up 1970’s ford escort, cos her bmw was in the workshop. The guard did not hesitate to give a ‘tak boleh masuk’ hand gesture. Even being a member of that club, she was stopped and almost denied entry. Only after a lot of persuasion, she was let through rather reluctantly.
Well, the next day, she got her bmw back and purposely drove to the club, slowed down at the guard house, rolled down her window. At once, the same guard, gives a salute to let her in, no questions asked – with a big grin. Now, what do you think of that?
I like this “Report” or so you say. In my opinion, the readers digest guy just come not at the right time or maybe at the worst place (KL+Full of Chinese A). And as you said before, if they drove BMW before they do the survey, i think KL will not be the #3 Rudest City, #5 or 6 perhaps
And all of your explaination about the courtesy belonged to races is quite deep and elaborate ( Indians like to stare.. Its TRUE!
). But everything has its own exception right. Not All Chinese A will be rude and Not all indians will stare at you.
I think this is the right time for “Kempen BudiBahasa” to be re-launch widely throught out Malaysia and please concentrate it in KL
ps: but NY is the first? The results is biased because the surveyors belong to them and it is normal we show more courtesy with our own group/races right? Thats explain why Asia Region is the rudest, because the surveyors is strangers.. FOREIGNER strangers and our locals still did not comfortable to speak in english.
just my 2cents
not every one they see and meet…just a survey.. well is not true
ok…the survey consisted of 3 test (quote from RD):
test1:
—–
We walked into public buildings 20 times behind people to see if they would hold the door open for us
test 2:
—–
We bought small items from 20 shops and recorded whether the sales assistants said “Thank You”
test 3:
—–
“We dropped a folder full of papers in 20 busy locations to see if anyone would help pick them up. ”
As you can see from the test, language shouldn’t have been a problem.
The surveyors were all from their own countries (35 different countries to be exact) all conducting the same survey. Half were men, half women
I think the survey is fair enough
Owh… then KL sure is among the “Rudest” city in the world
.
I own a retail boutique and deal with customers from all walks of life. I must say that i agree with your view concerning the different races and how they are. I treat all my customers alike whether you carry a branded bag or not. But somehow the one carrying the branded bag is the least polite of all.
As a sales consultant when you say thank you even when the customer didn’t buy, and to be ignored, somehow makes you feel down. and imagine saying hi and thank you to so many customers a day. The malays are the most polite of all.
hmm well I atotally agree. It takes only an exposed person to give a honest opinion to the topic at hand, there is nothing biased about the survey. American’s are friendly as reported, and example to that claim on their soil is; they greet you on the streets without even knowing you!!
Malaysians for example, ask you, were you are from without even saying hi and introducing themselves first. Should we call that polite? From where I come from, that is extremely rude.
How about a simple return to greeting? They seem to lack that simple courtesy, too. Besides thats my “opinion”, As I say before, I do think the survey is not anywhere far from accuracy on what you really experience in Malaysia and other featured countries.
Thanks for your compliments to Malay…..I’m proud to be Malay….he he he…….but…..as a Malaysian….I met good Chinese, bad Chinese…..good Indian, bad Indian…..good Malay, bad Malay…..all exist around us……
I am currently in Bintulu…..sorry to say, if those RD survey was done here……I think we deserve to be number 1…..errr…..the least courteous…….
Before this, I was working in Terengganu, KL & Johor….I’ve been driving the whole Peninsular, Sabah & Sarawak……so I deserve to say…..Bintulu is top 5 worst place in Malaysia…..other 4…..you name yourselves…..
Why I hate this place so much? Just imagine…..people here can urinate everywhere they wish to……just stop their car on the road, piss at the road side…….double parking is a must in Bintulu, eventhough there is empty parking lot beside…….if you want to overtake, take the left lane because the right lane always occupied with slow motion vehicle……many dark tinted vehicle here because polis or JPJ never care…….
Enough? There’s a lot more……just come here and experience yourself……but……some of them really good and polite!
Hi,
Quite interesting ! But what we always read in the newspaper about our nation…. whom their people are so polite & friendly. Sometimes, we always think that we are very proud about our friendly people but now….. we know that we have received the very wrong information our nation especially our people itself. We must accept the fact now.
Thank you.
Thank you! Thank you! for the compliment. I’m very proud to be a malay. But no matter what,..we are malaysian.
I had an experience, six month ago. I was in the lift alone, when the lift reached at level 1, one “mat saleh’ came in. I asked him nicely, ‘what floor’ since I was closer to the lift button. He said level 5, and smile at me. Then suddenly the ‘mat saleh’ say something, ‘are you malaysian’. My answer was. ‘yes..1′m Malaysian.
The ‘mat saleh’ just smile with my answer. I reached level 4 and quit.
I dont know, what’s in his mind. Are Malaysian very courteous or rude. Ok. Gobala, see you later.
doesn’t sound like a fair survey according to the 3 test.
people respond to coutersy differently accross the globe because of the different culture.
what if the test was:
1: respect the elderly
2: family values (courtesy juga kan)
3: [just about any south east asian good values]
kalau macam tu, sure new york jadi paling teruk-
1: kids there do not respect elderly
2: lots of divorce
3: [see... different culture act differently]
also, i’m not going into the effect of the heat in asian countries that by default makes us less courtious. that’s why colder countries, people are more sabar…. check out the stats again and see if I’m wrong.
the same test will produce different result accross the globe because of culture & heat.
gobala, be courtious and belanja me teh tarik!
ha ha
hi Irfan, nice to see you around here again…
never considered the heat factor…maybe you’re right about that
not sure if what is said is true, but at least more things ought to be done if a more accurate results are to be pursuit. am english and has been here for good couple of years, so far so good i’d say..
errr i really dont think ppl who live in hotter countries tend to b more impolite or less courtious …moscow is somewhere in the least courtious list . n the weather in moscow is always cold cold cold .brrrr freezing…so ermm heat has nothing to do with courtesy….n its very unfair to judge some1’s politeness based on their race or background…ive met lots of very different ppl….bad, gd, rude, polite…n they come from all walks of life……and ppl ,do trust me malaysians are a whole lot politer than russians ‘phew’ …but then again that depends on the person itself…..
….woot!!woot!! 
hehe sry for babbling
enjoy ur day
http://www.gobalakrishnan.com – Great site !
Good night
I think it wasnt easy to post here so much information.
best regards
Nelson
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what a bias article. Malays friendliest?
haha.
bullshit.
Nice post u got here,bro althought it’s kinda late and ‘basi’for me to read already (u posted it since 2006 and i just know about it today!)
anyway, im a malay and im intrigued by ur statement on “courteous by race”. Perhaps the malay still preserved the ’sopan-santun’ and well-manners thing but the Mat Rempit ‘Menace’ can doubtfully support your say.
Anyway, can i post this posting into my blog.i just created mine.specifically about Malaysian attitude.
thanx..
and also,please teach me about home busines!!
I actually agree with Chehab Moudi..
not very pleasant experiences..
well i work here in an architectural firm in Malaysia for almost 2 yrs. now and maybe readers Digest should include Malaysians also as one of the rudest people in the wolrd! I know base on my experience working here.. My office mates are rude, arrogant, and lazy and dont know how to acknowledge their mistakes! even the boss and the directors are rude! Most of the Taxi drivers here in Malaysia are rude! And mind you i have one experience that the taxi driver threatened to kill us! hahaha! so if there will be a survey abaut the rudest people in the world i will definitely vote for Malaysians for the no. 1 spot! Maybe they should include in their curriculum or in their subject in schools The GMRC (good manners and right conduct) coz they really need it!
i’m a malaysian, 30 years in KL , Selangor and Melaka.
Yes, Malaysians are rude, on par with mainland chinese.
Different people different experiences though !
I have experienced extremely rude malays, chinese, indians etc…
I’m a chinese. I prefer non-chinese as friends. Does that tell you something?
And In my personal experience, Singaporeans are more well mannered than Malaysians !
That’s why Malaysians love Bangkok, the true land of smiles.
hey but, even New Yorkers won’t agree they rank No.1
Surely too much flaw in the test
Haha nice article. I would say 80% truths are in it. Im a chinese b, and i despise of
my own race especially the chinese a, and bad indians and bad malays. Though we cant pin point exactly who are the bad and good, i can say majority of us are RUDE regardless where we are, what we do, and whoever we are talking to. Even we tried to act friendly at some occasion, I swear to you none of us are naturally had the intention of being courteous. Look at MAS air hostess with their sweet smile and polite speech during and AFTER their work hours. All are completely bullshit :p
It just all boils down to money. Ive been to Australia and people here are totally the other way round of malaysians. Drivers prioritise crossing pedestrians, signals, obey traffic rules, and a side fact no-corruption too. How bout us? Being courteous when meeting someone new and then transformed into a car bully on the road ( i cant deny that im not a jerk too xP ) . Well theres too many examples to contrasts on. We cant avoid the fact that our country deserves the 3rd rudest country in the world.
If a driver showed their middle finger to you, does that consider as rude?? I had an incident this morning….she was day dreaming or rather cleaning the crap off her face or something.. and i had to take the finger for it!! Such shameful act…btw…the car number is PHE8983 ( Toyota Vios ). Is there any sites we can lodge a report?
hi there, I have been in malaysia for like 6 years now and truly i must say that this country is the worst sh*thole on the planet. People basically arent helpful or even friendly, and even the worst of helpers. There are quite some foreigners in the country and at some points, like after a few months, everyone would complain how rude, impolite and uncourteous they are. There are so many things i can pinpoint, but i dont know where to start.
being friendly, helpful and all is the human nature and you learn it since you are a kid, not something that pressurize or terrorize you at all. If the current generation reflects such bad manners, meaning their parents and grandparents were much worst..Seems like they made the morons in them the best they could. Thats so retarded to me!!
I come from a French & African cultural background, and people would talk and help you at most points, unless of course you are trying to hurt them in some way. So what, it doesnt cost a thing to be nice or be friends and help others. This is life..
last but not least, I have had so many friends in malaysia, but only one of them was malaysian, others were all foreigners, from indonesia, china, african countries, europe.. How can someone explain this? I think, the whole malaysia should be brainwashed and start over again.
If someone wants to contradict me, please go ahead. You can say what you want, but I’ve been there and seen all.
Malaysia, sucks big time..(freedom of speech rules, not like in their country)
someone is talking about lodging a report..you can try that but nothing will happen, i’ve been in your shoes before about bus drivers being rude..They have something in them, whereby they wont ever consider to make them better at serving people. If we are foreigners, its useless. They will kill the complaints..They are like closed in a box, and they’ll remain as such..
Nothing here is an article people, its SO the truth. Those who are denying that knows, but cant accept the truth..
Mumbai is a city not a country, no wonder the people from Mumbai were rude to you.
Hi there:
chinese educated group chinese are the rudest people in KL? You have this thought, it is just because you don’t understand them.
malays are the most friendly people in KL? yes, sure they are, because they use to show treat foreigners very very friendly, but when they treat local people, it is another story, black faces, no smiles, ok. but of course, not all of them are like this.
you can find rudest chinese, rudest malays, rudest indians in KL, but at the same time, you can also find friendly chinese, friendly malays, and friendly indian in KL. My point is, how rude and how friendly you are is not because of what skin colors you have, it is regarded to what kind of person you are, ok? don’t be fool.
A hotly debated topic.
If you ask me, the heck with the report. Just be nicer to everyone after this, regardless of race, religion & nationality. A small change will help the cause
basically i would like to express my opinion clearly without attacking anyone else so please don’t get me wrong because what i am i about to say might offend malaysians.
first of all there are few good people in malaysia but they only represent 20% of the total malaysian population, the majority are with no manners they are very cruel while they are dealing with outsiders and they think they have the right to step on ur head just because u r in malaysia (their country) they totally disrespect foreigners and they sees them as rubbish. some of the people who have added comments says that Chinese and Indians are rude but that is not true they are all same, they share the same manners and roots only religions is only different but none of them stick to any faith because when it comes to dealing with foreigners there should be no mercy even if the foreigner is right and they are wrong. still they will back up each other and stand against the innocent foreigner and beat him or her so badly with no sympathy.
actually malaysian are rude even the 20% that i have mentioned in the begging and said they are good in fact its depends on situations once they see u having argument with another malaysian even if u r right they will attack just like a group of dogs. in malaysia there is no good people im sorry to say that even though im also Muslim but i like the honesty. for those who may reply i would like would like to tell them that i live in malaysia for three years and im still residing there but planning to leave at the end of this year co im sick and tired of living in this country………
I still remember when i was 13 years old. My friend and i went for a swim at a pool 1 KM away from my house by riding bicycle. After we arrived there i try to jump inside a pool but i slipped and fall 10ft tall on a concrete floor! My face and my hand was slammed on the concrete floor! My face are brutally injured, the wound are wide open, im loosing so much blood and the blood was flowing down from my face and my hands were broken! I was helped by my friends and they lay me down to a road curb! Then a land rover pass by in front of us driving at a low speed! The driver was a Chinese guy maybe around 40 years old and wearing a formal dress up like an elite person! My friend ask him to stop and to help me by screaming “tolong2″ mean “help2″ but he just ignore us and only stared at me and drove his car away! Then maybe 2 minutes later came a tourist white guy, i think he is a British because of his accent and he looked at my injured and say “u need to be in a hospital!” and there is a car stop in front of us, the driver was a Malay guy, his age maybe 45 years old! They helped me into his car! And he brought me to a clinic because the hospital is far from there and im seriously need of stitches to cover the blood from flowing! Thank God for these kind of people who are warm hearth people that give their hand to help others!!! BUT I STILL CANNOT FORGET THIS ELITE CHINESE GUY WHO ONLY STARED AT ME AND DOING NOTHING! Imagine yourself if you are at my place when this happened, how do u feel? From then on i will never help the elite Chinese people!!! Seriously they are selfish and rude!! I only will offer my hand to an average living Chinese cause they like to help others not to this kind of level!! Seriously I hate elite Chinese, i will never help them especially if they droves BMW, MERCEDES, LAND ROVER, etc!!!
Anyway guys, i think the elite Chinese people are from the group of Chinese A!!! They bring shame to our country, Malaysia!!! That why Malaysia is rank in the least courteous country in the world by Reader’s Digest!!!
For sure, i have commented here and will comment again. It appears that Malaysia has a short spanned civilization, and as such defines their rude and uncourteous behavior. But, as human, we learn, which in fact they dont. You cant even compare malaysia to other countries, since it is the worst of all and i think, they come from the fourth world. Even some third world countries in africa and in asia are way way better than malaysia.
So, that is the worst place on earth. no life, no interaction, no self-development. Then how would you call this if not hell on earth.
you can judge or criticize me however you want or others as well, but you can change the truth. have been there, others have too, and we know. But some wont just say it. Im here to say it.
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