Siam!

If you take the LRT frequently, you would know that on the escalators, one should stand on the left to let those in a rush to go by. It's not exactly an unwritten rule because certain stations do have signs instructing commuters to do so. However, many non-KL natives descend on Kuala Lumpur every day and they might not be aware of this arrangement and the freshness of the whole situation may cause them to 'miss' the signs. They would stand on the right, zombified with their luggage or children causing those on the morning or evening rush hour to be stranded behind them. And the problem is worsened by the fact that we Malaysians are a shy lot. We wouldn't say anything, just fume at the back. Very rarely does one see a light tap to advise the 'road block' to move out of the way. People would rather shut up, be red in the face and tap their fingers impatiently. People in London are a different story altogether. I was too used to standing on the left, so I did that on the Tube. Unfortunately, I contradicted their rule. In London, one is supposed to stand on the right! The person behind me practically tried to bulldoze through me. That was quite rude really. A middle path needs to be found. Perhaps Malaysians need to carry around recordings of "Excuse me, please stand on the left" since they're so reluctant to chastise their fellow Malaysian. Useful right? I would set mine at maximum volume. :). As the Chinese like to say, "a good dog does not block your way"!

Comments

Anonymous said…
its the same in HK too...but likewise I guess when we travel we should abide by local customs...then again majority of londoners werent that friendly...

- vincent c
Danny said…
if i'm in a hurry, i'll normally go to that person and say "EXCUSE ME" .. until they move to the left :)
no need to be shy... they need to be educated anyway :)
Jaded Jeremy said…
In Singapore, saying "excuse me", as you're walking along the right side, is usually enough to get people to move to the left.
Gratitude said…
I find that peeps are usually apologetic when we politely request them to give way.
+Ant+
William said…
@VincentC:
Not so pleasant experience in London?

@Danny:
How to handle a situation where you are third down the line and the person immediately behind the road block doesn't say anything?

@JJ:
Usually?

@Grat:
"Oi! Ke tepi lah!"

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