6 signs that show you have truly become Malaysian-ised

Malaysian cartoonist Lat's life-sized caricatures in downtown KL. Lat's cartoons often depicts the uniquely Malaysian life. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy

As Malaysia celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence, we list down six Malaysian characteristics to show you’ve truly embraced the Malaysian culture.

By Khalil Adis

Having lived in KL for almost a year, my Malaysian friends have claimed that I have become more “Malaysian-ised”. Huh, you might ask. What does this mean? Let this Malaysian-ised-Singaporean list down the six common characteristics:

#1 You order “roti canai” not “roti prata”

It's called roti canai in Malaysia and not roti prata. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Yes, if you don’t want Malaysians to know you’re a Singaporean, you say “roti canai” and not “roti prata” when you make your order at the local mamak (Indian coffeeshops which are mostly halal). Failing which, you will sure “kena ketuk” (Malay word for “taken advantage of”).

#2 You try not to pay for parking

Yours truly driving pass by Endah Parade. Photo: Khalil Adis

Singaporeans are so used to pay for parking that we tend to do the same in Malaysia. However, there are ways that you can save up on your parking fees as traffic enforcements across the causeway is not as strict as Singapore’s.

One of the most common phenomena that I find in Malaysia is double parking. This means to double park on both sides of the road such that a four way lane has now become a one-way lane. I try not to do this as I do not want to inconvenience other drivers.

What I will usually do is to find a relative quiet area where I can park my car. I will usually do this in the early mornings at Endah Parade before heading to the gym. This saves me RM2 per day on parking fees. That’s RM60 in a month!

#3 You speak Manglish

Pasar Karat in KL is a good place to practice your Manglish. Photo: Khalil Adis

Also known as Malaysian English, this is not too different from our Singlish (Singaporean English) with a mishmash of Malay-Chinese-Indian-English words all rolled into one.

A perfect example of Manglish is; “Mana you? I’m already at the mamak stall d lah!”.

(Translation: “Where are you? I’m already at the Indian coffeeshop already and have been waiting for you for the longest time!”)

#4 You type “Tq, Tq” in your WhatsApp conversations

"Tq" is the Malaysian way to express your thank you. Photo: Phone screen grab

Again, this is something that I find uniquely Malaysian. Most Malaysians that I know will type “Tq, Tq” in their WhatsApp conversations as an abbreviation of the word “thank you, thank you”.

I have yet to practice this as the writer in me still prefers to type “thank you” in full.

#5 You use the word “kut”

A wet market in Pudu. The wet market is also a great place to practice the word kut. Photo: Khalil Adis

The word “kut” is greatly used in KL among Malays to emphasise something. For example, if you want to emphasise that someone has now become very rich, there’s no doubt about it, you say:

“Dia sekarang dah jadi orang kaya kut!”

(Translation: “He/she is now a very, very, very rich man/woman!”)

Period.

#6 You say you’re stuck in traffic (when you really aren’t)

Navigating KL's notorious traffic jams. Photo: Khalil Adis

Ok, I admit, I sometimes use this as an excuse especially when I have so much work to do and I am running late. But hey, since most KLites have told me this is a very valid excuse, this white lie is the only way for me to save my skin.

I try not to use this the next time. I promise!

Note: The above article is written from a humorous perspective based on my observations of Malaysian life and is no way meant to poke fun at Malaysians. Happy Merdeka Day!

AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE