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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright 2024
It was early morning at KLIA2, a time when the hustle of daily travel hadn't yet reached its peak. The usual scene of travellers huddling over their phones, sipping on overpriced coffee, or trying to catch a quick nap before boarding was in full swing.
However, as I glanced around the waiting lounge, my attention was drawn to a pair of expats in shorts and speakers who, in a rather casual manner, had their feet propped up on the row of seats in front of them. Their nonchalance was palpable, and their disregard for those around them was as clear as day.
In Malaysia, a country where public decorum is deeply rooted in the culture, this kind of behaviour is not just unconventional—it’s downright disrespectful. We pride ourselves on being considerate, especially in shared spaces like airports, where the norms of politeness are expected to be upheld by everyone, regardless of their background or nationality.
So, what does this incident say about the state of public behaviour, particularly among travellers?
Let’s first address the elephant in the room: the stereotype that low-cost travellers are somehow less considerate. It’s an unfair generalisation and one that doesn’t hold water when you consider the millions of polite, well-behaved individuals who travel on budget airlines every day. The price of a ticket doesn’t dictate one’s manners, and to imply otherwise is to paint with too broad a brush.
But then, what about these particular expats? Is it fair to chalk up their actions to a disregard for local customs? Perhaps. But before we rush to judgment, it’s worth considering that not every foreigner is oblivious to the social norms of the country they’re in.
Many are mindful and respectful of local customs, making an effort to blend in rather than stand out. However, the two individuals I encountered that morning clearly didn’t fit this mould.
This raises a larger question about the responsibilities of travellers, especially those who choose to live or work abroad. When you’re in another country, particularly one that places such a high value on public behaviour, it’s crucial to adapt, not just out of respect for others but also as a sign of basic human decency. To fail in this is not just to offend—it’s to disregard the very fabric of the society in which you find yourself.
Of course, it’s possible that these two ex-pats were simply having an off day, that their feet-on-the-seats moment was a lapse rather than a habit. But the fact remains: this kind of behaviour, however isolated, leaves a mark. It feeds into the narrative that some outsiders, particularly those from more privileged backgrounds, see themselves as above the unwritten rules that govern public life.
So, where does that leave us? Should we confront every traveller who dares to put their feet up where they don’t belong? Should we write off such incidents as minor annoyances, not worth the energy to address? Or should we perhaps take it as a reminder of the importance of public courtesy and the need to maintain it even in spaces as transient as an airport waiting lounge?
Ultimately, the way we respond to these small breaches of etiquette speaks volumes about who we are as a society. Do we passively accept the erosion of public decorum, or do we, in our own quiet way, insist on the respect that is due in any shared space?
It’s a question worth pondering the next time you find yourself waiting for a flight, eyes wandering across the rows of seats, hoping for a glimpse of the politeness we hold so dear.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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