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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright June 2024
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Shanghai, a city that sparkles with cleanliness. It's not just the government’s effort but the citizens who chip in, ensuring their environment remains pristine. This stark contrast to Kuala Lumpur made me ponder the cultural attitudes toward cleanliness in public spaces in Malaysia.
A recent incident brought this issue into sharp focus. A Malaysian father was shocked to find an additional RM5 charge on his food bill for a "messy table" at an eatery in Kuala Lumpur.
His meal, which included Salted Egg Kailan, an Omelette, and Sweet, Sour and Spicy Sea Bass, already totalled RM55.
Taking to social media to express his confusion, he questioned the fairness of being charged for a messy table, especially when dining with a young child.
The reaction on social media was swift. Many advised him to report the incident to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN).
While his frustration is understandable, it's essential to consider the broader context.
In places like Family Mart, subtle reminders encourage customers to clean up after themselves: "A clean table makes a happy day. Be considerate. Kindly clean up after yourself. Thank you."
McDonald's and KFC (incidentally boycotted by Malaysians nowadays) also ask patrons to bus their trays. These small steps help maintain a clean environment and set a standard for public behaviour.
Malaysians need to embrace this culture of cleanliness, not just in restaurants but everywhere, including public toilets.
It's not just about avoiding extra charges; it's about fostering a sense of communal responsibility and respect for shared spaces. Cleanliness should be a collective effort, and it starts with small actions from each individual.
If we aspire to see Kuala Lumpur shine as brightly as Shanghai, we must adopt these practices. Let’s take pride in our surroundings and ensure that every public space reflects our best selves.
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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