Doing the right thing on Malaysian roads can sometimes get you angry honks from other drivers, as one frustrated driver recently shared online.
Taking to TikTok, user @nikicnics shared dashcam footage of a frustrating encounter near the entrance to Asia Pacific University (APU) in Bukit Jalil, highlighting the frustrating driving habits some Malaysian motorists have.
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, the driver shared that seeing vehicles stop for pedestrians in Malaysia is “almost never” the case unless traffic is already at a standstill. In fact, this was the second time this year they were honked at simply for giving way.
A long, angry horn and an aggressive overtake
The incident occurred along a stretch near a curve and slope, where visibility for oncoming traffic is already limited. Seeing pedestrians waiting to cross, the driver did what basic road rules dictate, they slowed down and stopped.
However, rear dashcam footage captured a white Toyota Hiace van tailgating close behind. Impatient with the sudden stop, the delivery driver blasted a long, continuous horn before cutting on the left.
“Not a short tap. Not a warning. A long honk from the van behind me as if I had done something wrong,” the driver recalled. “Somehow, the person driving a vehicle feels that the pedestrian is the one causing an inconvenience.”
Pedestrian sprints for their safety
The footage showed just how difficult it can be for pedestrians to cross safely, with a male pedestrian seen running across the zebra crossing as he tried to get to the other side.
“The pedestrian wasn’t casually walking across a designated crossing. They were running,” the creator pointed out. “Why? Because even at a zebra crossing, people don’t feel safe enough to trust that vehicles will stop for them.”
Reports lodged to DBKL and JPJ
Refusing to just vent online, the driver said he lodged formal reports with Road Transport Department (JPJ) regarding the traffic violation and reached out to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to request repainting and improving the faded road markings at the site.
“A zebra crossing is one of the clearest instructions we have on the road: someone is crossing, so slow down and stop,” they expressed. “Somehow, the person driving a machine feels that the pedestrian is the one causing an inconvenience.”
“Power comes with responsibility”
Reflecting on the deeper mindset behind the incident, the driver urged Malaysians to remember that pedestrians are someone’s loved ones, and being behind the wheel gives drivers the responsibility to protect vulnerable road users.
“My message to Malaysian drivers is simple: You don’t need to know the pedestrian… Just don’t hit them. A good driver is someone who actively protects the more vulnerable people sharing the road.”
