A simple moment at a mamak stall recently touched many Malaysians after a diner shared how two Chinese men politely asked for permission to eat before iftar during Ramadan.
The post, which has since gained thousands of reactions online, showed the men seated at a table with food in front of them while others nearby were waiting to break fast.
Asked permission before eating
According to the woman who shared the story online, it happened about 15 minutes before the time for Muslims to break their fast.
She said the two men approached and politely asked if it was okay for them to start eating first as they were very hungry.
Suddenly they asked me, ‘Kak, boleh saya makan dulu? Sangat lapar.’ (Can we eat first? We’re very hungry)”
The woman said she was surprised by the request but reassured them that it was completely fine.
After the azan (call the prayer) was heard signalling the time to break fast, the men reportedly turned to those around them and wished them “Selamat berbuka” before digging into their meal.
The gesture left the woman feeling touched, adding that such moments reminded her that there are still many kind-hearted people around.
Netizens praise respectful gesture
Many netizens praised the two men for their manners, saying they did not have to ask for permission but chose to do so out of respect.
One commenter wrote, ‘They didn’t have to but they did. Very cultured.‘
Another user described them as “truly Malaysian”, saying that good manners reflect a person’s character.
Despite the debate, many agreed that small acts of consideration like this help reflect the spirit of harmony in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
