While foreign workers are the ones who are willing to do the 3Ds (dangerous, dirty, difficult) jobs, they often get looked down upon and suffer discrimination from others.
A restaurant recently made a plea to Malaysians to show kindness to these people, given the fact that they left their families behind to earn a better future thousands of miles away.
Communication troubles
In a Facebook post penned by the owner of Ipoh Ipoh Cafe, a restaurant located in Petaling Jaya that serves Ipoh cuisine, he wrote that effective communication was a common obstacle faced by locals and foreigner alike.
“In staff meetings alone, I often switch between English, Malays, and Cantonese; sometimes all in one breath.
“When it comes to our Myanmar or Bangladeshi team members, it can feel like opening a mystery box…you never quite know which language will work.”
The owner added that the same challenge also exists among customers, where a myriad of languages are used when making orders.
“That’s why I believe the responsibility is on me. Training is necessary, at least the basics. So our waiters can serve you better, faster, and with fewer “lost in translation” moments.
“Being a waiter at Ipoh Ipoh isn’t easy. So please give me a little time. Let me train them, shape them, and help them grow. Step by step, we’ll do better for you,” he wrote.
An unpleasant but pivotal moment
The owner went on to recount an instance where one of his foreign workers was called “bodoh” (stupid) by a customer—a moment that still sticks with him to this day.
He then reminded Malaysians to remember that foreign workers are humans, just like them.
“A harsh word may pass quickly for us, but it can stay with them for a very long time. All of them are far away from home, in a country that is not their own, speaking a language they are still trying hard to learn.
“They are here because they are trying to honour their responsibility as a child, a parent, or simply someone who wants to provide a better life for their family.
“A small inch of your patience, a gentler tone, or even a moment of understanding can mean the world to them. Sometimes, kindness is not about being right; it’s about being human.”
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