In Malaysia, we’ve all reached that moment in life when someone suddenly calls us makcik or pakcik — and you pause for a second, questioning everything. Age, attitude, skincare routine.
That moment happened to one woman recently at a popiah stall in Giant Seksyen 13, Shah Alam. But instead of getting upset, she decided to give the vendor a polite tip on customer service.
“Next time, maybe try puan or kak, yeah?”
A TikTok clip posted by @rosizwanarifin shows a staff member working at the popiah kiosk.
As he was preparing an order, he addressed the customer as makcik — a term commonly used here when you’re unsure of someone’s name but want to be polite.
However, the customer, who clearly wasn’t a fan of the label, responded gently:
Next time when talking to customers, use tuan or puan instead of makcik. Even akak is fine. It’s about being respectful.”
Apis simply smiled and nodded while finishing her order. In the video caption, Rosiz playfully added:
Can’t even call someone makcik anymore?”
Netizens weigh in: “It’s not that deep — just take the advice”
In the comments section, many Malaysians felt the woman’s words were fair and delivered respectfully. One user questioned why people were so triggered in the first place, writing:
“Why are so many people triggered by the makcik’s comment? For me, just accept it as advice for the future — especially when working with people. Doesn’t matter how she looks, calling someone puan/tuan is more respectful.”
“What she said was right. There’s nothing offensive about it. It’s for your own good too, hehe.”
