What does it say about us when locals are treated as lesser than tourists in our own country?
A viral Threads post has once again exposed how deeply ingrained the “white worship” mindset still is, particularly in Malaysia’s service and hospitality scene.
Premium stay, subpar service
A Malaysian woman recently shared her frustrating experience at a local hotel, where she and her group, who had booked higher-category rooms, were allegedly snubbed while white guests in regular rooms were welcomed with open arms and drinks.
The Mat Salleh guests before us checked in regular rooms and got their welcome drinks the moment they arrived. Meanwhile, we’re paying for a higher category room and had to ask for it. Only when I asked after getting our keys, then only they handed it over? Really…?”
She added that the total cost of their stay came up to RM1,600 per night for five nights. Yet, the supposedly premium experience fell short, not in facilities, but in service and respect.
Not an isolated case
Her story clearly resonated with many Malaysians, as the comment section quickly filled with others sharing similar experiences.
“If I want to go on holiday, I’d rather travel overseas. It’s not like local hotels are cheaper. Why should I pay top dollar to be treated like a second-class guest?”
As more people chimed in, it became clear that this isn’t just about bad customer service. It reflects a deeper societal issue.
Many pointed to what they describe as a lingering post-colonial mindset that still influences how locals perceive and treat Westerners.
“I’m petty, so I’d have asked: ‘Will you not extend the same courtesy of free drinks to us like you did for those fine Mat Sallehs before us?’ Then smile politely. These anglophiles need a reality check.”
“We’re still mentally stuck in the colonial mindset, thinking white people deserve better treatment. Yet most of them (not all lah) are stingy, calculative, misogynistic, and racist. Try denying them service and see what happens.”
And it’s not just about hotels. One commenter shared how this mindset shows up even in something as simple as ordering coffee.
“I was exhausted and ordered a cappuccino. The Mat Salleh’s cup came beautifully decorated, mine looked cincai [haphazardly made]. Just because I’m local? What’s with the white worship?”
This perceived inequality also extends to other industries, like sports. One user pointed out how local football seems to glorify naturalised white players while sidelining homegrown talent.
“Even in Malaysian football, most naturalised players are white. The media hypes them up just because their grandma was born in Malaysia during the colonial days. But no spotlight on our local players grinding in small clubs.”
For some, the issue hit harder when comparing Malaysia’s service culture to other countries. Several netizens highlighted Thailand as an example where all customers, regardless of race, receive respectful and consistent hospitality.
“In Thailand, whether it’s a cheap stay or luxury hotel, customer service is always tip-top. As someone in the customer service industry, Thai hospitality is truly humbling.”
Others, however, suggested a more pragmatic reason behind the behaviour.
“Not saying it’s right, but maybe because Mat Sallehs usually give tips, so service staff tend to cater to them more.”
View on Threads
