For those of us who've spent our lives in Malaysia, our cities hold a mix of love and frustration. Sometimes, it's refreshing to hear how outsiders perceive our urban landscapes during their temporary stays.
Mario Hau, a YouTuber hailing from Hong Kong, embarked on a two-month sojourn in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Recently, he graciously shared his experiences from his stay in the city with his subscribers.
Photo via Facebook (Mario Hau 孝仔)
Under the title "Living in Kuala Lumpur for 2 months: What Challenges Do Hong Kong Natives Encounter in Malaysia?", Mario delved into the advantages and challenges of life in KL.
Without a doubt, Mario pointed out that traffic congestion stands as one of KL's most daunting challenges. "The infamous KL traffic is a struggle, and I'm sure many locals can empathise. Whether driving or relying on ride-sharing services, the omnipresent traffic jams can easily add 30 minutes to your journey."
Interactions with locals revealed their preference for driving over public transport due to lengthy waiting times.
Mario, sharing insights from a pedestrian's viewpoint, highlighted the difficulty of crossing roads in KL. He mentioned the short timeframe given for pedestrians to cross – merely 30 seconds while requiring a few minutes to reach the other side.
On the brighter side, Mario acknowledged the city's culinary diversity as a definite plus. KL's cultural amalgamation translates into an array of exceptional food options. He observed that the flavours in KL tend to be richer and saltier compared to his hometown of Hong Kong.
Additionally, he mentioned the local practice of switching dialects and codes during conversations, which took some adaptation. Within a week or two, he comfortably transitioned into the linguistic rhythm, and he expressed appreciation for the open-mindedness of Malaysians in accepting his accent.
Seeing our culture through the lens of someone from a different background is undeniably intriguing. Mario's account of his two months in KL paints a positive picture, and his insights resonate with many of us.
