6 Very Malaysian Things We Do That Are Actually Super Duper Gross

Malaysians are so unique, not just because of our diversely awesome cultures and backgrounds but because of our very Malaysian habits as well.

There are things we do on a daily basis that we don’t even put thought into because it’s such a normal part of our everyday lives. However, some of these common Malaysian things we do can actually be quite gross (whether you realise it or not!). Read on and see if you’re guilty of any of them! I know I am.

1. Eating at those roadside hawkers or mamaks 

Source: Nick Chan

It’s so common for us Malaysians to indulge our food in unhygenic locations that we don’t even realise it anymore. We will still makan puas-puas even though it’s RIGHT BESIDE A COCKROACH INFESTED LONGKANG!

I mean, can you imagine if it happened in a foreign country? Your shop would not have any customers at all and/or will be forced to close down! But not for us here in Malaysia though! 

2. Not washing our feet when we get home 

Source: Mabel Kwong

Unlike ang moh people who wear their shoes indoors, we Malaysians generally go barefoot at home. And regardless of whether we wore shoes or flip-flops when we were out, most of us don’t wash our feet upon reaching our home. There’s a LOT of bacteria tau?!

The sweat that our feet excrete attracts plenty of bacteria, so remember to practice washing your feet!

3. Only going for a dental check-up once in a few years or when there’s an issue with our teeth/gums!

Source: DentalTribune

Come on lah! Don’t lie, which of you guys do the same?!

We tend to overlook dental health because… so leceh! (and because we wanna save money mah!). But, actually, you should be visiting your dentist at least twice a year! It’s okay, you’re part of the  whopping 75 per cent of Malaysians who are unaware of the need for oral health.

What’s more, most Malaysians assume that as long they brush twice daily, it’s enough to ensure healthy teeth and gums, but they’re wrong! Jeng jeng jeng! Good dental hygiene requires flossing and gargling as well to reach parts of your mouth that brushing misses.

But those bottles of minty mouthwash too minty for me lah! Well, if you face this issue, you could give the new LISTERINE GUM CARE LESS INTENSE – WITH HERBAL GINGER mouthwash a try! The taste is much milder and not as intense so anyone can give it a go.

It’s clinically proven to reduce plaque and other common gum problems. It also contains four Essential Oils such as Eucalyptol, Methyl Salicylate, Thymol and Menthol to ensure deep penetration into the plaque biofilm. So, make sure you grab yourself a bottle to avoid getting lectured by your dentist during your next appointment!

4. Using our beloved tandas awam

Source: Street Sense Media

Yes, it’s gross. And most of us Malaysians do not realise how absolutely disgusting it is until we visit public toilets in countries like Japan!

Next time you’re using one, AVOID touching the door and flush handles with your bare hands because that’s where most bacterias are. If you did, just wash your hands thoroughly, and WITH SOAP!

5. Eating with our hands WITHOUT washing them first WITH SOAP

Source: HotFridayTalks

We Malaysians love eating with our hands. It makes our food tastier mah! But one thing we often forget or feel too lazy to do is wash our hands first. Do you have any idea how much germs and bacteria you’re eating along with your banana leaf rice?! If you get a stomach ache, you know why lah.

6. Not showering in the morning

Source: WellandGood

You know who you are!

Even if you took a shower just before bedtime the night before, you should always take a shower in the morning too! It doesn’t just help freshen you up, but it washes away dead skin cells and excess oil too. This is especially good for those who have sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Did you relate to any of the above points on a spiritual level? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Just make sure you look after yourself, especially when it comes to hygiene! One way to do that is to make use of the new Listerine Gum Care Less Intense – With Herbal Ginger mouthwash so you can forget about all your dental health worries!

Find out more about Listerine here!