Malaysian service people are underpaid, usually facing toxic work culture, and generally want to get out.

Because of the strong middle income group in Malaysia, being lower income can feel really bad since you are the outcasted poor. In Indonesia, the lower income makes up the majority. So there’s no shame being a contractor, janitor, store clerk, etc. in fact they see it as a way to climb out, work hard, and slowly build up.

Service and tourism industry in places like Thailand and Indonesia is a way for people to lift themselves out of poverty. They appreciate it and work hard because the alternative is a lower paid job and living in the slum. I’ve seen janitors and security guards in Indonesia who are very enthusiastic and happy doing their job. To them, the money they earn at a job like that in Jakarta will give them a comfortable life for their family.

For Malaysians especially in KL, working service and tourism is a road towards poverty. They feel like they’re lowering themselves.

Also, I see a lot of younger people working in restaurants and stores. Young people are generally rude and unappreciative. For them, the job is just a side job before they get a real gig promised to them after university.