Salam/ Peace be upon you,
There are actually few things that I wish to share here about what I’ve seen and learned while on my journey in the States. Hope it’s useful to anyone reading too!
1. I can’t help but to notice that most Americans are practicing the way of socializing promoted by the Prophet (which ironically, aren’t really practiced, at least in Malaysia, by the Muslims themselves). They smile and greet you, even if they don’t know you. Saying “Bless you!” to anyone that sneezed. I have to admit that over there it is easy for me to do so because everyone around is doing it but back in Malaysia, saying “Yarhamukallah” (meaning: May Allah bless you) in public does feel a little bit weird, at least for me it is. Dunno why. More about Islamic customs here.
2. Dry towns/ townships. Prior to my journey there, I’ve never heard of it. Generally, it is an area where alcoholic beverages sales are prohibited, either by popular vote or legislation mainly due to religious concern (Go Google! 
). Maybe it is to reduce DUI-related accidents or something else, I dunno. But what I do know is that people in my neighbourhood are trying to ban the sales of alcohol beverages in 7 Eleven there. Yelah, Bukit Jelutong tu kawasan majoriti Melayu Muslim dan kebanyakan yang duduk situ bersama keluarga, tak sesuailah sebab arak tu dah jelas2 haram dalam Islam. Kalau yang mengaku Muslim nak menonggang pun, bawak kereta sekejap dah sampai Subang, hah g lah menonggang puas2 situ.. . Hence, since negara yang consume banyak alcohol pun boleh ada kawasan yang dilarang alcohol (banyak juga tu), takkan “negara Islam” macam Malaysia ni tak boleh kan..? Btw, dunno bout the ending part of that effort, berjaya ke idak, saya tidak tahu.
MRT proposed alignment from paultan.org
3. Really2 good public transport. While traveling alone, with friends or my brother, we rely solely on public transports available (mana ada duit nak sewa kereta owh, mahal…) and boy were they helpful. Sadly, it’s a whole different story back home. Yes, we do have LRT and Monorel which are somewhat pretty good, kudos. But what I’m referring to is the KTM Komuter. While the government is still moving forward with the ~RM40 billion (last I heard) MRT project, nothing much can be said about the Komuter. Overcrowded (worst, during peak hours) and late/delay, two things that haven’t changed even a bit from past few years.
The commuters attitude didn’t help much either. As soon as the door opens, they quickly rushed to get in, not giving the chance for people inside to go out first. Sick. But I believe that people acted like that for some reason, there must be one, and the ones stated earlier are perhaps the most likely cause. I’m not sure whether KTM is under any government agency or not but perhaps it is time for this matter to be addressed or extra allocations given so that it is inline with the MRT investment, to improve public transportation system in the country.
4. Leaving your food on the table (in fast food outlets) after you’re done eating is rude. I didn’t learn this over there to be exact, my mom already told me basic things on what to do and what not to do before I left. She and my father used to study (and got married ) there before. Again, the situation is pretty different back home. We tend to just leave it there for the cleaners to do their work. Hurm…
Nasib baik ada gak polis kat Union Station ni, kalau tak, tak tahulah apa jadi. huuh!
There are some other things as well, but I’d rather talk about it personally than put it here. Sensitive issues. Anyway, have a nice Saturday everyone!
