Have you guys ever driven from Singapore to Johor Bahru, or from Johor Bahru to Singapore?
Have you guys ever paid attention to the "not allowed" signs on the station windows?
Did you guys know that at Malaysia's side, you are actually not allowed to eat, among other prohibited actions?
Well I certainly did not!
So imagine my shock when I was happily eating a cheese tart in my car, and when the officer finished reading out the names on the passport, he just put everything down, crossed his hands and stared at us.
We seriously thought we had committed a crime without knowing.
It was only after my mother asked in Malay what happened, that he chose to enlighten us about the fact that eating was prohibited at the checkpoint, even though you are in your own damn car.
Like what?????
Fine, the sign does state that you are not allowed to eat, but still, couldn't you have very kindly and politely informed us like any other human being with self-respect? Instead of just stoning and staring at us without saying anything? In fact, he didn't bother replying until my mother asked in Malay.
Malaysia, is this really the impression you want to give to foreigners?
Or perhaps it's just that particular immigration officer.
And anyway, why the hell is eating not allowed? The only plausible reason I can think of is something ridiculous, and that is that they don't think it's respectful to eat while someone is working.
And mind you, we asked the immigration officer at the Singapore side if we can eat in the car at the station, and he said "of course" while giving us a why-the-hell-do-you-even-need-to-ask look.
Was so upset when that happened. I always choose to see the better in others, and I've met many locals in Johor Bahru that were more than pleasant. So I really hate that there are black sheeps like the immigration officer that ruins people's impression of a country.
So make sure you don't eat at the Malaysian checkpoint! Or hopefully you can speak Malay or it will become a staring contest *rolls eyes*
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