We need to refine our use of honorifics

MALAYSIANS are generally known to be polite. We often address people older than us as kakak, abang, aunty, uncle, makcik, pakcik or similar honorifics. People younger than us would more often be addressed as adik or “dik” for short.

However, I am of the opinion that such honorifics are not appropriate for all occasions or places. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching soon, I propose that staff at tourist attractions, retail outlets and restaurants be taught to address patrons, both local and international, accordingly.

I was at Aquaria KLCC about three weeks ago and was quite aghast when one of the staff members addressed me as “acik”. For those not in the know, this is a shorter and perhaps more endearing version of makcik.

Putting my dented ego aside (I don’t think I look THAT old), I honestly feel that staff at such a renowned tourist attraction should have been trained better to address patrons.

I think it’s time that our frontliners who deal with the public and tourists be taught to address them with more appropriate titles or honorifics, for example tuan, encik, puan, cik, sir or madam. I know this matter may be trivial to some people, but I’m sure a little formality and politeness will go a long way to enhance Malaysia’s image.

ACIK SHA

Shah Alam