Many drivers and motorists on the road use the horn for different reasons. Some try getting a person’s attention, while some might use it to greet other people. Although it’s likely unlikely that drivers and riders converse on the road, seeing them using their horns when it’s jammed might prove there’s a conversation going on.
However, motiotra (@motiotra) on TikTok wondered if Malaysian motorists ever used horns for different reasons.
https://www.tiktok.com/@motiotra/video/7192112742420008193
Malaysian motorists don’t use the horn much
In his observation, motiotra compared Malaysia with other SEA countries like Vietnam. He said Malaysians don’t use horns as frequently as Vietnam.
In Vietnam, motorists honk when they’re passing by each other. It also indicates their whereabouts while on the road. It’s an act of courtesy than anger in the country.
However, Malaysians use horns when they are really mad.
Interestingly, motiotra said Malaysian and many countries in the West used the horn for the same reason: to display frustration.
Netizens open up on reasons why they honk
A comment from this user perfectly sums up how Malaysians use the horn while on the road. It’s accurate to the T!
Additionally, someone said it’s a different case in Penang. The scenario is almost similar to Vietnam.
Maybe it’s because Penang is a busy state. There are a lot of drivers and riders on the road. Congestion is inevitable in big cities like Georgetown, KL and Johor Bahru. Honking is one of the fewer ways to release stress from work.
And many Malaysians agree when there’s honking: it’s a sign of trouble. The honkers need to prepare for an intense verbal (sometimes physical) fight.
Malaysian road users don’t honk that much. But when the jam takes too long for their liking, a motor or other cars cut the line, and the horn is used to replace their anger.
Source: TikTok motiotra
