Frogger aka manoeuvring through Malaysian traffic as a pedestrian

Tweet

You are constantly on your toes here. Sidewalks can be narrow, broken or non-existent. This is not just in Malaysia, but common in many parts of Asia. I do not know how some people can wear heels around here! And it is not as bad here, but if you are tall, like Jason, keep an eye out for hanging extension cords, low hanging lights/umbrellas, or anything else that might get you in the head! Look up and look down! Just always pay attention to your surroundings!

Crossing the street in Malaysia can be a chore. Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way. It is an art to dodge the vehicles and motorcycles. You would think going to an intersection with a pedestrian crossing to cross would be easier but that is not the case. Press the button and wait, does the light even work you ask as you stand there staring at the blank crossing signal or the little red stop light? Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes they only seem to operate at certain times of the day! How confusing is that? As such, pedestrians will ignore the traffic signals and jay-walk. We will walk part way through a street and stand in the middle waiting for the vehicle to pass or we will just run right across (well mainly those of us new to this run!). Vehicles will push through as you jay-walk (or walk with the crossing signal when it works) right to the point of "whoa, that's a little close"!

Most vehicles will obey the traffic lights but there are some that ignore them. The biggest culprit of this are motorcycles who will ignore red lights, and walking pedestrian signs. Even if you are on a one-way street, you MUST look both way, as motorcycles will drive any where and in any direction. They will drive down sidewalks, opposite direction on a one-way street, and in between cars where ever they will fit. It truly is like playing Frogger every time we have to cross the street. And after a few weeks of this, we are getting the hang of it and almost, but not quite, we can almost cross the street like a local. This is good practice for our next destination....China!

~ Christine