I have seen many types of rubbish being thrown out of a moving car. Tissue papers, unwanted bits of papers and wrappers, packets of drinks, plastic bags and tins, rambutan peels, glass bottle from obviously drunk drivers who throw just to break it and you just name it objects. I would not be surprised if someone were to throw some durian skins out of the car during this durian season.

Malaysians still have the “as long as it is not on my turf” mentality when it comes to throwing rubbish. Even neighbours will conveniently sweep rubbish to the house next door given the chance. This I can attest to. I do not smoke and no one in my household eats sweets or junk food. Somehow cigarette butts, junk food plastic bags and sweets wrappers will conveniently appear in front of my apartment’s doorway every evening. Maybe it is out of convenient, maybe it is the wind.

Those who want to see the ultimate in rubbish throwing frenzy has to visit the night market also known as “pasar malam” when they are done for the night. Truckloads of rubbish are strewn all over the street where the night market operates. There is no proper recycling effort. Organic and non organic matters are treated the same. Drains and waterways are full of them and the rain often gets the blame when floods happen.

We had a few drinks and conversation was all about life when we were young and carefree. We promised to catch up with each other, have gatherings more often. That would be nice.

To cut the story short, we went to the toilet together. That is when I lost all my initial excitement and wished I have never bumped into him.

To my horror, he did not bother to wash his hands after peeing!

Feeling disgusted, I asked him straight in the face, “Why didn’t you wash your hands?” He smiles and say, “Why must?” I am lost for words.