Malaysia shouldn’t scapegoat the naked volcano tourists

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/11/malaysia-scapegoat-volcano-tourists

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In the summer of last year (well, British summer – in Malaysia, where I’m from, it’s basically summer all the time), I climbed Mount Kinabalu. By the time I reached the Laban Rata rest house, I had been climbing for about six hours, seen three different species of rare pitcher plants, but decided that climbing mountains was definitely not something I would be making a habit of. I was on the brink of giving up, but thank goodness I did not; reaching Low’s Peak, as the summit is known, was an extraordinary experience: both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

We started our bid for the top at 3am, when the Milky Way was clear in the sky. I have never seen so many stars in the whole of my city-dwelling life. It was breathtaking.

There are roads to fix, people to comfort, buildings to repair; making these tourists scapegoats is not the answer

So I can understand the exhilaration the tourists who have now become the centre of a global story felt when they ascended the volcano. Personally, I wouldn’t have taken off my clothes – it is cold up there – my teeth were chattering as we reached Low’s Peak. But the act of taking off some of your clothes to celebrate isn’t that outlandish: it’s not exactly unknown, for example, in sports. As far as I’m concerned, punishing these strip-happy tourists with detention and raising the prospect of big fines is a gross overreaction. It almost makes me want to laugh.

But, clearly, it is no laughing matter. The actions of the tourists have not only insulted the traditions and culture of East Malaysians, but a perceived reluctance to apologise has fuelled the anger. One of the climbers, 33-year-old Canadian Emil Kaminski, reportedly posted an expletive-ridden video, in which he said, among other things: “It’s just a fucking mountain.” I think Malaysians are entitled to find this attitude blatantly disrespectful. I’ve certainly never heard anything as discourteous from anyone who has visited our country – and I’ve heard a lot of things.

Malaysia, despite its technological advancement and a strong desire for the world to see us as developed, is still a country steeped in culture and tradition. We are a nation in a state of transition, and, whatever you believe about the spiritual dimension of Mount Kinabalu, it’s important for all Malaysians that tourists treat us with respect. It’s the lack of consideration that these tourists displayed that really stings, regardless of how much store you put by the volcano’s sacred associations.

Related: Mount Kinabalu 'naked prank': UK reviews advice for travellers to Malaysia

Travelling to a country with customs very different to your own can of course result in culture shock. When I first travelled to Britain, there were many things that I had to get used to – hearing swear words being thrown around casually, having ham, egg and chips for dinner, carrying an umbrella wherever I go – and while I’m accustomed to these things now, I do understand the pitfalls of operating in an environment that’s not the same as the one you’re used to. However, there are some simple rules of thumb: I would recommend reading up on local customs and learning a few key phrases before going. Malaysians love it when tourists say “Terima kasih” (thank you). If you’re going to a country that is known to be fairly conservative, do remember there is a time and a place. A beautiful beach can be the perfect place to let it all hang loose; a mountain revered by local indigenous people is not. Most importantly, be humble. Apologise if you’ve offended someone, especially if you really didn’t mean to. We’re not completely unreasonable (although some among Malaysian authorities seem to be keen to prove otherwise). Malaysians are actually really relaxed. I’m sure we wouldn’t blame you for a flood if you would apologise for accidentally walking into a mosque with shoes on.

Malaysia needs to have a serious discussion about the best way to protect our culture. We are entitled to expect tourists to behave considerately. And we must be diligent in holding on to the way of life that makes our society so unique. But there is room for debate and development, for moderation. We claim to be a modern nation – we must live up to it. Blaming earthquakes on a group of tourists, no matter how they have behaved, will just not do. Focus instead on the lives lost, and the work that needs to be done. There are roads to fix, people to comfort, buildings to repair; making these tourists scapegoats is not the answer.