A small roadside nasi lemak stall in Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Penang, has recently gained attention for embracing the “Pay It Forward” culture. The heartwarming gesture came to light when a customer shared her experience online. She had gone to the stall to buy six packets of nasi lemak, only to find that someone ahead of her had already paid for her order.
“I was so surprised and touched,” she wrote. “Since I can afford it, I didn’t want to take it for free. I paid a bit more and told the stall owner, ‘Let’s help those who need it.’”
Image credit: Celeste Sc N (Facebook)
Pay it forward at a nasi lemak stall
The 40-year-old owner, Fazli, who operates the stall along a busy street near the Bandar Tasek Mutiara commercial area, says such moments of generosity aren’t unusual.
“I’ve been here for a year, and every month, one or two customers will leave RM10 or RM20 to pay for the next customer’s meal, especially on Fridays. Some even treat people on the spot,” Fazli said.
Fazli explained that customers buying meals for others isn’t just belanja (treating), but in Islam, it is called sedekah (charity), voluntary charity given without expecting anything in return.
Image credit: Sin Chew Daily
Netizens sharing their experience and praised the act
After the post went viral, Malaysian netizens praised the pay it forward gesture and expressed their experience and willingness to do the same for the next customer.
“So it’s the customer in front paying for the person behind? I think that’s great! Worth promoting.”
“When I bought burgers, I also encountered this. The person before me had already paid. I also paid for the next one.”
“The nasi lemak at this stall is very delicious.”
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