Sorry

According to The Free Dictionary, the word "sorry" has THREE meanings:

1. Feeling or expressing sympathy, pity, or regret: I'm sorry I'm late.

2. Worthless or inferior; paltry: a sorry excuse.

3. Causing sorrow, grief, or misfortune; grievous: a sorry development.

But in Malaysia, you probably will find the FOURTH meaning.

Now let me tell you an encounter I had this evening which describes this particular definition of the word "sorry".

Location: W Store in 1Borneo, Workers A & B of W store and me.
Me: Excuse me, do you have any more stock of this (referring to Colgate toothpaste which has special discount, buy 2 twin packs for RM16, and there is only one twin pack left on the display shelf)?
Worker A: Umm... It's out of stock (after worker B checked out the store).
Me: It's alright then.

Disappointed, I decided to pick up my usual Fresh 'n' White toothpaste which can last me long enough until I go to Servay to pick up my twin packs (I'm an economist when it comes to buying toiletries).

While waiting to pay at the counter, Worker D decided to pay for her purchase (the exact same twin pack which I was looking for). Very loudly, here's what I could hear while standing behind her.
Worker D: Sorry ler, sorry ler. Apa boleh buat? Lambat. (Translate to: What to do? Late.)
Worker A: Dia tedi sedang cari tu (refering to the twin packs that Worker D was paying for // Translate to: She was looking for it just now).
Worker D: Sorry ler, sorry ler...
(In order to avoid direct unpleasant circumstance with that loud Worker D, I walked off to the other paying counter of Worker C).

Me: Umm... Lain kali minta pekerja kamurang jangan cakap macam itu, very impolite. (Translate to: Next time please ask your workers not to talk like that.)
Worker C: Ya... Ok...
Me: Seriously, it will ruin the image of W store. It is actually really very rude.
(I walked off from W store with my paid item after thanking Worker C feeling ridiculous at the ill-behaviour Malaysian workers are displaying to their paying customers. I know it is unfair that Worker C had to listen to my complaint about this, but I hope she will help to "correct" this kind of behaviour in her workplace)

That's how the word "sorry" is used in Malaysia by some of those individuals who felt smug by outwitting others in purchasing discounted products. It is definitely a victorious moment to be the last to get the special discounts, but it is bad for company's image if you happen to be wearing company's uniform and act like a smug in your own workplace in front of a customer, chiding the customer.

I am really disappointed with the ill-behaviours of Malaysian employees in many service outlets. FYI, I've decided to "assist" in the improvement of the W store by filing a proper complaint via their webpage.

I'm not angry, just felt ridiculous how people can use the word "sorry" to act like some ridiculous, uncivilized people from the jungle, just because of two twin packs of toothpaste with the cost of RM16. I pray that the company will do something to train their staffs to be more aware of their behaviours which may improve or deteriorate the business of the company which pays their bills at home (indirectly).