If you’re Malaysian and you’ve never been late, are you even real or just some AI-generated punctuality bot? In this country, time is flexible, Malaysian excuses for being late are basically a love language, and everyone knows the game. You late? No problem. Just pull out one of these legendary lines and boom — no one’s even mad. Some might even top-up your excuse with their own story!
Here are some Malaysian excuses for being late that work too well — guaranteed to get you out of trouble 9.9/10 times.

Excuse #1: “Jam lah, what else!”
This is the holy grail. The OG. The national anthem of lateness.

Why it works:
Because traffic is our shared trauma. KL jam? Normal. Penang jam? Legendary. Even if you live 5 minutes away, somehow… still jam. No one can argue — jam is life.
How to use it:
“Eh bro, sorry ah. Jam gila just now, like got 3 accidents, 5 breakdowns, and one fella changing tyre in the middle of the road.”
Extra drama = extra believability. Mention the LDP, Federal Highway, or “that stupid roundabout” for bonus points.


Image Source: Pinterest

Excuse #2:  “Raining lah”
Rain in Malaysia isn’t just weather. It’s a whole event.

Why it works:
Rain here got power. Once it starts, roads turn into rivers, motorcyclists become Olympic sprinters, and everyone drives like their grandma just taught them how.
How to use it:
“Wey, I swear the rain just now is like end-of-the-world type. My wiper moving like crazy also cannot see anything!”
Add sound effects if needed: “Whooosh whooosh!” You can even say your shoes got wet and you had to change — nobody wants to imagine soggy socks.


Image Source: Pinterest

Excuse #3:  “No Parking lah”
If you’ve ever circled a mall parking lot for 30 minutes and still ended up parking illegally — you understand.

Why it works:
Finding parking in Malaysia is like doing cardio. You go round and round, heart rate up, stress level high, and in the end… you still double-park.
How to use it:
“Walao eh, I go 5 rounds in the basement also no space. Got one spot but was blocked by a trolley. I almost gave up.”
Slam your car keys on the table for dramatic flair. Even better if you show a blurry pic of your far-far-away parking spot.


Image Source: Copilot

Excuse #4:  “My mum call lah, cannot hang up one”
This one is gold. The ultimate shield. Untouchable excuse.

Why it works:
Malaysian mums don’t do short calls. One “Hello” can become a whole lecture, recipe class, and moral guidance session rolled into one.
How to use it:
“Just nice I wanna leave the house, then my mum calls. Ask me whether I eat, whether I wash my jeans, and whether I still remember Aunty Janet from Ipoh.”
No one will question this. They’ll just nod with full respect — because mums > everything.


Image Source: Copilot

Excuse #5:  “On the way lah, chill!”
The king of all white lies. Also: the lie we tell ourselves.

Why it works:
“On the way” is like a soft promise. It gives people hope. It sounds active… even if you’re still in your towel scrolling TikTok.
How to use it:
“OTW dy! 5 mins I reach!” (Meanwhile: still waiting for your Grab to accept.)
For advanced users, send a random photo of your steering wheel or your feet near the door. Bonus if you say, “Just looking for parking now” while still in bed.


Image Source: Copilot

Excuse #6:  “The traffic light not working lah!”
A bit niche, but works wonders when you need that extra specific excuse.

Why it works:
Some traffic lights in Malaysia really have an attitude. You sit there so long you start questioning life choices.
How to use it:
“Eh no joke, I was stuck at the junction 3 cycles already. Green light never comes. I even reverse and go back in front again, still red!”
If your friend drives, they’ll believe you. If not, just throw in a “You know lah, Malaysian traffic lights all got mood swings.”


Image Source: Pinterest

Final Thoughts: Late? Never Mind Lah.

Here in Malaysia, being late is not a crime — it’s a culture. We don’t just arrive late, we arrive with style — and one of these Malaysian excuses for being late that everyone understands. Confirm pass!

So next time you’re 20 mins behind schedule, don’t panic. Pick one of these classics, say it with confidence and end with a sheepish smile. You’re not irresponsible — you’re just local.
Think we missed out your go-to reason for being fashionably late? Tag us @citykaki.life and tell us !
Also Read: Unspoken Mamak Rules in Malaysia