You ask if it's Malaysian behavior or human behavior. It may be both.
In the U.S., I've driven plenty of times in traffic that was slowed because of a wreck or stalled vehicle on either side of the road. Some of that on the same side had to do with getting around the vehicle in question, but of course we look as we go by. Sometimes, it's basically unavoidable.
However, the traffic going in the opposite direction that has no reason to slow down or stop doesn't make much sense other than, they too, want to look.
That said, I can't say I've had the experience where someone purposefully got behind a vehicle about to be towed just to have a closer look. At what?!
Generally, if someone stops here it's to render assistance, or to call for it. We did end up on the side of the road on a busy freeway with a flat tire where the people behind us jumped out and basically replaced the flat one with the spare. I'm sure they were doing it to be nice, but since we were holding up traffic behind us, that probably had something to do with it, too.
It's always good when these kind of events have happy endings. Hopefully, too, you can get your vehicle running smoothly to the point this doesn't have to happen again.
Oh well, I guessed it's not just a Malaysian phenomenon after all yeah..
It us good to note that in US, there are people who stopped their cars to render assistance to others on the road. In Malaysia, after several mugging incidents being widely reported in the press people are much wary these days of helping one another. Some even outrightly asked for a compensation in exchange for help.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting @glenalbrethsen
It's too bad about the muggings while trying to help people. Things like that will change human behavior quickly.
We have our share of bad people, too. I live in a rural area, so people here are still likely to get out and help. In the higher urban areas, though, more people just want to be on their way and stay out of things.
At any rate, be safe out there.
Yes, precisely. We will need to exercise our own judgment and caution before rendering help