Yes true, slurping laksa is dangerous for your shirt. However in Japan, breaking up strands of noodle seems to be taboo, whether when cooking or when eating. Whole strands certainly look nicer at serving. But for Japanese, not only at serving, but they don't break up the noodle even when eating. A whole strand must go into the mouth, not bitten off with the other half falling back to the bowl or spoon. They don't even use spoons, just chopsticks only. Slurp up the noodle first, then drink the soup from the bowl.