Culture

In multi-racial Malaysia, what is all right for one might not be all right for others due to differences in cultural backgrounds. This means that what is all right for foreigners might not be all right for Malaysians.

Generally, to get lovey-dovey in the public is not all right because this is seen as being disrespectful towards others who are sharing the public space.

Within the Malay community, it is not customary for men and women to shake hands with each other. However, some Malays of the young generation shake hands freely with members of the opposite sex.

When entering a Malaysian’s home, shoes should be removed because wearing shoes may mar or soil the beautiful marble or polished wooden floor, even the floor is not beautiful, Malaysians don’t like dust being tracked in to their homes. Actually, the tourist-friendly Malaysians are a bunch of peaceful people who don’t practice confrontation.

Festivals

Malaysia vibrates and celebrates its diversity in a world of festivals and feasts.

Thaipusam

Thaipusam is celebrated by Hindus and some Chinese to mark the victory of Lord Murugan over the demons. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. This is the day of penance and thanksgiving for wishes granted by Lord Murugan. Devotees carry `Kavadi’ (steel arches with spikes and hooks that pierce to the skin) to fulfill their vows.

Moon Cake Festival

This festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th moon of Chinese lunar calendar. It marks the overthrow of the rule of the Mongol overlords in China. Besides eating moon cake to celebrate, children with candle-lit colorful lanterns will parade in the streets.

Festival of the Hungry Ghosts

This is a month-long festival during the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Chinese believe that during this month, the souls of the dead are released to roam around. Operas and musical stage shows are held at the community centers and market areas.

Language

Bahasa Melayu is the national langue but English is widely spoken. As the matter of fact, the majority of Malaysians are bilingual.

It is compulsory for Malaysians to learn Bahasa Melayu and English at school. Chinese and Indians learn Mandarin and Tamil at school respectively. Apart from that, Chinese dialects such as Cantonese and Hokkien are also widely spoken by the Chinese. Meanwhile, the Ibans and the Khadazans in Borneo also learn their native languages at school.

Nowadays, Malay and Indian parents also allow their children to learn Mandarin because Mandarin has become important in the cooperate world.