Malaysia is a very diverse in culture. There are the Malay's, Chinese, Indians , Bidayuh, Iban, and many more. Even though there are many different culture here in Malaysia but we manage to live harmoniously and peacefully. We, Malaysian can live harmoniously because we understand and respect other cultures.
The Malay is the majority of race in Malaysia consisting of 60% . There are also many taboos in the Malay community for example,
When entering anyone's house you must take off your shoes, if not it may seem rude and disrespectfully.
The Malay is the majority of race in Malaysia consisting of 60% . There are also many taboos in the Malay community for example,
When entering anyone's house you must take off your shoes, if not it may seem rude and disrespectfully.
Furthermore, in it also consider rude to point with your fore finger instead you must point with your thumb.
Another taboo in the Malay culture is that you always eat with your right hand because the left hand is considered dirty when eating.
Do not sit on the pillow or else you will get sores on your backside. The reason is, the pillows are used of the head, so it is not polite to sit on it.
Do not sing in the kitchen, or you(woman) will marry someone who is way older than you expect) The reason is, you might be careless while cooking in order to avoid accidents.
Do not go out and play at dusk, or you might be kidnapped by boogey-woman. The reason is, most Malays are Muslims, so it is not good to go out at dusk because the devils usually wander at dusk.
Do not urinate on termite bunk, or your(male) penis might be swollen. The reason is first, it is impolite to wee-wee out of nowhere. Secondly, a bunk might be a resting place for supernatural spirits and it might curse anyone who mess up their place.
If you’re visiting a Muslim home, either during Hari Raya or during birth or death, the following guidelines on gifts may help:
- Don’t give liquor, or foodstuff which is not marked halal. Watch out for chocolates or candy containing gelatin. These are also forbidden to Muslims.
- Giving hong baos (money envelopes) to children during Hari Raya is fine. Even Muslims now give their own hong baos, a tradition we borrow from the Chinese.
- Giving money during funerals is acceptable. Most Muslims won’t know what to do with wreaths. We normally disassemble them and use the flowers to sprinkle on the grave.
- Giving money to an ill friend is alright, but flowers or fruit baskets are better.
Don’t be offended if the recipient does not immediately open your gift, but sets it aside. Malay etiquette dictates that gifts be opened in private, not in the presence of the giver, lest it be seen as an act of being desperate for the gift.