Malaysia is a multi-cultural country. The native Malay, Chinese and Indian are the major races in Malaysian population. All Malaysian Malays are Muslim and forms the majority (almost 60%) in the Malaysian Population. Islam is the official religion in Malaysia and Bahasa Melayu is the official language.

The Chinese arrived in Malaysia since the British colonial times in the 19th century. The British used the Chinese migrants to work the tin mines. Major tin mines at that time was Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.

Chinese dialects that Chinese Malaysians speak are Cantonese, Mandrin, Hokkien and Hakka. The availability of vernacular schools in Malaysia primary and secondary education has contributed to the ability of Chinese Malaysians to speak Mandrin.

Constituting 8% of the Malaysian population, the Malaysian Indians arrived in times when they were used by the British to work in Rubber Plantations. Nowadays, the younger Indian Malaysians are mostly professionals executives. Malaysian Indians speak Tamil and Hindi.

Getting to know the culture and customs proves important no matter if you are just on a short visit to Malaysia to meet a business associate or for leisure or even decide to live in Malaysia. The following tips and tricks will put you ahead of others and get the best deals you are looking for.

Did you know that Malaysian Chinese dislike the number 4 and favours 8? Ever thought that a Clock as a present to a Chinese Malaysian could be disastrous?

Islam religion in Malaysia first brought to Peninsular Malaysia by Arab and Indian traders during the 13th century, Malaysia embraces a progressive Islam that permeates the country's architecture, cuisine and lifestyle. Around 60% of Malaysians practice Islam, a culture very intertwined with Malay culture.

The call to prayer can be heard in all corners of the country, five times a day. It is not unusual for a mosque to be situated down the street from a Church and across the street from a Hindu temple. This multi-religious society lives in harmony and everyone practices their own religious beliefs freely and in harmony with each other.

During the Holy month of Ramadhan, Muslims are abstain from food and drink during the day.
The main annual Muslim holiday is Hari raya Aidilfitri, which celebrates the end of a month of fasting. This festive day is usually celebrated universally where other races and ethnics are invited for an open house party.

Islam Art and architecture has a huge influence from Arab and can be seen at most administrative buildings and Mosques.

The World at large perceives Malaysia as an open minded and friendly society. While this is true, we do have our own customs and visitors should try to observe these practices when they arrive.

  One of the more prominent custom is the handshake. While handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may instead nod and smile to acknowledge an introduction.

It is important to address their professional titles and honorific titles at all times. When addressing Malays and Indians, their first name is to be used, while Chinese are often addressed by their Surname.

Answering a call from a mobile phone during a business meeting is considered outright rude and this should be avoided at all costs. Leaders of both sides normally sit directly opposite each other in a business meeting.

All products or services given to Muslim Malaysians should be halal. For instance, if you are giving a chocolate gift, make sure you see a label 'Halal' on the product.

Malaysian Sports is largely inspired by the achievements of our national sport players.

Did you know that Malaysia produces some of the best sports players in the World? One notable success was our fellow Malaysian Dato’ Lee Chong Wei who is the world No. 1 for Badminton. No less achievement is Dato’ Nicole David who is World's No.1 player for Squash. This has a commendable influence on sports Malaysians play.

Badminton and football are the main sports that Malaysians enjoy. Squash, is not as popular as badminton or football due to higher cost as well as non availability of courts but will be more popular if they succeed in getting recognised by the Olympics.

  The English Football topic is easily the most common chat topic when you are in Malaysia. Most Malaysian men are in tune to the English Premier League and you will often find them chatting about yesterday's live matches.

Every country has its own traditional costume as part of its identity. Wearing traditional attire evokes a sense of celebration of heritage as well as national pride.

Malaysia is no different. However, just like Malaysian Food, there is no one traditional Malaysian costume. Instead, Malaysian’s many traditional clothing are influenced by the culture of each ethnic.

The traditional outfit for Malay men is the Baju Melayu, which is a long sleeved shirt with a closed collar with long pants of a matching coloured fabric and a sarong wrapped around the waist at knee length. Baju Melayu is always worn with a songkok. They are usually worn in all colours except for yellow, which is reserved for the Royal Family of Malaysia.

  Malay women wear Baju Kurung, which is a long skirt with a knee-length blouse. Baju Kurung is always worn with a headscarf or Tudung.

  The Malaysian Chinese traditional attire is influenced by the culture brought in by their ancestors who immigrated to Malaysia.

The traditional costume for Malaysian Chinese women is the Cheongsam which is a short sleeved, one-piece dress that may be at knee length or till feet with slits at the sides at the legs with high-collar and have buttons lined diagonally at the upper body. Cheongsams are usually made of silk and are figure-hugging by design.

Chinese Nyonyas wear Baju Kebaya, which is a blouse dress worn with a long Batik Sarong.

Indian women are often seen wearing Sari. Sari is the Indian traditional attire and is a wide and long (usually 7-9 yards long) unstitched cloth wrapped around the body and the ends are draped over the shoulder and worn with a petticoat. They are most commonly worn as their day-to-day wear.

Most traditional dresses are acceptable at formal events. The batik shirt is the most commonly worn as formal attire. A point to note is that you can even see these clothes worn by hotel staff, restaurant waiters and even in musical performances. Malaysian singers usually wear traditional costumes for stage performances and are well regarded.

All traditional costumes are usually tailored to fit and many of these tailors are still in business since many years ago proves that Malaysians have a priority in celebrating the national pride and identity.

For business attire, Malaysian men generally wear Western clothing, long sleeve shirt, with tie with slack pants, while khakis may be acceptable at some work places. Suits are normally only worn during presentations or meetings. Ladies attire for work and formal occasions is generally flexible and both dress and skirt as well as traditional wears are acceptable, so long the clothes are not too revealing.

Malaysia batik is fashionable and acceptable at formal occasions. Malaysians are expected to dress smart casual during semi formal and casual events.

On the street, younger Malaysian men  wear T-Shirt and jeans and sometimes short pants, while young Malaysian Ladies wear from T-shirt and jeans at more conservative suburbs places to more trendy and fashionable chic wear at places nearer to the vicinity of the City.

Young Malaysians streetwear is largely influenced by the Korean and Japanese fashion trends.

We have compiled some of the Malaysian clothes in our Malaysian Blog Shop Section Have a look at them and you may like to purchase them before arriving in Malaysia.

Malaysian races are free to celebrate their own religious festivals. Moreover, each of the celebrations are not confined to a particular race, rather it is usually universally celebrated. The Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Adilfitri (also know as Hari Raya Puasa), Hari Raya Haji and Maulidur Rasul.

The Indians celebrate Deepavali (also known as the festival of light) and Thaipusam (where devotees gather and celebrate at Batu Caves). The Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year (usually in January or February) and Mooncake festival. Christians celebrate Christmas (also a public holiday in Malaysia) in December.