{"id":3512,"date":"2019-09-03T08:03:19","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T08:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zeweekendtraveller.com\/?p=3512"},"modified":"2019-12-06T22:43:02","modified_gmt":"2019-12-06T22:43:02","slug":"an-insight-into-malaysian-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeweekendtraveller.com\/index.php\/asia\/an-insight-into-malaysian-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"An Insight into Malaysian Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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An Introduction to Malaysian Culture<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysia a country in South East Asia is made up of two parts , East Malaysia on Borneo island and West Malaysia a peninsula with neighbours Thailand in the north and Singapore to the south. Surrounded by the Indian ocean , the country has abundance from the sea as well as a rich equatorial jungle. Let’s talk about the Malaysian culture.<\/p>

The country is made up of multi-racial , multi-religious mixed pot of people. The result is a society, uniquely rich in culture and tradition living and working together in a mostly modernized country.\u00a0<\/p>

Malaysia acknowledges the three main races that make up its majority, Malays, Chinese and Indians and have public holidays to celebrate the biggest traditional celebrations of the 3 main races. If you have a chance to participate in the celebrations, count yourself lucky indeed.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Languages in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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In general the people of Malaysia are able to communicate in English.\u00a0In individual households people speak either Malay, Tamil, Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Hockkien, Teochew, Hakka and the list goes on and on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

When Malaysians get together we\u00a0speak “Manglish”\u00a0 , a mixture of several languages. Manglish reflects the Malaysian people and the culture. You can often hear ‘lah’ added to the end of the sentence, a<\/span>lso ‘meh’ and ‘ah’ added to questions. T<\/span>his softens the request and the sentence itself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Religions in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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As a multi-religious country , Malaysians grow up being mindful and respectful of each different religions. There are the majority Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, Taoists, Catholics, Protestants. We are particularly happy to be celebrating each other’s religious holidays. It means a free day and we are happy to be invited to our friend’s open houses to celebrate together with them.\u00a0<\/p>

Muslims consume only “halal” food which means you should not invite Muslims to an eating place which is non-halal. Buddhists and Hindus are known to not consume beef.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Mosque\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Places of Worship in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u00a0If you get a chance to enter some places of worship open to the public , do observe the normal etiquettes –\u00a0<\/p>

1. Men – Don’t go in with a bikini or the 70’s short and tight shorts – besides getting a lot of stares and dropped jaws , its just plain inappropriate. Covered shoulders and long pants or skirt are better suited. For mosques its also good not to have figure hugging attire.\u00a0<\/p>

2. Regardless if your feet smells like a fish market or not, shoes are normally required to be removed for mosques and temples.\u00a0<\/p>

3. Treat as you would a library , quiet in places of worship. No one needs a distraction when trying to pray.<\/p>

4. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Malaysia – no need to eat your char koay teow or slurp Kopi peng in religious places.\u00a0<\/p>

5. If a place allows photography – try not\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span>use flash and disable the shutter sound from the camera.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Appropriate Dressing in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysia is blessed with having summer all year-round. This does not mean that people hang around with bikini and skimpy clothing. On the contrary while sleeveless blouses and mini skirts are commonly worn , showing too much leg and cleavage will earn you a lot of stares\u00a0 . The women will secretly hate you and the men will want to ogle but would not dare to. Don’t put people in a dilemma just wear sensible clothing.<\/p>

In offices or when on government business, it is unacceptable to appear in shorts and slippers which are considered too casual and disrespectful of work places. On the safe side, jeans , collared t-shirt and sport shoes are the best bets.<\/p>

Malaysia is surrounded by water – there will be days at the beach. So is wearing a bikini a good idea ?<\/u><\/b><\/p>

Within the hotel pool where many people are foreign , it is common.\u00a0<\/p>

On Beaches and local water parks where the locals go with their families , it is more appropriate to wear a decent one-piece , as the locals will often go into the water fully clothed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Anyway, Malaysia is not a good place to even bring a bikini. With so much delicious food you are expected to gain pounds and you might come to regret bringing it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Public Displays of Affection in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Most of Asia is modest and Malaysia is no exception. We are not very comfortable with openly kissing or making out in public. People think there is a private place for that. In public its acceptable to hold hands and hug with hands on each other’s waist.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Censorship in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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So you are at the cinema or watching TV and a highly anticipated love scene is coming up and then with no warning it jumps to the next scene. Such is the censorship in Malaysia , nudity, sex, foul language, violence are cut out by the censors.\u00a0 If you want to watch the movie in its entirety try streaming or DVDs instead.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Addressing a Malaysian<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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It gets confusing with the multi-ethnicity that is Malaysia.\u00a0 Rule of thumb is to enquire how the individual would like to be addressed. Likewise if you are introducing yourself , mention how you would like to be addressed.\u00a0<\/p>

1. Chinese have commonly 3 worded names (Family Name and two worded personal names) example Tan Ai Lean. You would address her as Miss Tan or Ai Lean if you know her personally.\u00a0<\/p>

2. Malays have a given name followed by bin (son of) or binti (daughter of). The name that comes after bin or binti is often the father’s name. If you accidentally mix the order of names up – you will get a “You call my father for what , ah ?”<\/p>

3. Indians similarly have a given name followed by the name of their father. Sometimes you will see a\/l (means anak lelaki or son of) or a\/p (means anak perempuan or daughter of) example Geetha a\/p Govindasamy (Geetha daughter of Govindasamy)\u00a0<\/p>

Don’t be surprised if when you ask Miss Tan Ai Lean how she would like to be addressed, she says ‘Just call me Anne’ … i know (confusing…)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Greeting a Malaysian<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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When greeting a Muslim of the opposite sex, let them take the lead. If they hold out their hand , then just do the same. Some Muslim women are not comfortable having any physical contact with males who are not family members. This is also true for some Muslim men.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Greeting\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Reverence for our Elders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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We were brought up to respect our elders and we address older men as “uncle” and older ladies as “Aunty”. It may seem that everyone is related to us but rest assured this is not the case. So if a younger person address you as “Uncle” just go with it , however if a local starts addressing you as “Papa”, then maybe its time you run in the opposite direction \ud83d\ude09<\/span><\/p>

This does not apply to the professional world – so for example we would not address our male boss as “Uncle” . *shudder…<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Malaysian Food <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysians are darn proud of our cuisine. Our food is as rich and colourful as our culture and we would like that you appreciate it too. The easiest way to be unpopular among Malaysians is to diss our food or worse , compare it unfavourably to our neighbour Singapore’s version.\u00a0<\/p>

Incidentally one of the best ways to endear yourself to a Malaysian or break the ice is to talk about our favourite topic, Food!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Malaysian Street Food<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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One of the best memories visitors return home<\/span>\u00a0with , is the Malaysian street food.\u00a0 Ask a local and they will point you to the right stalls in Hawker Centers or Food Courts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

We have great restaurants Cantonese, Malay, Northern Indian, Banana Leaf, Nyonya and also western ones. High up on my list of favourites are Fusion Restaurants. However nothing is more special than the Malaysian street food – You would miss out a lot if you don’t try it!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Street\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Eating Etiquette in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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We practise different etiquettes when eating – most commonly with fork and spoon when eating the staple rice and dishes. For noodles we use chopsticks and when eating curry with rice , some say its best with the hands. I would agree! When western cuisine like meat is served, you get a knife for cutting. You can request for your cutlery choice.\u00a0 if you want to blend in , just check what the locals are doing and copy it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Eating\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Drinking Water in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is not advisable to drink the tap water here.\u00a0Water should be boiled first before drinking. If you are new to the country, avoid ice at first and slowly ease into it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The tap water is fine for brushing teeth with.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Malaysian Coffee Culture<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysia has a coffee culture that can rival Italy. I love Malaysian coffee so of course I am biased!\u00a0 \u00a0Our local coffee is mainly from Liberica coffee beans which is stronger than the Arabica and Robusta beans common in espresso.\u00a0 You will get to know the different variations and how to order like a pro.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>

1. Kopi-O\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Black coffee with sugar<\/p>

2. Kopi\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Coffee with condensed milk<\/p>

3. Kopi-C\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Coffee with evaporated milk and sugar<\/p>

4. Kopi-Cham\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Coffee and Tea combined.<\/p>

Further adjustments to the coffee –<\/p>

1. Peng\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0With Ice<\/p>

2. Kosong\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Without sugar<\/p>

3. Kau\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Strong coffee<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Tea can also be ordered in a similar way.<\/p>

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Coffee\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Eating Out in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you are a guest, especially a first time visitor a Malaysian will almost always invite and pay for dinner. Therefore it could be misconstrued that you will pay if you are inviting. For the sake of clarity , you should mention clearly if everyone should pay for themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

When in a group we sometimes order shared dishes\u00a0 , if you are not a fan of food sharing then you need to be clear about it. We would probably look at you funny but then graciously accept your decision. Who wouldn’t want to share food anyway ??? \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Eating\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Invitation to a Malaysian Home<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Getting invited to a Malaysian Home is a big deal. You want to be appropriately dressed and remember to remove your shoes before entering the house.\u00a0\u00a0No one likes the dirt from outside to be brought in to their homes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Don’t overstay your welcome – especially close to meal times. If your Host intends to include you in meals , they would mention it during the invitation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Giving Face<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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This is a practice ingrained in our culture sub-consciously and defines how we do things that may be foreign to outsiders.\u00a0<\/p>

Its not easy to explain but my version is we avoid putting people in an awkward position in front of others. For example, often we will accept requests then make some excuses to get out of it later on. It seems like drama but its better than not giving face. We go out of our way to make sure the other person is comfortable. Does this make sense ?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Politeness<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysians are generally polite people. You will find that we are helpful as well , especially if you have questions as a visitor. However this polite behaviour all goes out the window once Malaysians get behind the wheel of the car. You will notice a Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde transformation.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Driving in Malaysia <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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We drive on the left. Same as in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. I mentioned before that Malaysians do get crazy on the roads. Things to watch out for a really the motorcycles who weave in and out of traffic. Cars do as well suddenly cutting out and making turns without signalling.\u00a0 Its important to anticipate and read body language of the vehicles and keep a distance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Driving\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Shopping in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysia has many shopping malls , so don’t be surprised if a Malaysian invites you to meet up at the shopping mall. Before you go rummaging out for your credit card and exchange currency, Malaysians go to the mall for the air-condition and mainly to window shop.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Bargaining in Malaysia<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is common to bargain when buying things at markets. Therefore there could be some healthy flirting going on. For example you could tell the 85-year old vendor who is wrinkled, toothless\u00a0 and have a paunchy stomach that he looks handsome today , and does he have any “handsome” vege available too ? Keep it friendly and remember the vendor needs to earn a living too.\u00a0<\/p>

Not all places are bargainable – for example food and drinks, the mall or shops.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Malaysian Punctuality<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysians tend to be fashionably late. There is even a coined phrase “Malaysian Time” and it is not meant to be flattering. When you call to check where we are, our common response is “On the way…”. This could mean a whole range of things from still in bed to nearing the destination. Just be prepared with some distraction and chill! Its normal lah.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Malaysian Habit of Stating the Obvious<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Malaysians have a quaint habit of stating the obvious. For example when you are carrying a basketful of vegetables in the market , you meet someone and they say “Marketing ah ?” Or as you have half a noodle hanging between your mouth and chin while having breakfast, an acquaintance passes by and say “Breakfast, ah ?”\u00a0<\/p>

Before you roll your eyes and say “Duh…” , it just is a conversation starter for small talk.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you like this, Pin It!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Malaysian\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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-The End-<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
<\/span><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An Introduction to Malaysian Culture Malaysia a country in South East Asia is made up of two parts , East Malaysia on Borneo island and West Malaysia a…<\/p>\n

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