INTRODUCTIONS

Any visitor to Malaysia would be aware that this is a land of contrasts. There are beaches galore, jungles so thick that daylight seldom penetrates, cities no different from those found in developed nations and more often, small towns and villages that have changed very little throughout the course of time. And then, there are the people. Once again, you will find diverse communities living in this land. Although there are three major racial groups, countless other smaller communities exist to add even more contrast to the melting pot that is Malaysia. In such a land, one would expect to find different religions, customs and culture. Indeed this is the case in Malaysia. To help you understand and assimilate more readily into local society, below is a list of customs, taboos and helpful hints that should help steer you on the right path while visiting Malaysia.

Gesturing and Touching Hand shakes are not the simple act you are familiar with. The Malay version, called 'salam', is more a touching of the hands. The Malay man will touch your hand gently with both of his and then bring his hands to his chest, a sign that he is greeting you from the heart. Bear in mind that some Malay men do not shake hands with women. The best way to determine what to do is to wait for the person in question to offer his hand. If he does not, a simple nod of the head and a smile will suffice.

Visiting Homes and Places Of Worships Don't forget to take off your shoes before entering a Malaysian home. If your hosts tell you to leave your shoes on, check to see if they have done the same. If they have removed their own shoes, it is a sign of respect to follow their example despite being told that you can keep your shoes on. If you are visiting a mosque or Indian temple, don't forget that removal of shoes is mandatory. Foreign tourist who are non-Muslims may visit mosques, Chinese temples, and Hindu temples but they must be quiet and respectful. They must also remove their shoes. Women must be dressed modestly, and they must not be menstruating. In a mosque, do not touch any copies of the Koran. Chinese and Hindu temples have many statues and pictures of deities (manifestations of God). Do not touch any statues or pictures. Also, don't climb on any of the altars. Although taking pictures in a place of worship is permitted, always ask permission first.

Halal Food What you eat is also important when dining with a Malaysian. Bear in mind that Muslims do not eat pork at as it is considered 'haram' while Indian Hindus do not eat beef as the cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism. When ordering a drink, also bear in mind that alcohol is also 'haram' for Muslims.

Malaysian Names It is understandable that you may have some difficulty with Malaysian names as the three major different races do have rather complicated names, at least by western standards ! For example, the Malays and Indians do not have surnames although they carry their father's name. A Malay man by the name of Ismail would have his name followed by that of his father, for example, Ismail bin Mansur. The word 'bin' is an Arabic term meaning son of. A woman would have the word 'binti' between hers and her father's. Chinese names generally have three parts, the first being the surname which is followed by the given name. If you are introduced to a Lee Mei Leng, you call the lady in question Miss Lee or Mei Leng. The Indian community also have their name followed by that of their father, e.g. Arumugam Suppiah with Arumugam being the gentleman in question's name and Suppiah being that of his father.

Eating and Eating out Eating with a Malaysian could also be tricky. Many Malaysians, particularly the Malay and Indian community, eat with their fingers. If you choose to do so, remember that only the right hand is used for this purpose. This is because the left hand is used for less sanitary purposes - i.e. in the bathroom. You don't have to attempt to use your fingers but if you choose to do so, you may find the food a little tastier, at least that's what many people say! Remember to wash your hands before the meal and after. You can do this at a tap or with the water provided in a 'kendi', a kettle that you tip over your fingers into a bowl beneath it. At alfresco hawker centres, you can sit wherever you like and order any food from any stall you fancy. A stall holder cannot drive you away just because you are sitting at a table nearest to his stall you did not order any food from him or her. This free seating custom also applies to indoor food courts in shopping complexes which are mostly self-service. During the lunch break, it is permissible to share a table with a stranger if all tables in a food court or coffee shop are occupied. Just smile and ask "May I sit here?" If he is sitting alone and there is space at his table, is unlikely that he will refuse.

Open House An Open House is a time set aside to entertain friends, relatives and well-wishers during a festive occasion. During Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, many prominent politicians hold Open Houses. Invitation may be verbal or by card or may be announced in the newspapers several days before the occasion. When going to an Open House hosted by a royalty, never wear yellow as this is the colour of royalty. On Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa or Deepavali, never wear black or white to attend an Open House as they are the colours of mourning for the Malays, Chinese and Indians. Instead, go for bright cheerful colours.