Malaysia’s Culture & Language

Cuti-cuti to Malaysia

Agent Logo goes here -1-

 People & Culture
• Malaysia has a combined
population of over 26
million people.
• The multi-cultural and
multi-racial population
consists of Malays,
Chinese, Indians and
numerous natives.

Agent Logo goes here -2-

 People & Culture (cont’)

• Malay is the official language but English is widely spoken,

especially in business.
• Official religion is Islam, but its people are free to observe any
religion of their choice. It is common to see temples, mosques
and churches located in close proximity.

Agent Logo goes here -3-

 People & Culture (cont’)

• Ethnic Groups:
59% Malay and other
indigenous,
32% Chinese and 9% Indian.

• Languages:
Malay, English, Chinese,
Tamil and other tribal
languages.

• Religion:
Muslim (primarily Malays),
Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu
(Indian), Christianity.

Agent Logo goes here -4-

 Local Customs

• Handshakes generally suffice

when greeting someone.
Muslim ladies may greet with
a nod of her head and smile.

• Traditional greeting of "salam"

resembles a handshake
whereby the man offers both
hands, lightly touches the
visitor’s outstretched hands,
and then brings his hands to
his chest to mean, “I greet you
from my heart".

Agent Logo goes here -5-

 Local Customs (cont’)
• Greeting by hugging and kissing is
not generally practiced in Malaysia.
However, this is becoming more
common amongst the western
educated and young.
• Shoes must be removed when
entering a Mosque or an Indian
temple. It is also customary to
remove one’s shoes when entering a
Malaysian home.
• The right hand is always used when
giving and receiving objects.
• Pointing is normally done using the
thumb as using the forefinger is
considered rude.

Agent Logo goes here -6-