Malaysia is a very beautiful country with inspiring diversity. Its biggest population consists of the native Malays, followed by the Chinese and Indian communities. Malays speak Bahasa, while the Chinese use either Mandarin, or Cantonese; Indians mainly use Tamil. Amazingly, they all get along very well and live peacefully together.
When you get a chance to visit Malaysia, kindly take note of these 7 cultural norms I learnt during my few weeks' stay in this country. These cultural norms will help you blend well with the locals.
1
Do not point using your index finger to objects and people. That is a big insult to them. Use your thumb to point. Least they will curse you.
2
Christians are not allowed to dispose any christian literatures to Muslims.. If they catch you doing so, it is punishable according to their law.
3
Malaysians are very harmonious people. They love to live together in cluster houses regardless of their race and cultural differences.When you go to their residence area, you will notice that most houses are attached together regardless of the size.
4
Pork is not allowed in Malaysia. Most of their restaurants are “HALAL.”
Do not point using your index finger to objects and people. That is a big insult to them. Use your thumb to point. Least they will curse you.
2
Christians are not allowed to dispose any christian literatures to Muslims.. If they catch you doing so, it is punishable according to their law.
3
Malaysians are very harmonious people. They love to live together in cluster houses regardless of their race and cultural differences.When you go to their residence area, you will notice that most houses are attached together regardless of the size.
4
Pork is not allowed in Malaysia. Most of their restaurants are “HALAL.”
5
Malaysians are trusting people. Whenever you buy something from the store or restaurant and your money is not enough to pay your purchases, you can always tell them that you will just come back and pay off the balance. They don’t hold you hostage over an unpaid meal.
6
Malaysian loves chilli, anchovy, rendang and curry. These are bread and butter to them. (Unfortunately, I don’t like these condiments.)
7
Malaysians dont shake hands using their left hand. Also, they cannot receive things handed to them using the left hand. They always use their right hand. Wonder why? It’s because the left hand for them is normally used to clean your behind. So for them, your left hand is disgusting.
8
Malaysians are very welcoming people. Their country was listed as the number one tourist destination last 2013. That should tell you something about this place.
Malaysians are trusting people. Whenever you buy something from the store or restaurant and your money is not enough to pay your purchases, you can always tell them that you will just come back and pay off the balance. They don’t hold you hostage over an unpaid meal.
6
Malaysian loves chilli, anchovy, rendang and curry. These are bread and butter to them. (Unfortunately, I don’t like these condiments.)
7
Malaysians dont shake hands using their left hand. Also, they cannot receive things handed to them using the left hand. They always use their right hand. Wonder why? It’s because the left hand for them is normally used to clean your behind. So for them, your left hand is disgusting.
8
Malaysians are very welcoming people. Their country was listed as the number one tourist destination last 2013. That should tell you something about this place.
Hope you enjoyed reading this article. Now you'r ready to this wonderful country full of wonderful people called - Malaysia. Selamat Datang!