That which you Havenrrrt heard of Malaysia
People
One thing you'll find best about Malaysia is its people and culture. Being a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society of 28 million is no easy feat, as race continues to be a hotly debated issue and permeates almost every aspect of Malaysian life.
The Malaysian population includes 62% Bumiputeras, including Malays and also the Indigenous peoples, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians, and also the rest are also minorities. Or as we say in Malaysia, 'lain-lain' or others. Citizenship in East Malaysia or the states of Sabah and Sarawak really are a little different from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. When West Malaysians visit East Malaysia, they are necessary to bring their MyKad, a biometric smart chip identity card, which must be carried by citizens of Malaysia at all times.
The Malays form the largest community, and they are defined as Muslims in the Constitution of Malaysia- in other words, if you're Malay, you are automatically Muslim. The Malays are the big brothers of politics, dominating the political scene. Their native language is Malay, the nation's language of the nation. They are also sometimes called 'bumiputra', or 'princes from the soil' and therefore are favoured with certain affirmative action policies. This has been a place of discontent with a lot of minorities. Amongst others, obtaining a 10% to 25% discount when buying a house and receiving government tenders and scholarships are some of these benefits. How did this come about? I'll tell you more in the economy section.
The 2nd biggest group are the Chinese. They're mostly Buddhists, Taoists or Christians. China community speaks a number of Chinese dialects including Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka, and Teochew- all in the native familial provinces in China. However nowadays, many Chinese speak English as their first language; actually there are several who speak only English. When the Malays dominate the political scene, the Chinese dominate the company scene. There's a sizable middle-class consisting of china.
The 3rd biggest group would be the Indians. The Indians in Malaysia mostly are Hindu Tamils from southern India whose native language is Tamil. Of course there are other Indian communities living here and they speak many dialects like Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. Many middle to upper-middle class Indians in Malaysia also speak English as a first language. There is also a vigorous 200,000-strong Indian Muslim community that thrives as an independent cultural group. In fact, if you get hungry in the center of the night, you most probably will head to a 'mamak', a kind of 24-hour restaurant that is often owned by an Indian Muslim. There's also a sizable Sikh community in Malaysia numbering over 100,000.
The largest non-Malay indigenous tribe may be the Iban of Sarawak, who number over 600,000. Some still reside in traditional jungle villages in long houses along the Rajang and Lupar rivers, though many have moved to the cities. Then, you will find the Bidayuhs, who number around 170,000 and are concentrated in the south western a part of Sarawak. There are the Kadazans, the largest indigenous tribe in Sabah and they're mostly Christian farmers. Then there are the 140,000 Orang Asli, or aborigines, living in Peninsular Malaysia. Traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists, many happen to be partially absorbed into 'modern' Malaysia.
Besides that, through interracial marriage, there's a significant number of racial groups like the Eurasians, who are descendants of marriages among the British, Dutch and Portuguese and also the locals. They speak a Portuguese-based creole, called Papi? Kristang. There are also Eurasians of Filipino and Spanish descent, mostly in Sabah. Descended from immigrants in the Philippines, some speak Chavacano, the only Spanish-based creole language in Asia. There are Cambodians and Vietnamese, who're mostly Buddhists. Then there are Thai Malaysians, who populate many of the northern peninsular states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu. Besides speaking Thai, many of them are Buddhists, celebrate Songkran or Water festival and may speak Hokkien, but some of them are Muslim and speak the Kelantanese Malay dialect. There are the Bugis and Javanese, who make up an element of the population in Johor. In addition, there has been many foreigners and expatriates who have made Malaysia their vacation home, also contributing to Malaysia's population. There are the Babas and Nyonyas, or Straits Chinese; descendants of Chinese who came to trade in ancient Malacca who married local Malays. They combine Malay and Chinese traditions in such a way as to create a new culture. Many of them dress yourself in typical Malay fashion, wearing the kebaya ketat, the industry Malay traditional costume, plus they speak a unique kind of Malay, and cook food that's a mixture of the both cultures.
Being a multiracial country, cultural exchanges and cultural integrations are inevitable. For example, this is often observed in Malay marriage ceremonies, which incorporates aspects of the Hindu traditions of southern India. The bride and also the groom dress in gorgeous brocades, sit in state, and feed each other yellow rice with hands painted with henna. Another example would be that the Muslims and Hindus have adapted china custom of giving little red packets of money or 'ang pau' at festivals for example Aidilfitri, and Deepavali. The shades of the packets vary, however the practice is comparable.
In Malaysia, it's entirely possible to go from the kampong or a village, to a rubber estate to some Chinese coffee shop and feel like you've seen a wide variety of sides to one country. Visit any Kl suburb and observe. A Chinese house may have a mother praying and lighting joss sticks on her ancestors, an Indian family will be playing radio stations featuring the latest Tamil hit, while the Malay family will be getting ready to walk towards the closest mosque.
Racial relations remain a thorny issue that permeates every aspect of the Malaysian life. Stereotypes are then inevitable. The Malays are lazy and slow, the Chinese are greedy and like to gamble, and the Indians will always be drunk plus they beat their wives. You can still hear this very often within the streets, most of the time as a joke, but sometimes being an insult. To be identified with your race is extremely common. For example, job interviews need you to state your race, though this practice is slowly diminishing. Whenever you tell a Malaysian that you simply saw a road accident, he'd likely ask you whether it was a Malay, a Chinese or perhaps an Indian. Should you got robbed, you'd be asked whether it would be a Malay or perhaps an Indian. If you get paid peanuts, your manager is likely Chinese. If you ride a motorbike, you're probably Malay. If you live in a high-end neighbourhood, you're probably Chinese. I could go on, however i encourage you to identify out these stereotypes yourself!
Besides as being a melting pot of numerous races, Malaysia is also a multi-religious society with Islam as the official religion. Roughly 63 percent from the population practice Islam; 18 percent Buddhism; 7 percent Christianity; 6 percent Hinduism; and 2 percent traditional Chinese religions for example Taoism. The remaining numbers are taken into account by other faiths, including Animism, Folk religion, Sikhism, while 1 % has no religion.
As the Malaysian constitution guarantees religious freedom, Malay Muslims are obliged to follow along with the decisions of Syariah courts with regards to matters concerning Islam. Converting out of Islam in Malaysia is a largely problematic issue, even though it has been attempted by some, it is a procedure that requires long legal battles and isn't well-received by the majority of the Muslim faithful. The Islamic judges in the Syariah courts are required to follow along with the Shafi`I school of Islam, which is the main denomination of Islam in Malaysia. The strength of the Shariah court is limited simply to Muslims over matters such as marriage, inheritance, apostasy, religious conversion, and custody. No other criminal or civil offenses they are under the jurisdiction from the Syariah courts. But there has been moves by the Pan Islamic Party to implement the hudud law, or Islamic law.
That was a lot to digest. But it's worth understanding how culture, race and religion work in Malaysia to be able to understand Malaysian life. Now go out and try to recognize who's Malay, who's Chinese, who's Indian, and who's, as we Malaysians like to say, Lain-lain, or others.
Economy
Let's take a quick look at the Malaysian economy now.
Spice trade was once big business in Malaysia during the time of the Malaccan Sultanate. Once the British took over, rubber and palm oil trees became big business. Soon, Malaysia became the world's largest producer of tin, rubber, and palm oil. With these three lucrative commodities, Malaysia was poised for great economic growth.
In this growth period, the government tried to eradicate poverty with the controversial New Economic Policy, or even the NEP, after the May 13 Incident of racial rioting in 1969. At that time, the economies were raced based- the Malays worked as farmers in the paddy fields or civil servants, china owned businesses and the Indians tapped rubber trees within the rubber estates. The policy's main objective was the removal of the association of race with economic function as it had been during the time of the British. However, the brand new Economic Policy was laden with controversial affirmative policies that favoured the Malays, and it would be a source of discontent even until today.
Back then, Malaysia was very reliant on agriculture. It needed to move to an economy according to manufacturing. Inspired by the Asian Tigers within the 70s, that have been Columbia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, Malaysia moved from being reliant on mining and agriculture to an economy based on manufacturing. Then, Malaysia consistently achieved a lot more than 7% GDP growth together with low inflation within the 1980s and the 1990s. Today, Malaysia is home to among the world's largest computer hard disk drive manufacturing sites.
The Asian Financial Crisis hit in the fall of 1997 and delivered a surprise to Malaysia's economy. Foreign direct investment fell sharply and, as capital flowed from the country, the value of the ringgit dropped from 2.50 Ringgit versus 1 US Dollar to, at some point, 4.80 Ringgit versus 1 US Dollar. A National Economic Action Council was then formed to deal with the monetary crisis. Bank Negara, the country's central bank imposed capital controls and pegged the Malaysian ringgit at 3.80 to the US dollar. Malaysia refused economic aid packages in the International Monetary Fund and also the World Bank, much towards the surprise of numerous analysts.
Rejuvenation from the Malaysian economy coincided with massive government spending and budget deficits within the years that followed the crisis. It eventually enjoyed faster economic recovery compared to its neighbours. Malaysia's rapid economic growth and prosperity is symbolized by the building of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kl, the tallest twin buildings on the planet and also the headquarters of the national oil giant.
While the pace of Malaysia's development today is not as rapid, it is seen as more sustainable. Malaysia is also the world's largest Islamic banking and financial centre.
Eventually, the fixed exchange rate was abandoned in July 2005 towards a managed floating system inside an hour of China announcing the same move. For the reason that exact same week, the ringgit strengthened one percent against various major currencies and was likely to appreciate further.
Currently Malaysia is known as a newly industrialized country and as of 2008, includes a GDP per capita of 14,215 USD, ranking the country 48th on the planet, and 2nd in Southeast Asia, but lagging far behind its Southern neighbour, Singapore.
Healthcare
Let us take a quick take a look at healthcare in Malaysia. Malaysia generally has an efficient and widespread system of healthcare. It implements a universal healthcare system, and co-exists with a private healthcare system. Anyone can walk into a government hospital and obtain treatment for free, though waiting time is generally longer. Prescriptions could cost money but in many cases are given to the patient in a subsidized rate. Infant mortality rate - a standard in determining the general efficiency of healthcare - in 2005 was 10, coming in favourably in a comparison using the Usa and Western Europe. Life span at birth in 2005 was 74 years.
If you want medical attention in Malaysia, you're liberated to walk into any government or private hospitals, but as a tourist, you will not have the ability to enjoy the free healthcare.
Education
Before we get into some language lesson, I'd like to let you know how the Malaysian education system is organized. Why do different children go to various kinds of school? At this point, you'd 't be surprised if I tell you just how the training system is very much according to race too.
If you're between 3 to 6 years of age, you'd probably go to a kindergarten. Usually they're run privately, but some are run by the government.
Whenever you turn 7, you'd proceed to primary school for the following six years. There's two kinds of primary school you could visit. The first is the SRK, or Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan, that are government run schools. You'd be while using Malay language as the medium of instruction.
Or, in case your parents are Chinese or Indian, they could decide to give back towards the second kind of school called SJK, or Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan. Here, you'll be using either Mandarin or Tamil, depending on which school you go to. A high level girl, you'll wear a dark blue pinafore, along with a white shirt, or even the dark blue and white baju kurung, or Malay traditional costume. If you're a boy, you will wear dark blue pants or shorts along with a white shirt. And you will happily slog through 6 years, by no more year 6 or when you're 12 years old, you'll be going for a much-dreaded exam known as the Primary School Achievement Test or Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah, UPSR.
Then, you'd start Secondary education in which you will study for the following 5 years. National secondary schools use Malay as the main medium of instruction. After Form Three whenever you turn 15, you will sit for another much-dreaded exam called Lower Secondary Assessment or Penilaian Menengah Rendah, not too fondly referred to as PMR. And lastly, in the last year of secondary education or Form Five whenever you turn 17, you sit for the really dreaded Malaysian Certificate of Education or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, SPM. It is like the British Ordinary or 'O' Levels, and more comprehensive the American SATs.
You'll realize there are plenty of exams for Malaysians students to take. The reason being we take following the British system of 'qualification by examination', a legacy in our colonial days.
While English and Maths was once taught in English for a short period, the government will quickly scrap this measure and revert to Bahasa Malaysia, starting in 2012, a move many have protested.
Here's another stereotype. Due to the stringent teaching methods, Chinese schools are noted for producing a few of the top students in the country, making some Malay and Indian parents send their kids to these schools too.
Oh, your education journey isn't over at this time. At 17, if you are lucky enough to be born Malay and bumiputra, you receive right into a fast track called matriculation and secure a secure seat at university. In line with affirmative action policies that favour your race, you won't have to worry much if you'll obtain a place. If you are Chinese, Indian or Lain- Lain, you'll have to go through two years of upper secondary education called Form Six, split into Lower Six and Upper Six, at the end of which you'll be rewarded with the most dreaded of exams- the Malaysian Higher School Certificate or Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, or STPM. It is the Malaysian equivalent to the British Advanced or 'A' levels. However, for those who have money to burn, you can purchase the right path from STPM by enrolling yourself inside a matriculation course in private colleges.
And lastly, the pinnacle of education- the university. The amount of public universities in Malaysia is few, actually under 20, so places are very limited. Getting a place in a public university is definitely an annual supply of frustration, with lots of qualified students visiting the media to complain they have been denied a location. If you're Malay or bumiputra, you can save your parents' retirement fund and secure a nearly guaranteed devote a public university, where schooling fees are minimal. However, if you're Chinese or Indian and also you neglect to secure a place, your other option is private higher education, in which you will have to ask your parents to postpone their retirement with a couple of years.
Used to do tell you just how race plays a huge role within the Malaysian society.
Then, after Three to six many years of university, you graduate with a degree and may decide to continue your posting graduate studies.
Language
Alright, that's the end of our education on education. And today, comes the practical part. Here are a few handy tips for you to definitely make your stay in Malaysia better.
Communication is simple in Malaysia. Contrary to public opinion, most of us speak English, at least some English. Bahasa Malaysia or Malaysia language is the official language. Here are a few helpful conversational Bahasa Malaysia phrases you can test. Let's begin!
Hello! Selamat Pagi
Good evening! Selamat Petang
How are you? Apa Khabar?
I'm fine, thanks! Khabar Baik, Terima Kasih
Thanks! Terima Kasih
You're welcome! Sama-sama
Night! Selamat Malam
See you later! Jumpa Lagi!
Farewell! Selamat Jalan!
If you want to ask for outside assistance or directions, these are some useful phrases:
I'm lost Saya Sesat
Can you help me? Boleh Tolong Saya?
Where is the bathroom .? Mana Tandas?
Go straight! Then turn left/ right! Jalan Terus/ Kemudian Pusing Kiri/ Kanan
I'm searching for my pal. Saya Cari Kawan Saya.
Just how much is? Berapa Harga Ni?
Pardon me!Maafkan Saya...
If you're really enthusiastic about trying out even more Bahasa Malaysia, here are a few more complex phrases.
Would you speak English? Awak Cakap Bahasa Inggeris ke?
Just a little. Sedikit sahaja.
What's your name? Apa nama awak?
My name is... Nama Saya...
Where are you from? Awak Dari Mana?
I'm from...Saya Dari...
Where do you live? Awak Tinggal Di mana?
I live in...Saya Tinggal Di
I have to go Saya Pergi Dulu.
I'll be back! Saya Akan Pulang Nanti.
I Don't Understand! Saya Tak Faham!
I'm not sure! Saya Tak Tau!
Now you know some simple phrases, get cracking and converse with some locals, and obtain these to teach you more! There is no better way to socialize compared to taking some effort in mastering their language. Malaysians will love you for it!
Tourist Tips
Here are some tips for you. If you are being introduced to a Malay Muslim the very first time, extend both both hands, grasp theirs and bring yours to your chest. This is the traditional Malay 'salam.' To keep it simple, smiling and nodding is okay if you don't know whether or not to shake hands or not. With Muslim women, in general, if your hand isn't offered, it's best to not shake hands!
Should you ever go missing or need any help, search for the tourist police officer. They can be recognized by their chequered hat bands, dark blue shirts and trousers, and the letter "I" for info on a red and blue badge on their breast pocket. They usually stand around tourist areas. However, if you're looking for regular policemen, the amount to call is 999 from your phone. Emergency calls in Malaysia are free.
Malaysia has approximately 20 public holidays in a year, so plan your trip wisely and appearance with the Tourism Malaysia website. Also affecting travel are summer break, as families take days off using their children, so song of the country, like tourist sites and beaches could get crowded.
As you will be doing a lot of walking, you could buy standard water bottles for drinking, and it's generally unsafe to drink straight out of the tap. The electrical supply is on the 240-volt 50-cycle system, much like Britain.
Should you wish to atone for local news and events, the English language papers that are offered are The New Straits Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. If you want international newspapers, you are able to most certainly locate them at any major bookstores and newsstands. For events, try Break and Klue magazines.
The 2 significant climate changes focus on the monsoon season, but on top of that, the elements rarely changes. It's either hot with rain, or hot without rain. The temperature ranges between 21 C and 32 C, however with high humidity. Rain tends to occur between November and February around the new england of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sarawak, and also the north-eastern part of Sabah.
Because of the climate, light clothing is ideal. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to put on long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts. Or you might carry a shawl- it's a lighter alternative.
If you need to adjust your watches before arriving, Malaysia is 8 hours in front of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Remove shoes when entering homes and chapels. Malaysians don't wear shoes throughout the house.
While seated or resting in a group, don't direct the feet towards someone, or any religious statues.
Public display of affection in larger cities like Kl is usually tolerated but might invite unnecessary attention in the public. Public displays of love in additional rural areas are frowned wupon and really should be avoided. Also, same-sex relationship is taboo in Malaysia, so lgbt travellers should avoid outward signs of affection, and this includes holding hands in public places. Because of strong influence from Islam, homosexuality is technically illegal, however, there are lots of underground lgbt clubs.
