Local culture in Malaysia

With a range of modern conveniences, a highly multicultural society, and a local population that is generally friendly and welcoming to newcomers, you are unlikely to experience much culture shock in Malaysia during the initial settling-down process.

Nevertheless, some aspects of your new life may take some getting used to. Perhaps the biggest adjustment you may face in Malaysia is religion. Most of the population is Muslim and adheres to conservative Islamic customs. Another major element of life in Malaysia that you may need to contend with is getting used to the hot and humid equatorial climate.

Cultural diversity in Malaysia

Malaysia has a diverse range of immigrants and ethnic populations, and locals are used to dealing with people from very different cultural backgrounds. The three most common ethnic groups in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Alongside these, indigenous groups like the Orang Asli and the Dayak people from Sarawak and Sabah are increasingly visible, asserting their cultural identities and contributing to the rich diversity of cultures.

Urban areas, particularly Kuala Lumpur, have evolved significantly due to globalisation and urbanisation. Younger generations blend traditional practices with modern influences, creating a more cosmopolitan culture. You’ll find fusion in culinary traditions, music, and art that showcases both local heritage and international trends.

Climate in Malaysia

The climate in Malaysia is ideal for a beach holiday or a getaway, but living and working in the humidity and heat can be draining. If you enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle back home, you might take a while to adjust to days spent inside air-conditioned buildings. It’s essential to allow your body time to get used to the weather.

Malaysia’s climate varies across regions due to its diverse topography. The cooler highlands, such as Cameron Highlands, provide a refreshing break from the heat, while coastal areas experience significant rainfall during the monsoon season.

Climate and Weather in Malaysia

Saving face in Malaysia

'Face' is a central aspect of Malaysian culture, representing a person's dignity. Malaysians strive to build harmonious relationships, and avoiding public shame or embarrassment is imperative. You should always treat your Malaysian counterparts with respect and never argue or show anger towards someone in public. Should there be a problem, it is better to discuss it in private.

You may also unknowingly cause embarrassment by being too direct or informal, such as addressing someone by their first name without permission or discussing sensitive topics like religion or politics. To avoid missteps, it’s best to observe and mirror local etiquette.

Saving face is also central to Malaysian workplace culture. Direct confrontation or criticism is often avoided to maintain harmony, which can lead to a more subtle and indirect communication style. You may find feedback is given in a roundabout way rather than openly. This may be frustrating if you are used to a more direct communication style, particularly in a business environment, so you will need to exercise patience.

Business Culture in Malaysia

Religion in Malaysia

Around two-thirds of the Malaysian population practise Islam. This can impact your everyday life, especially for women, who should try to dress modestly in public. It’s also not unusual to hear the call to prayer in the early morning and throughout the day. Prayer times may also affect business meetings and social gatherings.

You are not obliged to adhere to Islamic traditions and are free to practise your own religion. That said, you should always respect local customs and act and dress conservatively to avoid offending local sensitivities. This is especially important during Islamic holy times such as Ramadan.

There is an ongoing conversation about women’s dress codes, particularly regarding expectations around hijab in Malaysia. While some women choose it as an expression of faith, others advocate for personal autonomy in attire.

Language barrier in Malaysia

Malaysia’s official language is Malay, which is written in both Latin and Arabic script. Due to the country’s history as a British colony, many Malaysians also speak English, which is generally considered the language of business in Malaysia. Other languages spoken in the country reflect its cultural heritage and include Cantonese, Mandarin, and Tamil.

There is a noticeable generational divide in language use. Younger Malaysians are more likely to use English, thanks to its prevalence in education and the media. In contrast, older generations may prefer Malay or other regional languages. The Malaysian government promotes Bahasa Malaysia for national unity but also recognises the importance of English in international communication.

Meeting and greeting in Malaysia

Showing respect to others is an important aspect of Malaysian life, and greeting people properly is essential. Handshaking is a standard greeting between men in Malaysia. In contrast, Muslim women may be uncomfortable shaking hands or making physical contact in public with a man who is not part of her family. 

When greeting a woman as a man, it’s best to let her take the lead in extending her hand first. Otherwise, a simple nod of the head and a smile will suffice. Direct eye contact may be avoided, and some Malaysians lower their gaze when greeting as a sign of respect.

In urban areas, greetings have become more casual, with younger people often adopting Western styles of interaction. However, traditional customs are more strictly observed in rural settings, and respect for hierarchy is highly valued.

Local cuisine in Malaysia

Malaysian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage, with Indian, Chinese, and Malay flavours dominating. Most food will seem familiar if you come from Western countries, and perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome will be dealing with the sheer variety available.

Newcomers should definitely try dishes like nasi lemak, often considered the national dish, or laksa, a spicy noodle soup with regional variations. Other must-try options include roti canai, a delicious Indian-influenced flatbread served with curry, and satay, skewered meat served with peanut sauce. For dessert, cendol, a refreshing shaved ice treat with coconut milk, is highly recommended.

Women in Malaysia

Women in Malaysia have to deal with a mix of traditional expectations and modern opportunities. While many women still adhere to conservative dress norms, especially in rural areas, urban settings see a broader range of attire reflecting personal choice and autonomy. The hijab is worn by many but is increasingly seen as an individual choice rather than a social mandate.

In the workplace, women face challenges like gender discrimination, limited career advancement opportunities, and a notable gender pay gap. Despite more women achieving higher education than men, their participation in the workforce remains lower. Cultural expectations around caregiving responsibilities often hinder their professional progress, making it hard to balance personal ambitions with societal norms.

Recent years have seen notable advancements in women’s rights legislation, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 and amendments to the Employment Act, which enhance protections for women in the workplace. Women are increasingly represented in sectors such as education and healthcare, and government initiatives are encouraging female participation in male-dominated fields like engineering and technology.

LGBTQ+ in Malaysia

Malaysia’s legal framework and social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are complex and often challenging. Same-sex relationships are criminalised under the federal penal code, with severe penalties, including imprisonment and even corporal punishment. Sharia law in various states imposes further restrictions on people in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly targeting those who are gender non-conforming.

Public opinion on LGBTQ+ issues in Malaysia remains largely conservative, especially in rural areas where traditional values are dominant. In cities like Kuala Lumpur, younger people and exposure to global perspectives have fostered a more accepting environment, but stigma remains.

Nevertheless, there are emerging support networks and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Groups like Justice for Sisters provide advocacy and support, while some cafés and community centres in major cities have become informal havens where like-minded individuals can connect. These safe spaces are usually discreet due to the ongoing risks of legal repercussions and potential for social backlash.

LGBTQ+ Issues in Malaysia