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General cultural information
Aboriginal Malays began moving down the Malay peninsula from south-western China about 10,000 years ago. Chinese arrived in Melaka in 1405. Islam arrived in Melaka at about the same time and spread rapidly. Melaka's wealth soon attracted European powers, and the Portuguese took control in 1511, followed by the Dutch in 1641. The British established a thriving port in Penang in 1786 and took over Melaka in 1795. The British colonised the interior of the peninsula. The indigenous labour supply was insufficient, so the British brought large numbers of Indians into the country, altering the peninsula's racial mix. Malaya achieved independence in 1957. Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore combined with Malaya to establish Malaysia in 1963, but two years later Singapore withdrew from the confederation. Malaysia is a multicultural society, with Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side. The Malays are the largest community. They are Muslims, speak Bahasa and are largely responsible for the political fortunes of the country. The Chinese comprise about one third of the population. They are Buddhists and Taoists, speak Hokkein, Hakka and Cantonese, and are dominant in the business community. Despite Bahasa Malaysia being the official language, when members of these different communities talk to each other, they generally speak English.
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Do's and Don'ts
| Local cuisine | It is not easy to find authentic Malay food in Malaysian restaurants, though one can take your pick of Chinese, Nyonya (a local variation on Chinese and Malay dishes) Indian, Indonesian or (sometimes) Western cuisines. Satays (meat kebabs in spicy peanut sauce) are a Malaysian creation and they are found everywhere. Other dishes include fried soybean curd in peanut sauce, sour fish curry, and spiced curried meat in coconut marinade. | | Drinks | There are many types of sweet drinks such endol (sugar syrup, coconut milk and green noodles) and is kacang (beans and jellies topped with shaved ice, syrups and condensed milk). | | Tipping | Tipping is generally not customary in Malaysia. Hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill, plus a 5% government tax. Many cheaper hotels quote a price with the tax included. | | Bargaining | Bargaining is commonplace in markets and in many tourist shops. |
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Religion
52% of the population is Muslim and 17% is Buddhist. Other beliefs in Malaysia are Taoism, Christianity and Hinduism.
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Cultural attractions
| Date | Event | | January or February | Chinese New Year | The new year is welcomed with dances, parades and much good cheer. | | The end of January | The festival of Thaipusam | This is one of the most dramatic Hindu festivals during which devotees honour Lord Subramaniam with acts of amazing masochism, the festival is not suitable for the squeamish | | At the end of the Ramadan | Hari Raya Puasa | This is a major Malaysian festival. It marks the end of Ramadan with three joyful celebrations. | | April 14 till 13 May | National Water Festival | During the month there are many festivities. This festival is meant to honour water. Water resource plays an important role in the cultural and economic development of the Malaysian society. | | May 7 | Wesak Day | Wesak is celebrated by Buddhists to Commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. All three events take place on the same lunar date according to Buddhists reckoning. Buddhists observe a vegetarian diet to cleanse themselves prior to the occasion. Thousands of devotees gather before dawn at temples for prayers, offerings, meditation, chanting and alms giving. | | | |
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