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Malaysia People And Lifestyle : Malaysia Explorer

When you think of Malaysia and its people, think of a garden where many different flowers bloom at the same time. For Malaysia is a land characterized by a multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic population.

The major bulk of Malaysia’s people consist of Malays who are of Muslim faith. They account for about 57% of the population. Chinese make up 25% and Indians, 7%. Apart from them, there are the Orang Asli- the original inhabitants of Malaysia, Peranakans, Eurasians, Thais and Burmese.

The rich diversity in the population is corresponded by a variety of language, culture, religion and festivals. Bahasa is the main language spoken by the people of Malaysia and English, their second language. Others include Chinese, Tamil and Thai. As for festivals, many are celebrated round the year. May it be Christmas, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidulfitri, Deepavali or Weask Day and Kaamatan Festival, the people celebrate them together.

The people of Malaysia mostly live as joint families although nuclear families are also on the rise. Age is respected in this country. Arranged marriage is also a trend. Their staple food consists of rice and fish and they mostly eat with their right hands. A handshake is the most common gesture used in greeting. And to acknowledge someone when you pass them by, a slight nod suffices.

Despite the profusion of different communities thriving in close quarters, the people of Malaysia believe in peace and harmony. They respect each other’s faith and customs. During festivals, they leave their house open to all visitors- a sign which shows that there is unity in the diversity.