Hey all. Selamat Datang ke Malaysia. That means, Welcome to Malaysia within our national language Bahasa Malaysia. It would be impossible to tell you everything about Malaysia in this short time, however i provides you with an over-all idea.
People
One thing you will find best about Malaysia is its people and culture. As being a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society of 28 million isnt any easy feat, as race remains a hotly debated issue and permeates almost every aspect of Malaysian life.
The Malaysian population consists of 62% Bumiputeras, including Malays and the Indians, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians, and the rest are also minorities. Or as we say in Malaysia, lain-lain varieties. Citizenship in East Malaysia or even the states of Sabah and Sarawak really are a quite different from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. When West Malaysians visit East Malaysia, theyre required 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 within the Constitution of Malaysia- quite simply, if you are Malay, you are automatically Muslim. The Malays are the big brothers of politics, dominating the political scene. Their native language is Malay, the nations language of the nation. They are also sometimes called bumiputra, or princes of the soil and are favoured with certain affirmative action policies. This has been a place of discontent with many different minorities. Among others, getting a 10% to 25% discount when buying a house and receiving government tenders and scholarships are a few of these benefits. How did this come about? Ill let you know more throughout the economy section.
The 2nd biggest group are the Chinese. Theyre 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. But today, many Chinese speak English his or her first language; in fact there are several who speak only English. When the Malays dominate the political scene, the Chinese dominate the business scene. Theres a sizable middle class consisting of china.
The third biggest group are the Indians. The Indians in Malaysia are mainly Hindu Tamils from southern India whose native language is Tamil. Of course there are more Indian communities living here plus 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. Theres also a vigorous 200,000-strong Indian Muslim community that thrives being an independent cultural group. In fact, if you achieve hungry in the middle of the night time, you most likely will head to a mamak, a kind of 24-hour restaurant that is often of an Indian Muslim. There is 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 live in traditional jungle villages in long houses across the Rajang and Lupar rivers, though many has progressed to the cities. Then, you will find the Bidayuhs, who number around 170,000 and therefore are concentrated within the south western part of Sarawak. There are the Kadazans, the biggest indigenous tribe in Sabah and theyre mostly Christian farmers. There are the 140,000 Orang Asli, or aborigines, residing in Peninsular Malaysia. Traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists, many have been partially made available to modern Malaysia.
Besides that, through interracial marriage, there are a significant quantity of racial groups like the Eurasians, whore descendants of marriages among the British, Dutch and Portuguese and 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 from the Philippines, some speak Chavacano, the only Spanish-based creole language in Asia. Then there are Cambodians and Vietnamese, whore mostly Buddhists. Then there are Thai Malaysians, who populate many from 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 can speak Hokkien, but some of them are Muslim and speak the Kelantanese Malay dialect. Then there are the Bugis and Javanese, who constitute an element of the population in Johor. Additionally, there has been many foreigners and expatriates who have made Malaysia their second home, also adding to Malaysias population. Then 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 a way regarding create a new culture. Most of them dress in typical Malay fashion, wearing the kebaya ketat, the industry Malay traditional costume, and they speak a unique type of Malay, and cook food that is a mixture of the both cultures.
Being a multiracial country, cultural exchanges and cultural integrations are inevitable. For example, this is often seen in Malay wedding ceremonies, which incorporates elements of the Hindu traditions of southern India. The bride to be and also the groom dress yourself 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 cash or ang pau at festivals for example Aidilfitri, and Deepavali. The colours of the packets vary, however the practice is comparable.
Teach in Malaysia
In Malaysia, its entirely possible to go from the kampong or perhaps a village, to a rubber estate to some Chinese cafe and feel as if you have often seen so many different sides to 1 country. Visit any Kl suburb and observe. A Chinese house may have a mother praying and lighting joss sticks for her ancestors, an Indian family will be playing the radio featuring the latest Tamil hit, while the Malay family will be receiving prepared to walk towards the closest mosque.
Racial relations remain a thorny issue that permeates every factor 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 are able to still hear this frequently in the streets, more often than not like a joke, but sometimes being an insult. To be identified together with your race is very common. For instance, job interviews need you to state your race, though this practice is slowly diminishing. Whenever you tell a Malaysian that you saw a road accident, hed likely ask you if it would be a Malay, a Chinese or an Indian. If you got robbed, you would be asked if it would be a Malay or perhaps an Indian. If you achieve paid peanuts, your manager is likely Chinese. Should you ride a bike, youre most likely Malay. If you reside in a high-end neighbourhood, youre probably Chinese. I possibly could continue, however i encourage you to find 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 % Hinduism; and 2 percent traditional Chinese religions such as Taoism. The remaining numbers are accounted for by other faiths, including Animism, Folk religion, Sikhism, while 1 % doesnt have 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 really a largely problematic issue, even though it has been attempted by some, its a procedure that requires long lawsuits and isnt well-received through the most of the Muslim faithful. The Islamic judges in the Syariah courts are required to follow the Shafi`I school of Islam, which is the main denomination of Islam in Malaysia. The strength of the Shariah court is restricted simply to Muslims over matters for example marriage, inheritance, apostasy, religious conversion, and custody. Not one other criminal or civil offenses they are under the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts. But there has been moves through the Pan Islamic Party to implement the hudud law, or Islamic law.
Which was a great deal to digest. But its worth understanding how culture, race and religion work in Malaysia to be able to understand Malaysian life. Now go out and try to recognize whos Malay, whos Chinese, whos Indian, and whos, as we Malaysians like to say, Lain-lain, or others.
ESL jobs Malaysia
Economy
Let us take a fast consider the Malaysian economy now.
Spice trade was once big business in Malaysia during the Malaccan Sultanate. When the British took over, rubber and palm oil trees became big business. Soon, Malaysia became the worlds largest producer of tin, rubber, and palm oil. With these three lucrative commodities, Malaysia was poised for great economic growth.
During this growth period, the government attempted to eradicate poverty using the controversial New Economic Policy, or 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 within the paddy fields or civil servants, china owned businesses and the Indians tapped rubber trees in the rubber estates. The policys main objective was the elimination of the association of race with economic function as it had been during the British. However, the New Economic Policy was laden with controversial affirmative policies that favoured the Malays, and it was a source of discontent even until today.
In those days, Malaysia was very reliant on agriculture. It required to proceed 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 just a few mining and agriculture to an economy according to manufacturing. Then, Malaysia consistently achieved more than 7% GDP growth together with low inflation within the 1980s and the 1990s. Today, Malaysia is home to among the worlds largest computer hard disk manufacturing sites.
The Asian Financial Crisis hit within the fall of 1997 and delivered a shock to Malaysias economy. Foreign direct investment fell sharply and, as capital flowed out of the country, the value of the ringgit dropped from 2.50 Ringgit versus 1 US Dollar to, at one point, 4.80 Ringgit versus 1 US Dollar. A National Economic Action Council ended up being formed to handle the monetary crisis. Bank Negara, the countrys central bank imposed capital controls and pegged the Malaysian ringgit at 3.80 towards the US dollar. Malaysia refused economic aid packages in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, much towards the surprise of many 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. Malaysias rapid economic growth and prosperity is symbolized by the building from the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the tallest twin buildings in the world and also the headquarters of the national oil giant.
As the pace of Malaysias development today isnt as rapid, its viewed as more sustainable. Malaysia can also be the worlds 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 exactly 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 recognized as a newly industrialized country and as of 2008, includes a GDP per capita of 14,215 USD, ranking the nation 48th on the planet, and 2nd in Southeast Asia, but lagging far behind its Southern neighbour, Singapore.
Healthcare
Lets take a quick 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 enter a government hospital and get strategy to free, though waiting time is generally longer. Prescriptions could cost money but are often given to the patient in a subsidized rate. Infant mortality rate - a typical in determining the general efficiency of healthcare - in 2005 was 10, arriving favourably in a comparison with the Usa and Western Europe. Life expectancy at birth in 2005 was 74 years.
If you want medical attention in Malaysia, youre free to walk into any government or private hospitals, but like a tourist, you will not have the ability to benefit from the free healthcare.
Education
Before we get into some language lesson, Let me tell you how the Malaysian education system is organized. So why do different children go to different types of school? At this point, youd t be surprised basically tell you just how the education product is greatly according to race too.
If you are between 3 to 6 years old, youd probably visit a kindergarten. Usually theyre run privately, but some are run by the government.
Whenever you turn 7, youd proceed to primary school for the next six years. Theres two kinds of primary school you could visit. The first is the SRK, or Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan, that are government run schools. You would be while using Malay language because the medium of instruction.
Or, if your parents are Chinese or Indian, they could choose to send you to the second type of school called SJK, or Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan. Here, youll be using either Mandarin or Tamil, based on which school put forth. A high level girl, you will wear a dark blue pinafore, coupled with a white shirt, or the dark blue and white baju kurung, or Malay traditional costume. A high level boy, youll wear dark blue pants or shorts along with a white shirt. And you will happily slog through 6 years, and by no more year 6 or when you are 12 years of age, youll be going for a much-dreaded exam called the Primary School Achievement Test or Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah, UPSR.
Then, youd move onto Secondary education in which you will study for the following 5 years. National secondary schools use Malay because the main medium of instruction. At the end of 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 known as PMR. And lastly, within the last year of secondary education or Form Five whenever you turn 17, you take the really dreaded Malaysian Certificate of Education or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, SPM. Its like the British Ordinary or O Levels, and more comprehensive the American SATs.
Youll realize there are a lot of exams for Malaysians students to consider. The reason being we take following the British system of qualification by examination, a legacy in our colonial days.
While English and Maths used to be taught in English for a while, the federal government has decided to scrap this measure and revert to Bahasa Malaysia, starting in 2012, a move many have protested.
Heres another stereotype. Due to the stringent teaching methods, Chinese schools are recognized for producing a few of the top students in the country, making some Malay and Indian parents send their children to these schools too.
Oh, your education journey isnt over at this time. At 17, if you are lucky enough to get be born Malay and bumiputra, you get right into a steps for success called matriculation and secure a safe seat at university. Consistent with affirmative action policies that favour your race, you will not have to be worrying much should you obtain a place. If you are Chinese, Indian or Lain- Lain, youll have to undergo 2 yrs of upper secondary education called Form Six, split into Lower Six and Upper Six, at the end of which you will be rewarded most abundant in dreaded of all exams- the Malaysian Higher School Certificate or Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, or STPM. It is the Malaysian equal to the British Advanced or A levels. However, for those who have money to burn, you can buy your way out of STPM by enrolling yourself inside a matriculation course in private colleges.
And lastly, the pinnacle of education- the university. The number of public universities in Malaysia is few, actually under 20, so places are extremely limited. Finding a place in a public university is definitely an annual source of frustration, with many qualified students going to the media to complain theyve been denied a location. If you are Malay or bumiputra, it can save you your parents retirement fund and secure a nearly guaranteed devote a public university, where schooling fees are minimal. However, if you are Chinese or Indian and you fail to secure a place, your other choice is private higher education, where 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 an important role in the Malaysian society.
Then, after 3 to 6 many years of university, you graduate having a degree and may decide to continue your posting graduate studies.
Language
Alright, thats the end of our education on education. And now, comes the practical part. Here are some handy strategies for you to make your visit to Malaysia better.
Communication is simple in Malaysia. Contrary to public opinion, the majority of us speak English, a minimum of some English. Bahasa Malaysia or Malaysia language may be the official language. Here are some helpful conversational Bahasa Malaysia phrases you can test. Lets begin!
Hello! Selamat Pagi
Good evening! Selamat Petang
Hows it going? Apa Khabar?
Im fine, thanks! Khabar Baik, Terima Kasih
Thanks! Terima Kasih
Youre welcome! Sama-sama
Night! Selamat Malam
Help you later! Jumpa Lagi!
Farewell! Selamat Jalan!
If you need to request outside assistance or directions, these are some useful phrases:
Im lost Saya Sesat
Can you assist me to? Boleh Tolong Saya?
Where is the toilet? Mana Tandas?
Go straight! Then turn left/ right! Jalan Terus/ Kemudian Pusing Kiri/ Kanan
Im searching for my friend. Saya Cari Kawan Saya.
Just how much is this? Berapa Harga Ni?
Excuse me!Maafkan Saya...
If you are really excited about testing out much more Bahasa Malaysia, here are a few more complex phrases.
Do you speak English? Awak Cakap Bahasa Inggeris ke?
Somewhat. Sedikit sahaja.
Whats your name? Apa nama awak?
My name is... Nama Saya...
Where are you from? Awak Dari Mana?
Im from...Saya Dari...
Where do you live? Awak Tinggal Di mana?
My home is...Saya Tinggal Di
I must go Saya Pergi Dulu.
I will be right back! Saya Akan Pulang Nanti.
I Dont Understand! Saya Tak Faham!
Im not sure! Saya Tak Tau!
Now that you know some simple phrases, get cracking and converse with some locals, and get these to teach you more! Theres no better way to make friends compared to a little effort in mastering their language. Malaysians will like you for it!
Tourist Tips
Below are great tips for you personally. If you are being introduced to a Malay Muslim the very first time, extend both both hands, grasp theirs and produce yours to your chest. This is actually the traditional Malay salam. To help keep it simple, smiling and nodding is fine if you do not know whether to shake hands or not. With Muslim women, generally, if your hand is not offered, it is best to not shake hands!
If you ever get lost or need any help, search for the tourist police officer. They may be identified by their chequered hat bands, dark blue shirts and trousers, and the letter "I" for information on a red and blue badge on their breast pocket. They often stand around tourist areas. However, if you are seeking regular policemen, the amount to call is 999 out of your phone. Emergency calls in Malaysia have the freedom.
Malaysia has approximately 20 public holidays in a year, so plan your vacation wisely and appearance using the Tourism Malaysia website. Also affecting travel are school holidays, as families take days off using their children, so certain parts of the country, like tourist sites and beaches could get crowded.
As youll be doing a large amount of walking, you can always buy standard water bottles for drinking, and its generally not safe to drink straight from the tap. The electrical power is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system, similar to Britain.
Should you wish to catch up on local news and events, english 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 can most certainly find them at any major bookstores and newsstands. For events, try Time Out and Klue magazines.
The 2 significant climate changes focus on the monsoon season, but besides that, the elements rarely changes. Its either hot with rain, or hot without rain. The conditions between 21 C and 32 C, but with high humidity. Rain tends to occur between November and February on the new england of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sarawak, and also the north-eastern a part of Sabah.
Due to the climate, light clothing is ideal. It is advisable for girls, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts. Or you could carry a shawl- its a lighter alternative.
If you need to adjust your watches before arriving, Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Remove shoes when entering homes and chapels. Malaysians dont wear shoes around the house.
While seated or resting inside a group, do not direct the feet towards someone, or any religious statues.
Public display of affection in larger cities like Kl is generally tolerated but might invite unnecessary attention in the public. Public displays of affection in more rural areas are frowned wupon and should be ignored. Also, same-sex relationship is taboo in Malaysia, so gay and lesbian travellers should avoid outward signs and symptoms 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 gay and lesbian clubs.
