Hello there. Selamat Datang ke Malaysia. Which means, Welcome to Malaysia in our national language Bahasa Malaysia. It would be impossible to tell you everything about Malaysia in such a short period of time, but I provides you with a general idea.
People
One thing youll find most fascinating 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, which includes Malays and the Indigenous peoples, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians, and the rest are also minorities. Or once we say in Malaysia, lain-lain varieties. 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, theyre required to bring their MyKad, a biometric smart chip identity card, which should 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- quite simply, if youre Malay, youre automatically Muslim. The Malays would be 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 therefore are favoured with certain affirmative action policies. It has been a place of discontent with a lot of minorities. Among others, obtaining a 10% to 25% discount when purchasing a home and receiving government tenders and scholarships are a few of these benefits. How did this come about? Ill tell you more throughout the economy section.
The 2nd biggest group would be the Chinese. Theyre mostly Buddhists, Taoists or Christians. The Chinese community speaks a number of Chinese dialects including Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka, and Teochew- all from the native familial provinces in China. But today, many Chinese speak English as their first language; actually there are some who speak only English. If the Malays dominate the political scene, the Chinese dominate the business scene. Theres a sizable middle class composed of the Chinese.
The third 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 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. Actually, if you achieve hungry in the middle of the night, you most likely will head to a mamak, a kind of 24-hour restaurant thats often owned by an Indian Muslim. Theres also a sizable Sikh community in Malaysia numbering over 100,000.
The largest non-Malay indigenous tribe is the Iban of Sarawak, who number over 600,000. Some still reside in traditional jungle villages in long houses across the Rajang and Lupar rivers, though many has progressed to the cities. Then, there are the Bidayuhs, who number around 170,000 and therefore are concentrated within the south western part of Sarawak. There are the Kadazans, the largest indigenous tribe in Sabah and they are mostly Christian farmers. Then there are the 140,000 Orang Asli, or aborigines, living 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 number of racial groups such as the Eurasians, who are descendants of marriages one of the British, Dutch and Portuguese and the locals. They speak a Portuguese-based creole, called Papi? Kristang. Theres 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. Then there are Cambodians and Vietnamese, who are mostly Buddhists. 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 may speak Hokkien, however, many of them are Muslim and speak the Kelantanese Malay dialect. There are the Bugis and Javanese, who make up a part of the population in Johor. In addition, there has been many foreigners and expatriates whove made Malaysia their vacation 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 such a way as to produce a new culture. Many of them dress in typical Malay fashion, wearing the kebaya ketat, the industry Malay traditional costume, plus they speak a special kind of Malay, and cook food thats a mixture of the two cultures.
Being a multiracial country, cultural exchanges and cultural integrations are inevitable. For instance, this can be seen in Malay marriage 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 such as Aidilfitri, and Deepavali. The colours of the packets vary, however the practice is similar.
Teach in Malaysia
In Malaysia, it is entirely possible to go from the kampong or perhaps a village, to a rubber estate to a Chinese coffee shop and feel like you have often seen so many different sides to one country. Visit any Kuala Lumpur suburb and observe. A Chinese house will have a parent praying and lighting joss sticks for her ancestors, an Indian family is going to be playing the radio featuring the latest Tamil hit, while the Malay family will be getting 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, china are greedy and prefer to gamble, and also the Indians are always drunk and they beat their wives. You can still hear this very often within the streets, more often than not like a joke, but sometimes as an insult. To become identified with your race is very common. For example, job interviews require you to state your race, though this practice is slowly diminishing. When you tell a Malaysian that you saw a road accident, hed likely ask you if it would be a Malay, a Chinese or perhaps an Indian. If you got robbed, youd be asked whether it was a Malay or perhaps an Indian. If you get paid peanuts, your manager is probably Chinese. If you ride a bike, youre most likely Malay. If you live in a high-end neighbourhood, youre most likely Chinese. I possibly could go on, but I encourage you to identify out these stereotypes yourself!
Besides being a melting pot of numerous races, Malaysia is also a multi-religious society with Islam as the official religion. Roughly 63 percent of 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 accounted for by other faiths, including Animism, Folk religion, Sikhism, while 1 % doesnt have religion.
While the Malaysian constitution guarantees religious freedom, Malay Muslims are obliged to follow the decisions of Syariah courts with regards to matters concerning Islam. Converting from Islam in Malaysia is really a largely problematic issue, and while it has been attempted by some, it is a process that requires long legal battles and isnt well-received by the majority of the Muslim faithful. The Islamic judges within the Syariah courts are expected to follow the Shafi`I school of Islam, which is the main denomination of Islam in Malaysia. The power of the Shariah court is limited only to Muslims over matters for example marriage, inheritance, apostasy, religious conversion, and custody. No other criminal or civil offenses they are under the jurisdiction from the Syariah courts. But there have been moves by the Pan Islamic Party to implement the hudud law, or Islamic law.
That was a lot to digest. But its worth understanding how culture, race and religion operate in Malaysia in order to understand Malaysian life. Now go out and see if you can recognize whos Malay, whos Chinese, whos Indian, and whos, as we Malaysians like to say, Lain-lain, varieties.
ESL jobs Malaysia
Economy
Let us take a quick consider the Malaysian economy now.
Spice trade used to be big business in Malaysia during the Malaccan Sultanate. When the British took over, rubber and palm oil trees became big business. Soon, Malaysia had become 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 tried to eradicate poverty using the controversial New Economic Policy, or even the NEP, following the May 13 Incident of racial rioting in 1969. In those days, 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 removal of the association of race with economic work as it had been during the time of the British. However, the New Economic Policy was laden with controversial affirmative policies that favoured the Malays, also it would be a supply of discontent even until today.
In those days, Malaysia was very reliant on agriculture. It needed to proceed to an economy according to manufacturing. Inspired through the Asian Tigers within the 70s, which were 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 along with low inflation in the 1980s and the 1990s. Today, Malaysia is home to among the worlds largest computer hard disk manufacturing sites.
The Asian Economic crisis hit in the fall of 1997 and delivered a shock to Malaysias economy. Foreign direct investment fell sharply and, as capital flowed from the country, the need for 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 also the World Bank, much towards the surprise of many analysts.
Rejuvenation of 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 through the building of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kl, the tallest twin buildings in the world and the headquarters from the national oil giant.
As the pace of Malaysias development today isnt as rapid, it is 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 within an hour of China announcing the same move. In that very 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, has a GDP per capita of 14,215 USD, ranking the country 48th in the world, 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 comes with 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 strategy to free, though waiting time is generally longer. Prescriptions could cost cash except in many cases are given to the individual at a subsidized rate. Infant mortality rate - a standard in determining the overall efficiency of healthcare - in 2005 was 10, arriving favourably inside a comparison using the Usa and Western Europe. Life expectancy at birth in 2005 was 74 years.
If you need medical assistance in Malaysia, youre liberated to enter any government or private hospitals, but like a tourist, you wont be able to enjoy the free healthcare.
Education
Before we obtain into some language lesson, Let me let you know how the Malaysian education product is organized. Why do different children go to various kinds of school? At this point, youd t be surprised basically tell you just how the education product is very much based on race too.
If you are between Three to six years old, youd probably visit a kindergarten. Usually theyre run privately, however, many are run through the government.
When you turn 7, youd proceed to primary school for the next six years. Theres two kinds of primary school you could go to. The very first is the SRK, or Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan, that are government run schools. You would be while using Malay language as the medium of instruction.
Or, if your parents are Chinese or Indian, they might decide to give back towards the second kind of school called SJK, or Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan. Here, youll be using either Mandarin or Tamil, depending on which school you go to. 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 the end of year 6 or when youre 12 years of age, you will be going for a much-dreaded exam called the Primary School Achievement Test or Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah, UPSR.
Then, youd start Secondary education in which you will study for the following Five years. National secondary schools use Malay because the main medium of instruction. After Form Three when you turn 15, you will take another much-dreaded exam called Lower Secondary Assessment or Penilaian Menengah Rendah, not so fondly known as PMR. And lastly, in the last year of secondary education or Form Five whenever you turn 17, you sit for the truly dreaded Malaysian Certificate of Education or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, SPM. It is like the British Ordinary or O Levels, and much more comprehensive the American SATs.
Youll realize there are a lot of exams for Malaysians students to consider. This is because we take following the British system of qualification by examination, a legacy of our colonial days.
While English and Maths used to be 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.
Heres another stereotype. Because of the stringent teaching methods, Chinese schools are noted for producing some of the top students in the country, making some Malay and Indian parents send their kids to those schools as well.
Oh, your education journey is not over at this time. At 17, if you are lucky enough to be born Malay and bumiputra, you receive into a steps for success called matriculation and secure a secure 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, divided into Lower Six and Upper Six, after which youll be rewarded most abundant in dreaded of all exams- the Malaysian Higher School Certificate or Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, or STPM. Its the Malaysian equivalent to the British Advanced or A levels. However, if you have money to lose, you can purchase your way from STPM by enrolling yourself inside a matriculation course in private colleges.
And finally, the pinnacle of education- the university. The number of public universities in Malaysia is few, actually under 20, so places are extremely limited. Getting a place in a public university is an annual supply of frustration, with many qualified students going to the media to complain they have been denied a location. If you are 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 are Chinese or Indian and you fail to secure a place, your other option is private college education, where you will need to ask your folks to postpone their retirement with a few years.
I did tell you that race plays a huge role in the Malaysian society.
Then, after Three to six years of university, you graduate having a degree and can choose to continue your posting graduate studies.
Language
Alright, this is the end in our education on education. And now, comes the practical part. Here are some handy tips for you to make your stay in 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 is the official language. Here are a few helpful conversational Bahasa Malaysia phrases you can try. Lets begin!
Good morning! Selamat Pagi
Good evening! Selamat Petang
How are you? Apa Khabar?
Im fine, thanks! Khabar Baik, Terima Kasih
Thank you! Terima Kasih
Youre welcome! Sama-sama
Good night! Selamat Malam
See you later! Jumpa Lagi!
Farewell! Selamat Jalan!
If you need to ask for some help or directions, these are some useful phrases:
Im 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
Im looking for my friend. Saya Cari Kawan Saya.
Just how much is? Berapa Harga Ni?
Excuse me!Maafkan Saya...
If you are really excited about trying out much more Bahasa Malaysia, here are some more complex phrases.
Would you speak English? Awak Cakap Bahasa Inggeris ke?
Just a little. 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?
I live in...Saya Tinggal Di
I must go Saya Pergi Dulu.
I will be back! Saya Akan Pulang Nanti.
I do not Understand! Saya Tak Faham!
Im not sure! Saya Tak Tau!
Now you know some simple phrases, get cracking and speak to some locals, and get these to educate you on more! There is no better way to socialize compared to a little effort in learning their language. Malaysians will like you for this!
Tourist Tips
Below are great tips for you personally. If youre being introduced to a Malay Muslim for the first time, extend both your hands, grasp theirs and produce yours back to your chest. This is the traditional Malay salam. To keep it simple, smiling and nodding is okay if you dont know whether to shake hands or not. With Muslim women, in general, if a hand is not offered, it is best not to shake hands!
Should you ever go missing or need any help, look for the tourist police officer. They may 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 own breast pocket. They usually stand around tourist areas. However, if you are seeking regular policemen, the number to call is 999 from your phone. Emergency calls in Malaysia have the freedom.
Malaysia has approximately 20 public holidays each year, so plan your vacation wisely and check with the Tourism Malaysia website. Also affecting travel are school holidays, as families take days off with their children, so song of the country, like tourist sites and beaches could get crowded.
As youll be carrying out a large amount of walking, you can always buy standard water bottles for drinking, and it is generally unsafe to drink straight from the tap. The electrical power is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system, much like Britain.
Should you wish to atone for local news and events, english papers that are available are The New Straits Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. If you would like international newspapers, you are able to most definitely locate them at any major bookstores and newsstands. For events, try Time Out and Klue magazines.
The two significant climate changes focus on the monsoon season, but on top of that, the elements rarely changes. Its either hot with rain, or hot without rain. The conditions between 21 C and 32 C, however with high humidity. Rain tends to occur between November and February around the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sarawak, and the north-eastern part of Sabah.
Because of the climate, light clothing is perfect. It is best for girls, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts. Or you could carry a shawl- it is a lighter alternative.
If you want to adjust your watches before arriving, Malaysia is 8 hours in front of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Malaysians dont wear shoes throughout the house.
While seated or resting inside a group, dont direct the feet towards someone, or any religious statues.
Public display of affection in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur is usually tolerated but might invite unnecessary attention from the public. Public displays of affection in additional 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 many underground lgbt clubs.
