About Malaysia

• Malay
  Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage.
   
• Chinese
  The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population. Mostly descendants of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the southern state of Johor.
   
• Indian
  The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population, most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colourful culture such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
  
  
• Orang Asli
  Orang Asli is a general term used for any indigenous groups that are found in PeninsularMalaysia. They are divided into three main tribal groups: Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. The Negrito usually lives in the north, the Senoi in the middle and the Proto-Malay in the south. Each group or sub-group has its own language and culture. Some are fishermen, some farmers and some are semi-nomadic.
  
   
• SARAWAK
  collectively known as the Dayaks, the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu are the major ethnic groups in the state of Sarawak. Dayak, which means upstream or inland, is used as a blanket term by the Islamic coastal population for over 200 tribal groups. Typically, they live in longhouses, traditional community homes that can house 20 to 100 families.
  
  
   
• Iban
  The largest of Sarawak's ethnic groups, the Iban form 30% of the state's population, Sometimes erroneously referred to as the Sea Dayaks because of their skill with boats, they are actually an upriver tribe from the heart of Kalimantan. In the past, they were a fearsome warrior race renowned for headhunting and piracy. Traditionally, they worship a triumvirate of gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war. Although they are now mostly Christians, many traditional customs are still practiced.
   
• Bidayuh
  Peace-loving and easy-going, the gentle Bidayuh of Sarawak is famous for their hospitality and Tuak or rice wine. Making their homes in Sarawak's mountainous regions, they are mostly farmers and hunters. In their past headhunting days, their prized skulls were stored in a 'Baruk' a roundhouse that rises about 1.5 metres above the ground. Originally animists, now most of them have converted to Christianity.
   
• Orang Ulu
  Also known as upriver tribes of Sarawak, Forming roughly 5.5% of Sarawak's population, there are over 100,000 different Orang Ulu tribes. Arguably Borneo's most artistic people, their large longhouses are ornately decorated with murals and superb woodcarvings; their utensils are embellished with intricate beadwork; and aristocratic ladies cover their bodies with finely detailed tattoos...
   
• SABAH
  the largest indigenous ethnic groups of Sabah's population are the Kadazan Dusun, the Bajau and the Murut.
  
  
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• Kadazan Dusun
  The largest ethnic group of Sabah, the Kadazan Dusun form about 30% of the state's population, Actually consisting of two tribes; the Kadazan and the Dusun, they were grouped together as they both share the same language and culture. However, the Kadazan are mainly inhabitants of flat valley deltas, which are conducive to paddy field farming, while the Dusun traditionally lived in the hilly and mountainous regions of interior Sabah.
   
• Bajau
  The second largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Bajau make up about 15% of the state's population, Historically a nomadic sea-faring people that worshipped the Omboh Dilaut or God of the Sea, they are sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies. Those who chose to leave their sea-faring ways became farmers and cattle-breeders. These lands Bajau are nicknamed 'Cowboys of the East' in tribute to their impressive equestrian skills, which are publicly displayed in the annual Tamu Besar festival at Kota Belud.　
   
• Murut
  The third largest ethnic group in Sabah the Murut make up about 3% of the state's population, Traditionally inhabiting the northern inland regions of Borneo, they were the last of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce headhunting. Now, they are mostly shifting cultivators of hill paddy and tapioca, supplementing their diet with blowpipe hunting and fishing. Like most indigenous tribes in Sabah, their traditional clothing is decorated with distinctive beadwork.

• * Subject to change - depending on the sighting of the new moon
• Malaysia School Holidays 2018 (Update on 17 Nov 2017)
  17 Mar 2018 – 25 Mar 2018
  09 Jun 2018 – 24 Jun 2018
  18 Aug 2018 – 26 Aug 2018
  24 Nov 2018 – 31 Dec 2018
  *For schools in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, holidays start and end a day earlier.
• * Examination period – normally 1~2 weeks before school holiday (Depend on schools)

• It is polite to call before visiting a home.
• Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home.
• Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.。
• The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or giving and receiving objects.
• The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.
• Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples.
• Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.