Malaysian Montage of Unique Diversity

Malaysia’s unique strengths lie in its central location between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and its history of being a trading place for the many traders plying the seas and traveling over the continents. Over the centuries, this once largely agrarian peninsula emerged as a prosperous nation, embarking to strengthen its economy through industrialization and modernization.

Multicultural and Multiracial people

Malaysia’s ethnic diversity remains the most important component of its uniqueness. The nation is a compendium of multicultural and multiracial people that has earned it reference as a great melting pot. Malays, Chinese and Indians are the three main ethnic groups. However, the many indigenous groups of people such as the aborigines Sakai, Semang, and Negritos in the peninsula, and the Kadazan, Bajau, Melanau, Bidayuh, Dayak groups in East Malaysia on Borneo, as well as many other subgroups, bring a kaleidoscope of color into the country’ s cultural and ethnic weave.

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language) is the official language of the country. However, with the rapid progress that the country has experienced in the last century, English is widely spoken by all the people engaged in trade and business. The Government of Malaysia, over the years, has never lacked in educational vision for its people. The English language has been taught in all schools from city schools to rural schools, and as early as preschool.

While Islam is the country’s official religion, from early on, the ruling government has always promoted freedom of worship, and the people of Malaysia enjoy this diversity in a harmonious and prosperous environment. It is not rare to see suburban neighborhoods with mosques, churches, and temples. Other than Islam, other major religions widely practiced are Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and indigenous spiritualism.

Cultural Variety and the Wonderful Range of Malaysia Cuisine

With the diversity in view, visitors to Malaysia will be able to experience an assault on the senses visually, culturally and gastronomically. No other place in the world can boost of the multiethnic and cultural variety, the diverse heritage value, and the wonderful range of Malaysia cuisine.

The Malay cuisine is based on homegrown herbs and spices, succulent and sometimes spicy meat dishes, largely cooked over burning coal or simmered in our local coconut milk. Rice and flour – based noodles remains the base for almost all Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Chinese food also beckons you with soups and stir – fried dishes that are best eaten just off the fire. Tantalize your taste buds with curries and milk based meat dishes served mostly at Indian restaurants. Morning fare can begin with fresh local coffee or the world famous Malaysian tea. Beverages in all fruity colors are served in most restaurants from the common iced lemon drink to the more tangy star fruit and “asamboi” concoction that is sure to quench your thirst in our hot sultry weather.