Hello everyone! I'm here today to share some lesser-known facts about Malaysia. This topic is important because more and more people from Hong Kong and other countries are moving here through programs like MM2H or marriage. Often, their understanding of Malaysia is limited to tourist experiences, and there are many local secrets they might not be aware of. So, let's dive into some interesting things you might not know about Malaysia!
Regional Differences and Holidays
Variations in State Regulations and Holidays
Malaysia is a large country divided into East and West Malaysia, with various states and regions. I'm still in the exploratory phase, having only lived in Johor, Melaka, and Kuala Lumpur so far. However, even in my limited experience, I've discovered some fascinating regional differences. One key thing I've noticed is that different states have different regulations and holidays.
For example, there might be a special public holiday in Johor while life continues as normal in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. This "special holiday" is specific to that state. I found this quite surprising and unique. Each state follows the regulations set by its own leadership, similar to a mayor.
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Some holidays are nationwide and uniform.
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Others are specific to individual states.
School holidays can also vary slightly between states like Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka. It's essential to check the specific holiday calendar for the state you're in.
The Abundance of Holidays
Numerous Public Holidays Due to Diverse Cultures
One thing that stands out is the sheer number of holidays in Malaysia. Locals might be used to it, but many foreigners, especially those from Hong Kong or China, are amazed by how many holidays there are. This is largely due to Malaysia's diverse population, consisting of Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities.
Each major ethnic group has its own New Year celebrations, resulting in multiple New Year holiday periods throughout the year. This means frequent holidays for workers and students alike. You could expect a few days off to one or two weeks, or even a whole month! The abundance of holidays contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere compared to places like Hong Kong.
The "Jackpot" Culture
Using Prizes and Giveaways as a Gimmick
Another interesting thing is the prevalence of "jackpot" incentives as a marketing gimmick. I've noticed this particularly when accompanying my husband to fishing and shrimp-catching ponds. These places often offer a "jackpot" prize for catching a specific type of fish or shrimp.
For example, catching a grouper might earn you an extra RM20, or a specially marked shrimp might give you a chance to win money by drawing a ping pong ball with a prize amount. This concept of offering a jackpot is used as a way to attract people. It's not limited to fishing ponds; you'll often see "win a jackpot" used in marketing promotions.
Diverse Religious Beliefs
A Wide Variety of Deities and Temples
Malaysia has many religions. The variety of deities and temples is remarkable. I'm not speaking on behalf of the Malay culture. The Chinese community in Malaysia practices a mix of religions, and there are many temples dedicated to different deities.
I've seen temples dedicated to Thai gods and the Four-Faced Buddha, as well as temples for Guan Yin, the Jade Emperor, Nuwa, and even Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) and Zhu Bajie. Some people who work a "different" kind of job worship different gods. I was surprised to find people worshiping Black and White Impermanence, figures associated with the underworld.
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Thai Gods
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Guan Yin
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Jade Emperor
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Black and White Impermanence
I've also learned about "Ji Tong," mediums who are believed to be able to communicate with spirits and answer questions about the past and future. Malaysia is a multi-cultural country, and as such, the variety of Gods are plentiful!
The Unique Malaysian Baby Hammock
A Traditional Baby Bedding
One uniquely Malaysian sight is the traditional baby hammock. Having grown up in China and Hong Kong, I'd never seen anything like it before. These hammocks typically consist of a frame with a spring and a cloth net to hold the baby.
My first reaction was one of shock and concern for the baby's safety. However, I learned that many older generations of Malaysians have used these hammocks for their babies for generations and consider them perfectly safe.
The baby is placed in the net, which is then secured with clips. The hammock is then gently rocked, mimicking the feeling of being held and soothed. While modern, electronic baby beds are common, this traditional hammock is a unique sight.
The Title of "Datuk"
An Honorific Title with Significance
Many people from Hong Kong often ask me about the meaning of "Datuk" in Malaysia, as it is a commonly used title. The title "Datuk" originates from Malay and is used in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei as a form of address to someone with a high status. The wife of a Datuk is called a "Datin."
It is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. It is a symbolic, lifetime honor. The Datuk title is awarded by the government as a recognition of achievements. There are also different levels of Datuk. Datuks will often have a special logo on their car license plate to indicate their status.
Conclusion
These are just some of the unique and interesting things I've learned about Malaysia as a foreigner. I hope this provides a glimpse into Malaysian culture! If you enjoy this type of sharing, be sure to leave a like, share with your friends, and tell me what you found interesting!