Cultural Shocks in Malaysia: A Foreigner's Perspective
Having lived in Malaysia for over six months, I've adjusted well to life here. However, there were definitely some initial cultural differences I noticed. Here are five cultural shocks that I, as a foreigner, experienced upon moving to Malaysia.
The Ubiquitous Shoe Removal Culture
Malaysia places a high emphasis on cleanliness, particularly regarding footwear indoors. It's common to find that many establishments require you to remove your shoes before entering.
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This extends beyond homes, unlike in some other cultures where indoor slippers are offered.
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I've encountered situations like dental clinics and construction material stores where everyone, including staff, is barefoot inside.
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You'll often see rows of shoes outside shops, sometimes even with provided shoe racks, indicating the number of people inside.
While initially feeling a bit unusual, especially when no indoor footwear is provided, I now appreciate this practice for keeping indoor spaces clean.
The Prevalence of Halal Cuisine
The concept of halal food isn't new to me, having lived in various countries. However, Malaysia has a unique approach.
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While some restaurants clearly indicate they serve halal food, such as those specializing in Malay cuisine or Chinese Lanzhou noodles, others are less obvious.
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Even restaurants serving traditionally non-halal dishes, such as Japanese ramen or Cantonese dim sum, may offer a halal version.
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For example, Din Tai Fung has a halal counterpart called Ding Tai Feng, which replaces pork with chicken in dishes like xiaolongbao.
This adaptation allows the Muslim community to enjoy a wider variety of cuisines. Look out for signs indicating "no pork, no lard," which indicates a restaurant avoids pork but isn't necessarily halal. This thoughtful adaptation caters to Malaysia's diverse population.
Unique Bathroom Customs
Bathrooms in Malaysia present another cultural difference, with a focus on cleanliness using water.
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Almost every toilet, both public and private, is equipped with a bidet spray.
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This leads to wet floors in many public restrooms.
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Some establishments use thick rubber mats to absorb the water, providing a more comfortable walking surface.
Another notable difference is the absence of electrical outlets in many apartment bathrooms. This means installing a smart toilet with a bidet function can be challenging, likely due to safety concerns regarding moisture and electrical appliances. The manual water spray is viewed as the equivalent.
The Sweetness of Beverages
Be prepared for a generally sweet flavor profile in Malaysian drinks.
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Many local beverages, like Kopi or Teh, are served very sweet unless you specify otherwise.
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I've learned to request "no sugar" (or kurang manis in Malay) when ordering.
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Even bottled drinks from supermarkets often contain added sugar, so it's essential to check the labels for "sugar-free" options.
A Harmonious Multicultural Society
Malaysia's diverse population and religious landscape create a unique cultural environment.
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Mosques, Hindu temples, and churches can often be found in close proximity, showcasing religious tolerance and coexistence.
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Islam is the dominant religion, and its influence is visible in public spaces.
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Many shopping malls, train stations, and apartment buildings feature prayer rooms.
Muslims often take time off on Fridays to attend prayers at the mosque, typically between 12 pm and 2 pm. This time should be considered when planning meetings or appointments. The public holidays reflect the diversity, too.
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Malaysia celebrates a multitude of holidays, including Diwali, Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Hari Raya.
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Shopping malls are decorated extensively for each festival, creating a festive atmosphere year-round.
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Sales and promotions are often tied to these celebrations.
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