Malaysia is a one of the multi cultural country.

Cultures have been meeting and mixing in Malaysia

since the very beginning of its history. More than fifteen hundred years ago a Malay kingdom in Bujang
Valley welcomed traders from China and India. Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by many different
cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among
these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners
throughout history,the Chinese, and the Indians. These three groups are joined by a dizzying array of
indigenous tribes, many of which live in the forests and coastal areas of Borneo. Although each of these
cultures has vigorously maintained its traditions and community structures, they have also blended
together to create contemporary Malaysia's uniquely diverse heritage.





Discover a Land of Intriguing Diversity
Malay
Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population, although
this drops to less than 25% in East Malaysia. 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. In Sarawak this 25% is made up of a mix of dialect groups
including Foochow, Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Hainanese and Puxian Min while in Sabah the population
of Chinese drops to around 10% who predominantly speak the Hakka language.

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.
Traditional Architecture
Malay
Traditional Malay architecture employs sophisticated architectural processes ideally suited to tropical
conditions such as structures built on stilts, which allow cross-ventilating breeze beneath the dwelling to
cool the house whilst mitigating the effects of the occasional flood. High-pitched roofs and large
windows not only allow cross-ventilation but are also carved with intricate organic designs. Traditional
houses in Negeri Sembilan were built of hardwood and entirely free of nails. They are built using beams,
which are held together by wedges. A beautiful example of this type of architecture can be seen in the
Old Palace of Seri Menanti in Negeri Sembilan, which was built around 1905.Today, many Malay or
Islamic buildings incorporate Moorish design elements as can be seen in the Islamic Arts Museum and a
number of buildings in Putrajaya - the new administrative capital, and many mosques throughout the
country.
Chinese
In Malaysia, Chinese architecture is of two broad types:traditional and Baba-Nyonya. Examples of
traditional architecture include Chinese temples found throughout the country such as the Cheng Hoon
Teng that dates back to 1646. Many old houses especially those in Melaka and Penang are of Baba-
Nyonya heritage, built with indoor courtyards and beautiful, colourful tiles. A rare architectural
combination of Chinese and Western elements is displayed by Melaka's Terengkera mosque. Its pagoda-
like appearance is a fine example of Chinese-influenced roof form, combined with Western detailing in
its balustrades and railings.
Indian
With most of Malaysian Hindus originally from Southern India, local Hindu temples exhibit the colourful
architecture of that region. Built in the late nineteenth century, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temples in the country. The detailed
decorative scheme for the temple incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments, hand-painted
motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain. The Sikhs, although a small minority, also have their
temples of more staid design in many parts of the country.
Traditional Attire
A Dazzling Tapestry of Asian Traditions
From magnificent tribal head-feathers with bark body-covers to antique gold-woven royal songket
fabric, the array of Malaysia's traditional costumes and textiles are stunningly diverse and colourful.
In the early days, the aboriginal tribes wore native bark costumes and beads. With the advent of the
ancient kingdoms, hand-loomed fine textiles and intricate Malay batik were used by the Malay royalty.
As foreign trade flourished, costumes and textiles such as Chinese silk, the Indian pulicat or plaid sarong
and the Arabian jubbah a robe with wide sleeves were introduced to the country.
Today, traditional attire such as the Malay baju kebaya, Indian saree and Chinese cheongsam are still
widely worn.

Malay
Before the 20th century, Malay women still wore kemban, just sarongs tied above the chest, in public.
As Islam became more widely embraced, they started wearing the more modest yet elegant baju
kurung. The baju kurung is a knee-length loose-fitting blouse that is usually worn over a long skirt with
pleats at the side. It can also be matched with traditional fabrics such as songket or batik. Typically,
these traditional outfits are completed with a selendang or shawl or tudung or headscarf. The traditional
attire for Malay men is the baju melayu. The baju melayu is a loose tunic worn over trousers. It is usually
complemented with a sampin - a short sarong wrapped around the hips.
Chinese
Comfortable and elegant, the traditional cheongsam or 'long dress' is also a popular contemporary
fashion choice for ladies. Usually, it has a high collar, buttons or frog closures near the shoulder, a snug
fit at the waist and slits on either one or both sides. It is often made of shimmering silk, embroidered
satin or other sensual fabrics.
Indian
The saree is the world-renowned traditional Indian garment. A length of cloth usually 5-6 yards in width,
the saree is worn with a petticoat of similar shade and a matching or contrasting choli or blouse.
Typically, it is wrapped around the body such that the pallau - its extensively embroidered or printed
end - is draped over the left shoulder. The petticoat is worn just above or below the bellybutton and
functions as a support garment to hold the saree. Made from a myriad of materials, textures and
designs, the saree is truly exquisite. Popular with northern Indian ladies is the salwar kameez or Punjabi
suit; a long tunic worn over trousers with a matching shawl. The kurta is the traditional attire for men on
formal occasions. It is a long knee-length shirt that is typically made from cotton or linen cloth.


Baju Kurung Cheongsam Saree