Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Malaysia has three major ethnic groups, each with its own traditions: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Within this triad, there are many more tribes and clans. Although Islam is the official religion, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism are also practiced. Malaysia is also divided into east and western domains, and many languages are spoken from region to region. Visitors should be sensitive to this multicultural makeup.
2. In business environments, the standard handshake is appropriate. Outside of business, younger or foreign-educated Malaysians will shake hands upon greeting. Westernized woman may shake hands with both men and women. . The standard Malaysian handshake is more of a handclasp; it is rather limp and lasts for some ten or twelve seconds. Often both hands will be used. Ethnic Malays, who are generally Muslim, may not shake hands because traditionally, there is no physical contact between Muslim men and women.
3. Note that the elderly and those with seniority are always given an immense respect in Malaysia.
4. When meeting a Malaysian for the first time, one should use formal titles and forms of address unless invited to do otherwise.
5. Since politeness demands that a Malaysian not disagree openly, the word "no" is rarely heard. A polite but in insincere "yes" is a simple technique to avoid being rude or difficult. Note that "yes" can mean anything from "I agree" to "maybe" to "I hope you can tell from my lack of enthusiasm that I really mean "no'."
6. Restraint in communication is the norm. One should speak in quite, gentle tones and always remain calm.
7. Restraint in this culture also denotes trustworthiness. As such, a person who publicly loses his or her temper has lost face and is considered untrustworthy.
8. Standing with the hands on the hips is always interpreted as an angry, aggressive posture.
9. Laughter and smiling frequently denote emotions other than pleasure and happiness. Smiles may hide embarrassment, shyness, bitterness, discord, and/or loss of face. Learning to interpret smiles and laughter is a difficult for necessary process in the East.
10. Good topics of conversation include tourism, travel, plans for the future, organizational success, culture, and food. Topics to avoid in conversation include any criticism of Malaysian ways, religion, bureaucracy, or politics. One should also avoid discussions of sex or the roles of the sexes, while boasting should be eschewed.
11. Public displays of affection between those of the opposite sex are frowned upon. Contact between people of the same sex, however, is permitted.
12. Touching someone else's head, regardless of age, is inappropriate as the head is considered sacred in many Eastern traditions.
13. With regard to body language, among both Muslims and Hindus, the left hand is considered unclean. Eat with your right hand only and avoid touching anything or anyone with your left hand. Accept gifts and hold cash in the right hand as well. Note also that the foot is also considered unclean and so one should not show or expose the bottom of the foot to anyone. One should also avoid pointing the forefinger at another person. One can point with the right thumb, however, as long as all four fingers are curled down.
14. Since pork and alcohol are prohibited to observing Muslims, do not give them as gifts to Malays. The prohibition against pork and alcohol also precludes pigskin products and perfumes containing alcohol.
15. Observant Hindus do not eat beef or use products made from cattle. Again, avoid giving such products as gifts to Hindus.
16. It is not the custom to unwrap a gift in the presence of the giver as to do so would suggest that the recipient is greedy and impatient. Expect the recipient to thank you briefly, then put the still-wrapped gift aside until you have left. Note that one should not wrap gifts to Ethnic Malays in White paper; white is associated with funerals.
17. Business dress in Malaysia is conservative; suits for both men and women, although fuller body coverage is the norm for Muslim women. Outside of business, dress is generally elegant but casual. Beach wear should be confined to the beach and shorts should not be worn in urban centers. Visitors should always dress modestly in respect for the Muslim and Hindu sensibilities.