What are the social etiquette in Malaysia?

Malays have their unique social etiquette in addressing, eating, visiting, meeting and dressing.

1, greeting

Malays don't have fixed surnames, so they don't use surnames. Malay names can be divided into two parts. The first part is their names, separated by "bin" or "binti" and sometimes omitted. The second part is the name of their father. Man: Just use "bin" in the middle, and "binti" for women.

In informal situations, the more intimate names for the younger generation are Adik or dik, which means brother or sister, and the names can be omitted. For older men, it can be called pakkik, which means uncle; for women, it can be called Makcik, which means aunt.

In daily situations, Encik is used to address men, meaning Mr. so-and-so, and cik is used to address women, meaning Ms. so-and-so.

On more formal occasions, Puan is used to address men and Puan is used to address women. In addition, people with titles can call them directly or add their own names to them. Such as Datuk and Tanseri. [ 12]

2. Meeting ceremony

The traditional Malay greeting ceremony is very unique. When they meet, they will hold each other's hands with both hands and rub each other, and then move their right hands to their hearts. For unfamiliar women, you shouldn't just reach out and ask for a handshake. Men should nod or bow slightly to women and take the initiative to make oral greetings. But now Western handshake is the most common greeting in Malaysia, which can be used by Malays, China or Indians. [ 12]

Step 3: Eat

Malays avoid eating pork and drinking alcohol. When dining in a Malay restaurant, if you see a big kettle on the dining table, don't mistake it for a teapot for drinking water. In fact, the water in it is used for washing hands. Malays usually grasp food with their right hands, so washing hands before and after meals is the etiquette at Malay table. [ 12]

Step 4 visit

In Malaysia, you must take off your shoes before entering the homes of Malays, China or Indians, unless the owner allows you. When visiting a Malay family, if the host arranges to sit on a mat on the floor, men should sit cross-legged while women should sit with their legs tilted to the left.

Other taboos or etiquette

Don't point your index finger at others. If you want to indicate the direction, you can only use your thumb. Don't use your left hand when greeting, shaking hands, giving gifts or receiving things with Malays. It is disrespectful to pick up things or say hello with your left hand. Malays are afraid of people touching their heads. No one can touch anyone's head except the teacher or the religious ceremony. Don't show your feet in front of others. Pointing them at others is an insult.

5. clothes

The traditional clothes of Malay men and women are: men wear collarless shirts, trousers, short sarong around their waists, a "loose ancient" hat and leather shoes. A lady's dress is also a blouse and sarong, as wide as a robe, and is covered with a monochromatic bright scarf. In Malaysia, people generally don't wear yellow clothes except members of the royal family. For the convenience of work, migrant workers generally wear light-colored suits, and only wear traditional clothes when they come home from work or visit relatives and friends or major festivals. On various formal occasions, men can wear long-sleeved Buddy shirts in addition to national costumes or suits. Bati shirt is a kind of long-sleeved shirt made of batik cloth, which is thin and cool, and has gradually replaced the traditional Malay clothing and become Malaysia's "national costume"