With such a diverse ethnic composition, it is not surprising that many religions are practiced in Malaysia. The official religion is Islam, but its people are free to observe any religion of their choice. At any place in Malaysia, it is common to see temples, mosques and churches located in close proximity.

Ethnic Groups:

59% Malay and other indigenous race, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian.

They are as follows:-

• Handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, although some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction to a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile.

• The traditional greeting of "salam" resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches the visitor's outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the "salam".

• Greeting by hugging and kissing is not generally practiced in Malaysia. However this is becoming more common amongst the western educated and young.

• Shoes must be removed when entering a Mosque or an Indian temple. It is also customary to remove one's shoes when entering a Malaysian home.

• The right hand is always used when giving and receiving objects. Pointing is normally done using the thumb as using the right forefinger is considered rude.

DEHYDRATION & SUNBURN
The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against sunburn must be constantly taken. Dehydration and loss of salt through perspiration are two other common problems for the unprepared traveler. Drink plenty of fluids and replace your salt loss. Make sure you pack clothing suitable for a warm humid climate.

Very casual, light cotton clothing like t-shirts, short, etc... is the order of the day.  No formality is expected in the restaurants.  Tourist are recommended to be properly attired when visiting villages and towns.  Nudity, hugging and kissing in public is prohibited.

Visitors to Malaysia must be possession of valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of stay. Most nationalities do not required visas for social or business visits. Trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and importing large amounts of foreign currencies requires a declaration. To find out more, please click here.

When visiting Malaysia, visitors should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows:

• Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the salam.

• It is polite to call before visiting a home.

• Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home.

• Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.

• The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or giving and receiving objects.

• The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.

• Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors.

• Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.

• Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.

• If you have a cell phone, please bring it along with you.  When you arrive in Malaysia, we suggest that you buy a cell phone prepaid card (only MYR8.00 for starter pack).  This is very useful if you have emergency or if you want more details about specific location or others.  We recommended Digi prepaid - really cheap call out rates.  Please save the phone number for your travel agent, police station, embassy, etc.. click here.