Ethnic Diversity and Social
Ethnic Groups
Click on any Ethnic Groups below that you like to discover more
Malay
The Malay ethnic group is the largest ethnic group in Malaysia, forming the majority population. Malay culture is deeply rooted in Islam, which is also the official religion of Malaysia. The Malay language, or Bahasa Malaysia, is the national language and a key part of Malay identity.
Chinese
The Chinese community in Malaysia traces its roots back to early migrants from China, mainly from Fujian, Guangdong, and Hainan provinces. The Chinese Malaysian community is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and has a significant presence in the business sector.
Indian
The Indian community in Malaysia largely comprises descendants of immigrants from Tamil Nadu in South India, as well as smaller communities of Malayalees, Punjabis, and others. The majority practice Hinduism, with significant numbers of Christians and Sikhs.
Sabah
The state of Sabah on the island of Borneo is home to a diverse range of indigenous groups, the largest being the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut. Each group has its unique language, culture, and traditions.
Sarawak
Like Sabah, Sarawak is also home to many indigenous communities, with the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu being among the largest. The Iban are known for their longhouse communities and their unique traditional tattoo art, which carries significant cultural meaning.
Food and Cuisine
Click on an Ethnic Group to explore their unique homemade dishes, and click on the image to view the recipe
Malay
The Malay archipelago, which includes modern-day Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore, has a long history of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. As such, the discovery of many traditional Malay dishes can be attributed to a mixture of indigenous ingredients and influences from foreign traders and settlers.
Chinese
The Chinese community in Malaysia, which is made up of various dialect groups like Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew, and Hainanese, brought their culinary traditions from China when they first migrated to Malaysia over 100 years ago, during the colonial era (17th century onwards).
Indian
Indian cuisine in Malaysia is largely influenced by the Southern regions of India, especially the Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, where rich, flavorful, and spicy dishes are a common feature. The Indian community in Malaysia consists primarily of Tamils, Telugus, Malayalis, Punjabis, and others, who arrived during the British colonial period as laborers, traders, and soldiers.
Sabah
Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, has a rich cultural mix due to the variety of indigenous groups living there, such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut, and Rungus peoples. Sabah’s cuisine also reflects its Malay, Chinese, and Western influences due to trade and colonial history.
Sarawak
Sarawak, like Sabah, is located on Borneo Island and boasts a diverse mix of indigenous cultures, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, and Orang Ulu peoples. Its culinary traditions are influenced by its indigenous groups, as well as Chinese, Malay, and European settlers.
Religious & Cultural Practices
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Malay
The Malay people, who form the majority ethnic group in Malaysia, are predominantly Muslim. Their cultural and religious practices are deeply intertwined with Islam, but also shaped by pre-Islamic traditions and regional influences.
Chinese
The Chinese community in Malaysia is one of the largest ethnic groups, with many tracing their origins to regions in China such as Canton, Hokkien, Hakka, and Teochew. The Chinese in Malaysia practice a combination of Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Confucianism.
Indian
The Indian community in Malaysia, primarily of Tamil, Punjabi, and other regional origins, practices a mix of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism, with Hinduism being the dominant religion.
Sabah
Sabah, located on the northern part of Borneo, is home to a wide variety of indigenous groups, as well as Malay, Chinese, and other communities. The region is known for its multicultural and multi-religious society.
Sarawak
Sarawak, located in the southwestern part of Borneo, has a similarly diverse array of ethnic groups and religious practices. Indigenous groups in Sarawak, such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, and Orang Ulu, have unique religious beliefs, while the Chinese and Malay communities contribute to the multicultural fabric of the state.
Social & Family Structure
Click on any ethnic groups you like to discover each of the ethnicity Social & Family Structure
Chinese
Chinese families in Malaysia also have extended families but increasingly nuclear structures in urban areas. Filial piety (xiao) is central, with deep respect for parents, grandparents, and ancestors.
Indian
Indian families in Malaysia can be either extended or nuclear, with a strong emphasis on hierarchical respect. Indian culture values joint family systems, though urbanization has led to more nuclear families.
Sabah
The indigenous groups of Sabah, such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut, often maintain extended family structures. Families are organized in longhouses or villages where multiple generations may live closely.
Sarawak
Sarawak indigenous groups, such as the Iban, Bidayuh, and Melanau, often live in longhouses where entire families and extended family members coexist. The family unit is highly communal and collaborative.
Traditional Clothing
Click on any ethnic groups you like to discover on how pretty and cmart looking each of the ethnicity traditional cloths are.
Malay
The Malay community often wears the Baju Kurung, a loose-fitting blouse and long skirt, and the Baju Kebaya, a more fitted blouse paired with a sarong, often made from delicate fabrics and adorned with intricate embroidery or patterns. These garments are commonly worn during festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and weddings.
Malay men traditionally wear the Baju Melayu, a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, often worn with a sarong-like cloth around the waist called the sampin. The attire is completed with a headgear known as songkok.
Chinese
For formal occasions, Chinese women in Malaysia may wear the Cheongsam (or Qipao), a slim-fitting dress with a high collar and side slits, often adorned with traditional floral or symbolic patterns. The Samfu, consisting of a blouse and trousers, is also popular and is often worn during Chinese New Year.
For men, a popular traditional outfit is the Tang suit, a jacket with a high collar, and frog buttons, symbolizing Chinese heritage. These clothes are often made with silk and come in red or gold, which are lucky colors in Chinese culture.
Indian
Indian women in Malaysia often wear the Sari, a long piece of cloth draped elegantly around the body, paired with a blouse. The Lehenga, a skirt paired with a choli and dupatta (scarf), is also worn for festive occasions like Deepavali and weddings.
Indian men may wear the Kurta, a long shirt worn with dhoti (a cloth wrapped around the waist) or pyjama pants. The Sherwani, a long coat-like garment, is often worn for formal events and weddings.
Sabah
The Kadazan-Dusun people, the largest indigenous group in Sabah, have distinct clothing such as the Sinuangga (for women) and Gaung (for men). These garments are often black with gold trimming, representing status and elegance, and are commonly worn during the Kaamatan Festival.
The Bajau people wear vibrant outfits with intricate beadwork and headdresses, while the Murut people, known for their warrior heritage, have attire adorned with animal feathers and beadwork. The Murut attire is particularly distinctive and is often worn during traditional dance performances.
Sarawak
The Iban people, one of the largest indigenous groups in Sarawak, wear clothing made from handwoven fabric. Women wear a traditional skirt called the Bidang and a decorated corset, while men wear a sirat (loincloth) and a headgear adorned with feathers.
The Bidayuh peoples clothing includes elaborate beadwork and is typically worn with accessories like brass bangles and headbands. The Orang Ulu group is known for their colorful woven designs, beadwork, and tattoo art, which are displayed on their attire and worn during festivals and celebrations like the Gawai Dayak Festival.
Dialects & Languages
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Malay
i. Standard Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)
ii. Johor-Riau Malay
iii. Kelantanese Malay
iv. Terengganu Malay
v. Perak Malay (Northern)
vi. Pahang Malay
vii. Kedah Malay
viii. Perlis Malay
ix. Negeri Sembilan Malay
x. Malacca Malay
xi. Selangor
Chinese
The Chinese community in Malaysia speaks various Chinese dialects, primarily based on the region of origin:
i. Mandarin
ii. Cantonese
iii. Hokkien
iv. Hakka
v. Teochew
vi. Foochow
vii. Khek
viii. Fujianese
Indian
The Indian community in Malaysia is ethnically diverse, with various languages spoken based on region and origin:
i. Tamil
ii. Malayalam
iii. Telugu
iv. Punjabi
v. Hindi
vi. Urdu
Sabah
Sabah has a rich linguistic diversity with numerous indigenous languages spoken by various ethnic groups. Some of the notable languages and dialects include:
i. Sabah Malay
ii. Kadazandusun
iii. Murut
iv. Rungus
v. Bajau
vi. Suluk
Sarawak
Sarawak, like Sabah, is known for its linguistic diversity, with numerous indigenous languages and dialects. Some of the prominent ones include:
i. Sarawak Malay
ii. Iban
iii. Bidayuh
iv. Orang Ulu languages
v. Melanau
Music & Entertainment
Click on any ethnic groups you wish to discover more about their Music & Entertainment that are different every ethnicity.
Malay
Malay music and entertainment are deeply influenced by the traditions, culture, and history of the Malay people. Key elements include:
Traditional Music
A form of traditional Malay choral singing, performed in a group, often with rhythmic hand clapping, drums, and other percussions. It is a social and competitive form of music and dance.
A traditional Malay dance accompanied by music, with Middle Eastern and Arabic influences, often performed at celebrations and weddings.
Contemporary Music
This is the modern pop genre in Malaysia, with artists like Siti Nurhaliza, Sheila Majid, and Dato Sri Tiara Jacquelina being widely popular. The music typically blends traditional Malay melodies with pop, R&B, and ballads.
Some Malay bands and artists are involved in rock and indie music, with bands like Hujan and Bunkface representing contemporary Malay rock.
Entertainment
Popular Malay dramas often revolve around family dynamics, love stories, and societal values. Shows like "Dia Semanis Honey" and "Keluarga Iskandar" are quite famous.
The local Malay film industry is robust, with stars like Maya Karin, and directors like Mamat Khalid making waves. Movies often blend cultural themes with mainstream storytelling.
Chinese
Chinese entertainment and music in Malaysia blend traditional Chinese culture with modern influences from the global Chinese-speaking world.
Traditional Music
Traditional Chinese opera, like Peking opera and Cantonese opera, is performed during cultural festivals and other important events.
Instrumental ensembles that feature traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu (two-stringed fiddle), guqin (ancient zither), and pipa (four-stringed lute).
Contemporary Music
Malaysian Chinese often listen to Mandopop (Mandarin pop) and Cantopop (Cantonese pop), with stars like Jacky Cheung, Jay Chou, and G.E.M. being very popular in Malaysia.
Local stars like Fish Leong and Tan Hong Ming are well-loved, and their songs are frequently featured in radio stations.
Entertainment
Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and mainland Chinese dramas are popular in Malaysia. Shows like "Meteor Garden" and "Descendants of the Sun" enjoy large followings.
Chinese-language stand-up comedy shows are also growing, especially with comedians who perform in Mandarin or Cantonese.
Indian
Indian music and entertainment in Malaysia are vibrant, driven by Bollywood, Tamil cinema, and the various rich traditions of Indian classical music and dance.
Traditional Music
Traditional Indian classical music in the Tamil and South Indian tradition. Instruments like mridangam (drum), veena, and flute are key components.
Devotional music, often sung in temples, featuring a lot of spiritual and devotional themes.
Contemporary Music
Bollywood music is immensely popular among the Indian diaspora in Malaysia. Singers like Arijit Singh, Lata Mangeshkar, and Shreya Ghoshal dominate local playlists.
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Tamil film music, with music directors like A.R. Rahman, Anirudh Ravichander, and Harris Jayaraj, is enjoyed by the Tamil-speaking community in Malaysia.
Entertainment
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Tamil films are highly popular in Malaysia, especially those starring actors like Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Ajith Kumar. Films often revolve around family, action, and drama themes.
Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi are practiced, along with Bollywood-style dance.
Sabah
Sabah, on the island of Borneo, is home to a variety of indigenous groups, and their music reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
Traditional Music
The use of gongs and bamboo instruments, especially among the Kadazan-Dusun people, is prevalent. The sumazau dance is performed with traditional music, which includes the use of gongs.
The sape is a traditional string instrument of the Orang Ulu people, often played during rituals and ceremonies.
Contemporary Music
Sabah local music scene includes Sabah Malay Pop, a genre of pop music that blends Malay and Bornean influences, as well as the music of local indigenous artists who sing in their native languages.
Bands from Sabah have contributed to Malaysia alternative rock scene, and theres a strong following for rock and indie music here.
Entertainment
Festivals like the Kaamatan Harvest Festival showcase traditional music, dance, and theater. The Tadau Kaamatan festival is famous for its traditional performances.
Traditional rituals, dances, and storytelling are important forms of entertainment in Sabah.
Sarawak
Sarawak, like Sabah, is home to a variety of indigenous ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and cultural expressions.
Traditional Music
Sarawak traditional music often includes gongs, drums, and bamboo instruments, particularly among the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
Similar to Sabah, Sarawak also features the sape, and this is central to the music of many indigenous groups.
Contemporary Music
Sarawakian music often blends traditional sounds with contemporary genres. Artists incorporate indigenous instruments like the sape into modern pop or folk music.
Similar to Sabah, rock and indie music are popular, with bands such as Dayang Nurfaizah achieving recognition.
Entertainment
Sarawaks most famous cultural festival is the Gawai Dayak, celebrating the rice harvest. During this festival, traditional music, dances, and rituals are showcased.
Sarawak has a thriving arts scene, with many indigenous performances and traditional dances.
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Malay
Malay families are traditionally patriarchal and extended; it is common for several generations to live together or near each other. Respect for elders and hierarchical family structures are key