lifestyle
22 Unwritten Rules Of Common Courtesy When You're In Malaysia
Small gestures of respect go a long way. Pass them on!
By Mei Mei Chu
Cover image via
re-actor.net
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1. Address elders as 'uncle' or 'aunty', alternatively 'pak cik' or 'mak cik' in Malay.
3. If invited to someone's home for dinner, bring a small gift of food such as fruit or cake.
5. Don't cross chopsticks on the table or stick them vertically into rice as it symbolises death.
7. If a car has its signal light indicating that it needs to pass before you, give way.
9. At a busy restaurant, quickly leave when you are done with your meal to accommodate waiting patrons.
10. Fold the top half of the banana leaf toward you to signify that you've enjoyed your meal and will return.
12. If someone offers to pay for your meal or gives you an unexpected present, politely refuse the first time and accept after they insist that you receive it.
14. Instead of your forefinger, point at places, things or people with your thumb with the other four fingers closed in a fist.
15. Always use your right hand when eating or handling food. The left hand is considered unclean as it is used to cleanse yourself.
17. Different people and communities in Malaysia practice different customs. Always be sensitive and respect local beliefs, customs, and culture.
18. If you need to excuse yourself by walking across seated guests, bend to lower your posture politely.
19. Do not wear pure white or black to a wedding reception. These colours are typically worn at funerals and signify mourning.
20. It is acceptable and usually preferred to give the gift of money to the wedding couple. Put the money in a red packet or in the wedding invitation envelope.
21. Some women may not shake hands with men. Wait for the lady to offer her handshake first or else greet her with a smile and a nod of the head.
22. Not everyone in Malaysia drinks alcohol. Always ask a person if he or she drinks before bringing alcohol to their home. If dining out, politely ask if it is okay for you to order alcohol.
