As a nation, Malaysia represents a successful example of unity in diversity. Its people have, over a period of time, nurtured similarities but celebrated differences, leading to a dynamic culture that is constantly evolving.

This, in turn, has shaped the language, the arts, the way of living we see today - a potpourri of races and religions, cultures and traditions, that has since melded into something that is truly, uniquely Malaysian.

Ethnicity & Religion

Malaysia is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions, as well as major Asian ethnic groups, represented. In this relatively tiny area, peace thrives as the various groups co-exist in harmony and tolerance; complementing one another to enrich the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision of the nation.

Malay - The largest ethnic group in Malaysia, accounting for more than half of the total population today, is the Malays.

Its origins can be traced back to Yunnan China through the Proto-Malays and Deutero-Malays, which belong to the broader-based Malayo-Polynesian group of races. These early aboriginal groups first reached the peninsula around 2000BC.

Almost all Malays in Malaysia are Muslims.

Prominent festivals celebrated include Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji/Korban, Awal Muharram and Maulud Nabi.

The Malays, along with the indigenous people, form a group called bumiputra, a Bahasa Malaysia term which literally means "sons of the soil", which accords them special privileges as enshrined in the Constitution.

Chinese - The Chinese first arrived in Malaysia in the 15th century, when the Ming Princess Hang Li Po and her entourage arrived in Malacca, to establish a thriving community which gave rise to the Babas and Nyonyas of today.

Today, the Chinese form about 35% of the total population. Many still retain ties with their ancestral homeland, but ask any one of them, and they will tell you that they are Malaysians first.

Festivals and special occasions that the community celebrates include the Lantern Festival, Cheng Beng and of course, Chinese New Year, the time when the streets come alive with spectacular sights like the lion dance.

Indian - The Indian community in Malaysia is the smallest of the three main ethnic groups, accounting for about 10% of the country’s population. Tamils, Malayalees and Telegu-speaking people make up over 85% of the people of Indian origin in the country. The Punjabis (mostly Sikhs) are also substantial in number and the people of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan origin are included in the “Indian” category for statistical purposes.

Indians first came to Malaya for barter trade, especially in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang.

The Indians who came to Malaysia brought with them the Hindu culture – its unique temples, delicious cuisine and colourful garments. Hindu tradition remains strong until today in the Indian community of Malaysia.

The community celebrates two main festivals – Deepavali and Thaipusam – and many other smaller religious events each year. Indians in Malaysia mainly speak Tamil, Malayalam, Telegu and some Hindi.

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