Malaysia

Greetings

There are three major ethnicities in Malaysia; Chinese, Malay, and Indian. Greetings tend to differ between the three.

Man greeting Man – The Chinese are comfortable with a light handshake, sometimes accompanied with a touch on the arm. Malay men will use the handshake and also the salaam accompanied with a slight bow. Indian men will use the handshake and also the namaste. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting. They are usually gentle and not to prolonged. Many people use a two handed handshake when greeting and departing.

Woman greeting Woman- Chinese women are comfortable with a light handshake or just a slight nod of acknowledgment. Malay women will use the handshake and also the salaam accompanied with a slight bow. Indian women will use the handshake and also the namaste.

Man greeting Woman - While handshakes are a common form of greeting, many times a simple nod or slight bow will do. Wait for the women to initiate with all three ethnicities.

Personal Space & Touch

• Malaysians prefer standing at least arms lengths from one another. Two to three feet is normal. When conversing with friends and close acquaintances this distance is a bit shorter
• Amongst friends and close acquaintances of the same sex, there is some touching during conversation. Avoid touching between men and women while conversing.

Eye Contact

• Malaysians tend to favor direct eye contact over indirect. However, they may view overtly direct eye contact as suspicious and threatening.
• Females tend to prefer more indirect eye contact when dealing with men.

Gestures

• People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers.
• Beckoning or pointing with a finger is considered bad form. Using your thumb with the rest of your fingers clenched in fist is the way to go
• Always use your right hand only to pass or receive an object.

Views of Time

• Malaysians view time in a more relaxed sense for the most part. They put more emphasis on people, relationship, rather than set schedules and deadlines.
• While the bus, train, and plane schedules will be adhered to for the most part, showing up a little late to a party or function is quite common.

Gender Roles

• Malaysia tends to be a patriarchal society and although women make up a decent part of the workforce, they are still second to their male counterparts in responsibilities, salaries, and status.
• Given that a large part of is Muslim, it is best for women to avoid revealing clothing and heavy make-up.
• It is okay for women to dine alone in restaurants but avoid going to bars and clubs alone if possible.

Taboos

• Avoid touching or passing object over the top of anyone’s head as it is viewed as the most sacred body part.
• Pounding your fist into the palm of the other hand may be an obscene gesture to some people.
• The surfer's “hang loose” sign may be an obscene gesture to some people.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age is 18 and enforced. Sales to Muslims is highly illegal.
• The legal smoking age is 18 and is becoming increasingly enforced as well.
• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include heavy fine, lengthy imprisonment and the death penalty for trafficking.

Dress

• For men: conservative colored suits with white shirts and ties. Jackets are not a must but good to have just in case. Being well groomed is appreciated.
• For women: Conservative skirts (below the knee), pants, suits, and blouses are appropriate. Avoid short, tight fitting, and sleeveless attire. Being well groomed is appreciated.
• Jeans, shorts, and business casual attire are not recommended.
• Avoid wearing anything yellow if possible as it is designated for the Malaysian royalty.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are somewhat important and to be safe it is best to address people by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• Be sure to present and receive business cards with the right hand supported by the left and it’s best to never write on or fold a business card you are given.

Meetings

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important even though they may not begin exactly on time.
• Periods of silence are considered acceptable and are to be expected, especially after a question is asked. Avoid interrupting, showing displeasure through facial or eye movements and talking over someone. Be patient.
• First meetings are generally to get to know one another, allow your host to begin the business discussion.

Negotiations

• Malaysians value relationship building and harmony so avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. Saving face is paramount.
• Decisions are usually made by committee or group consensus, although final say tends to come from the top down and can take awhile, so patience is a must.
• Malaysians will avoid using no in answering questions. They tend to say, “maybe”, or “that would be difficult” or even “yes” or “no problem” even if the answer is really no.
• Sucking in air between the teeth after a question is asked is a definite signal for no.

Gift Giving

• Very simple gifts are sometimes exchanged after a first meeting..
• Always use two hands when giving and receiving gifts and they are not to be opened when they are received.
• If given a gift it is customary to reciprocate the gesture with a gift of the same monetary value.
• Appropriate gifts when visiting an ethnic Malaysian home include, sweets, fruits, and perfumes that are not alcohol based. For Malaysians from Chinese and Indian backgrounds see the China and India pages on this website.

In the Classroom

• Dress is upscale casual as students usually wear slacks, shirts, pants, and blouses. Shorts and tank-tops are not usually appropriate.
• Classes at most universities run from early July to early May.
• Most university grades are given on a 0-4 scale with 4 being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually a 2.