Visitors often notice countless baffling things about Malaysia that make the locals unique. From our distinctive habits to our food obsessions, Malaysians have their own set of quirks and cultural traits that make our culture so vibrant and diverse.
Thanks to the country’s rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, Malaysia’s status as a melting pot is a source of pride.
Yet, despite the diversity, there are certain quirks that nearly every Malaysian shares.
These habits are so distinctively Malaysian that, even abroad, you can often spot a fellow citizen before meeting them.
One of the most unique habits is ending nearly every sentence with a “lah,” a word that adds a local flair to our speech.
Then there’s our fierce defense of the sanctity of Malaysian cuisine—an aspect so embedded in our national psyche that any slight to our food is almost a personal affront.
Visiting Malaysia isn’t just about exploring stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities – it’s also about diving into a world of charming eccentricities that will confuse, baffle, and amuse first-time visitors.
From our famous traffic jams without apparent cause to the endless parade of public holidays and the love-it-or-hate-it aroma of durian, Malaysia is a place full of surprises.
In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey to uncover 20 quirks defining the country and its people—us Malaysians.
In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey to uncover 20 quirks and peculiarities that characterize both the country and its people—us Malaysians.
When it comes to food, Malaysia is one of those places where people plan their next meal while still eating the current one.
Malaysians Will Travel and Queue for Good Food
For Malaysians, enjoying delicious food is an experience that should be noticed, regardless of the time or distance traveled.
We are remarkably willing to drive hours across state lines or stand in long lines that wind around city blocks in search of delicious food.
Malaysians will stop at nothing to satiate our cravings, whether it’s a hip café serving up the newest popular dish or a legendary street stall known for its delicious local specialty.
As an aside, Malaysians adore watching food-related videos on TikTok.
Malaysians Love Smelly Food
Uninitiated visitors might be intrigued and need clarification on Malaysians’ love for pungent foods.
A prime example is the durian fruit, known as the “King of Fruits,” celebrated despite its strong odor, likened to gym socks or rotting onions.
Malaysians treasure its creamy, custard-like flesh, making it a staple in local cuisine.
In addition to durian, other aromatic ingredients in traditional dishes include;
- “Hare koh”
- Belacan (fermented shrimp paste)
- Budu (fermented fish sauce)
- Petai (stink beans)
- Bamboo shoots
- Tempoyak (fermented durian paste)
While these strong-smelling treats might seem off-putting to some, they are integral to Malaysian culinary culture and cherished with enthusiasm.
If you’re a fan of Taiwanese “stinky tofu,” you’ll also find similar varieties in Malaysia.
Traditional Budu Making in Clay Pots in Kelantan.
“Mamak” Restaurants 24/7/365
Mamak stalls are open-air restaurants that originated in the Indian Muslim community.
They function as social hubs where people from all walks of life congregate to eat, drink, and converse.
These reasonably priced eateries are ideal for a late-night meal of nasi kandar or a quick breakfast of roti canai and teh tarik. They are usually open 24 hours a day.
Football enthusiasts gather there to watch international games in the middle of the night.
Malaysians congregate in these welcoming areas to relax, discuss current events, or just hang out.
Mamak stalls are a way of life and a culture beyond dining.
Malaysian Kopitiam Culture
In Malaysia, kopitiams—traditional Chinese coffee shops—remain a highly respected institution.
Serving up strong local coffee, kaya toast, half-boiled eggs, and a variety of Malaysian dishes, they are busy from the break of dawn until the early afternoon.
Locals adore these simple restaurants for their friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices.
In addition to being places to eat, kopiiam are lively social hubs where people congregate to share stories, gossip, and enjoy each other’s company while sipping kopi-o.
Malaysian Warung
In Malaysia, a warung is a small roadside stand that offers reasonably priced local halal food.
These modest eateries, which provide a warm, frequent outdoor space for enjoying traditional dishes like nasi lemak, roti canai, mee goreng, and satay, are a mainstay of Malaysian culture.
Aside from being places to eat, warungs also serve as social hubs where locals gather to chat over kopi or teh tarik.
Malaysian warungs, well-known for their genuine tastes and welcoming ambiance, offer a distinctive eating experience that showcases the nation’s rich culinary legacy.
Malaysian Cup Cup Sound
It’s common to hear the distinctive “cup cup” sound used to call waitstaff at local Malaysian eateries.
This informal and practical method involves making a clapping noise with cupped hands, often producing a sharp, rhythmic sound.
The “cup cup” serves as an audible signal to get the attention of waiters or waitresses, especially in bustling, noisy environments where shouting might be ineffective.
This practice reflects the casual and vibrant dining culture in Malaysia, where quick and effective communication is key to a smooth dining experience.
The Malaysian 555 Notebook
The “Buku 555” is a small, pocket-sized notebook iconic in Malaysia, used for notes and tracking debts.
Known as “sar eh goh” or triple five in Hokkien, it was once 5 cents and now costs around 20 cents.
These notebooks, bought in bulk by older Malaysians, were used by shopkeepers and kopitiam (coffee shop) owners to record expenses, credit, and orders.
They documented everything from daily marketing and tontine money to doodles and meeting notes.
Before credit cards, they were crucial for extending credit.
Though less common today, they remain available in some stationery shops, reflecting a nostalgic past when they functioned like Excel spreadsheets.
8The Malaysian Dream Book
Malaysians often dream of winning big—whether for a luxurious vacation, a dream car, or a lavish lifestyle.
This aspiration drives many to gamble and forecast numbers.
In the 60s and 70s, “chap ji kee” (Hokkien for “twelve numbers”) was a popular simplified version of the 4-D lottery.
It involved guessing a combination of two numbers from twelve options, with bets placed either vertically or horizontally.
The “chap ji kee” dream book is a B5-sized dark pink booklet featuring Taoist deities like Tua Pek Kong or Guan Ying, believed to bring luck. It contains small columns and rows with images and double numbers, serving as a punter’s reference.
Many old-timers recorded their lucky numbers in their “555” notebooks, linking the two as part of their betting strategy.
Malaysians Hospitality
“Have you eaten?” is a common greeting in Malaysian culture that conveys hospitality and concern as well as a strong love of food.
This question is an invitation to connect and a show of warmth, not just about the meal.
So, the next time someone asks you, “Have you eaten?”—even if you’re at a Mamak, Kopitiam, or Warung—remember that it’s not just a simple question; it’s a gesture of hospitality and kindness that defines Malaysian culture.
If you win big on 4D in Malaysia, it’s common to celebrate with a meal for everyone, a tradition known as “Belanja.”
Those who missed out often express their disappointment with the phrase “Bohjio,” sometimes sharing their feelings on social media with hashtags like #bohjio.
Malaysian Eat with Bare Hand
Dining in Malaysia is more than just savoring flavors—it’s a cultural experience.
Eating with your fingers, or “makan pakai tangan” in Malay, is a tradition that enhances the tactile pleasure of meals.
This practice is common with dishes like nasi lemak, banana leaf rice, and various traditional Malay, Indian, and Indonesian foods.
It adds intimacy and connection to the dining experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the food’s texture, flavor, and aroma.
In some classic Malay restaurants, metal pots on tables are used for washing hands, not for drinking, reflecting this unique cultural practice.
Malaysian Love Spicy Food
Malaysians love spicy food and often add sambal, chili flakes, or chili sauce to enhance dishes, from laksa and nasi lemak to pizza and burgers.
For us, a meal isn’t complete without chili, so if you’re up for it, embrace the heat—if not, opt for something milder.
Nasi :Lemak with sweet and spicy sambal
Malaysians Love to Tapao (Take Away)
In Malaysia, it’s common to “tapao,” or take food to go, from street vendors to upscale restaurants.
Whether due to busy schedules, convenience, or sharing with loved ones, Malaysians often leave with takeout bags, especially after events or during holidays.
Malaysians Love Affair with Ice-Cream Trucks
The sound of an ice cream truck’s jingle referred to locally as the “ais krim” or “aiskrim Malaysia” truck, is synonymous with Malaysian childhood memories.
Frequently decorated in vibrant colors, these trucks announce their arrival in neighborhoods by playing wistful music that can be heard from a distance.
A sight that brings back fond memories and a sense of community among Malaysians are ice cream trucks that serve ice cream sticks, popsicles, and regional flavors like durian and red bean.
Malaysians Love MILO
When Malaysians see a truck carrying MILO, they get thirsty immediately and rush to grab a cup of their favorite beverage.
Malaysians of all ages love MILO for its distinct chocolate-malty taste. When living away from home arouses feelings of comfort and familiarity.
MILO is the preferred beverage for breakfast, after engaging in physical activity, and for studying late into the night.
Food packages frequently include MILO, demonstrating the product’s enduring appeal, even when Malaysians travel.
Malaysian Essential Rice Cooker
In the past, Malaysian parents sending their children abroad for school often included essentials in care packages to bring a taste of home.
Packets of Maggi Mee, a favorite instant noodle known for its convenience and comforting flavor, were a staple.
Ayam Brand canned goods, like baked beans and sardines, were also popular due to their extended shelf life.
A Malaysian rice cooker, versatile for cooking rice and other dishes, was another essential.
Precooked foods like rendang, a rich meat dish with a long shelf life, were included to provide comfort and familiarity.
These items ensured that Malaysian students could enjoy familiar tastes, no matter how far from home they were.
Malaysian Public Holidays
Malaysia’s calendar is filled with frequent public holidays that are remarkably inclusive, celebrating a range of backgrounds, cultures, and religions.
Holidays like Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid) unite Malaysians to revel in joy and unity.
On these special days, the streets buzz with activity, homes are adorned with festive decorations, and the air is filled with the aromas of celebratory dishes as the nation embraces the festive spirit.
Malaysian Open House
Muslims celebrate Syawal, also known as Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, with open houses where people of all racial backgrounds, faiths, and cultural traditions are welcomed into homes.
Politicians also uphold this tradition with festive open houses, bridging political divides.
Similarly, during Chinese New Year, politicians host banquet dinners and kenduri for their constituents, bringing everyone together to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.
Malaysian Rubber Time
“Malaysian timing,” also known as “Rubber time,” is a term used to describe Malaysians’ relaxed and adaptable approach toward punctuality and time management.
While not unique to Malaysia, this stereotype suggests that delays are expected at events, meetings, and social gatherings.
If someone says they’re on their way, they might still be at home or just waking up.
This idea, in contrast to strict punctuality, reflects a cultural preference for relationships over strict timekeeping and flexibility.
Malaysian Buildings Skip Level 4
Strangely, you hardly ever find a “Level 4” or a unit number 4 in Malaysian buildings.
A deep-seated cultural superstition surrounds the number “4”, which is the reason for this omission rather than random chance.
The Mandarin pronunciation of “four” is closely related to the word “death,” which is why the number “four” is connected with death in Chinese culture.
Because Chinese people are so common in Malaysia, many buildings have “3A” instead of “4” to shun negative connotations.
Manglish
In Malaysia, the linguistic mix known as “Rojak” or “Manglaish” can confuse outsiders.
Malaysians are typically fluent in their mother tongue (Tamil, English, Mandarin, or Malay), plus at least two other languages and various regional dialects.
It’s common to hear Indians or Malays speaking Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Chinese speakers conversing in Malay.
Language in Malaysia bridges diverse communities, with conversations often blending multiple languages based on context and participants.
Malaysian “Lah,” “Mah,” “Lor,” and “Wah”
Malaysian English, also referred to as “Manglish,” is distinguished by these informal suffixes.
These particles give a sentence emphasis, feeling, or subtlety. They are borrowed from Malay and Chinese dialects.
“Lah” can mean, for example, “Come on, lah, it’s just a bit of durian!” or “That’s how you do it, mah!” whereas “mah” usually means “explanation” or “clarification.”
“Lor” indicates a sense of helplessness or resignation (“No choice lor, have to queue up”), while “wah” conveys amazement or admiration (“Wah, so delicious!”).
These peculiarities in language are not merely fillers; rather, they give ordinary Malaysian speech body and expression, which enhances the vibrancy and interest of discussions.
You can always tell when a Malaysian is close by when you hear their distinctive “LAH”
Malaysian Humidity
Malaysian humidity, typically 70% to 90%, intensifies the tropical heat, making stepping outside an immediate sweat-inducing experience.
Malaysians often indulge in iced desserts or lightweight clothing to find relief. Shopping malls have become vital air-conditioned havens, offering much more than retail therapy.
These malls double as social hubs, entertainment centers, and culinary destinations.
With attractions such as cinemas, ice-skating rinks, and indoor theme parks, malls provide a cool refuge and have seen continuous popularity and growth across Malaysia.
Malaysia has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather throughout the year.
Malaysian Washroom
While Western-style toilet seats are common in urban areas and tourist spots in Malaysia, squat toilets are still widely used.
Some people prefer squat toilets so much that they might squat on standard seats if a squat toilet isn’t available.
Visitors will also encounter the bidet hose, or “bum gun,” a common feature in most Malaysian bathrooms.
Though these elements may be unfamiliar to newcomers, they are integral to local hygiene practices and reflect the diverse nature of Malaysian washrooms.
Malaysian Wildlife Encounter
You may be surprised to learn that in Malaysia, wildlife encounters can happen even in urban areas, not just in the depths of the jungle or remote nature reserves.
Malaysia’s rich biodiversity means it’s not unusual to see monitor lizards on sidewalks or monkeys sneaking into kitchens through open windows.
Occasionally, small snakes enter ground-floor houses, requiring a call to the fire department.
Malaysians have learned to adapt to these experiences with a mix of amazement and familiarity.
Monkeys, monitor lizards, and squirrels are among the common Malaysian wildlife seen in urban areas.
Malaysian Mat Rempit
“Mat Rempit” refers to young Malaysian motorcyclists known for their thrill-seeking and rebellious behavior, often engaging in illegal street racing and stunts.
While they are part of a defiant subculture, they are criticized for their dangerous and disruptive activities.
Similar to the Mat Rempit phenomenon, the ‘Kapchai’ culture of Basikal Lajak, or mosquito bicycles, involves young riders engaging in risky behavior.
These boys often perform dangerous stunts, and collisions have occurred when vehicles crash into groups of teens racing Basikal Lajak (modified bikes).
Malaysian Bikers Jackets
Motorcyclists in Malaysia have a distinctive look: they wear their jackets backward, front facing backward.
This quirky fashion protects their necks from the sun, wind, and dust while allowing for easy on and off and ventilation in humid weather.
It’s a practical and inventive solution to the challenges of riding in Malaysia’s climate.
Malaysian Unique Hand Gestures
Malaysians use unique hand gestures deeply rooted in their culture.
For instance, calling someone over often involves a downward-facing palm-scooping motion, which might seem impolite in some Western cultures.
Malaysians generally use their thumb instead of the index finger to point, as pointing with the index finger is considered rude.
These subtle but significant gestures are critical aspects of Malaysian communication and etiquette.
On a Final Note
These quirky habits and unique customs give Malaysia its charm and endearing character.
Now that you’ve learned a bit about Malaysian culture and its quirks, whether you’re a local or a visitor, embracing these peculiarities will offer a deeper appreciation of what it means to be Malaysian.
From our love for smelly food to our unique linguistic blend, these quirks are the threads that weave the colorful tapestry of Malaysian life.
“Selamat datang ke Malaysia! We wish you a memorable experience filled with the vibrant culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality that make Malaysia unique.
