Malaysian culture and weather

Malaysia is a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan country. There are three main ethnic groups: Malays, Indians and Chinese. You might find that some of the habits and customs of Malaysians differ from those in your own country.

• Introductions are normally acknowledged with a handshake. In the Muslim culture, handshakes are generally only exchanged between people of the same gender.
• The right hand is used when eating with the fingers and when giving or receiving objects.
• The right forefinger is not used for pointing at places, objects or people. The thumb of the right hand with all four fingers folded underneath should be used instead.
• Public behaviour is extremely important in Malaysian culture; as a visitor it is important to respect this. It is not customary for Malaysians to display affection in public.

Malay is the national language, with English in common use as a second language.

Find out more about Malaysia's culture and heritage

Climate in Malaysia

Malaysia is a tropical country, with typical temperatures ranging from 21 degrees to 32 degrees Celcius. Humidity is high - typically 80 per cent or more. The best clothes to wear are light, quick-drying fabrics like cotton. Rain falls on most days, usually in the form of a heavy downpour which lasts for an hour or so.

Malaysia has two distinct seasons: the dry season lasts from May until September and the rainy season lasts from mid-November until March.