Malaysia, truly Asia! It is known that Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures! With the astonishing ethnic diversity to cuisine variety is simply exquisite. Something which is incomparable to any other countries across the world. Agree tak? Here are 10 things about Malaysia – probably a refresher/reminder for us locals and maybe as a guide for the newbies, like that 😊
- Malaysia is RICH!!!
So, you know the country boasts of a very diverse population which may be one of the most diverse populations in the world, this is why we would say, Malaysia is RICH! Malaysians of different races and cultures tend to have subtle differences in culture, language, religion, traditions and foods!!! As a result of the diversity, Malaysian produce a very unique element that most countries don’t have.
- Dah makan? 😊
Naturally, the first 2 questions after greeting another local is “Have you eaten”? Thanks to the diversity of its people, the cuisine variety in Malaysia is exquisite! It’s the cuisine that substantiates this claim. From Mamak Food (a mix of Indian and Malay) and then to Nyonya dishes (a mix of Chinese and Malay flavors, a Peranakan culture as we say), we just know how to feast right?
- Ipoh White Coffee
Okay, we all have our fair share of Kopi Ais ikat tepi right? But did you know that this Ipoh White Coffee specialty – it is made by roasting the coffee beans with margarine before brewing it. In Malaysia, “white coffee” just means a lighter colour of the roast. Wahhh!! Sounds syok, but before it was internationally exported, this was how it was and originate from yours truly, Ipoh Perak. Bangganya!
- Pulasan
Did you know our own homegrown Pulasan is high in vitamin C, which is good for the immune system. Pulasan health benefits include healing of wounds and repairing of bones and teeth. It is closely related to the rambutan and sometimes confused with it. Other related soapberry family fruits include lychee and longan. Similarly, you can also purchase Cebion Vitamin C and get a purchase with purchase items promotion or Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment together with the ongoing promotions! Cool kan? 😊
- Superstitious!!
Malaysians are veryyyy superstitious. Let’s say out of 5 friends, at least 3 would believe that it is best not to walk under the drizzling rain. The animist beliefs that predate Islam’s arrival on the Malay Peninsula have fostered a strong belief in the existence of the supernatural. Or even a banana tree has a “Penunggu” or wash your feet before going to bed at night.
- The colourful of Ethnicities in Malaysia
In Malaysia holds at least 60 sub-ethnics and as of 2019, the Indigenous Peoples of Malaysia were estimated to account for around 14% of the 33.45 million national population. They are collectively known as Orang Asal. In the Peninsular Malaysia, there are at least 0.7% of the population, 70.5% of Sarawak’s population and 58.6% of Sabah’s population. Oh so colourful!!!
- The All-Round of activities
There is a large variety of activities (city, beach, jungle, mountains, culture) in Malaysia. Go to the highlands of Cameron or shop and gamble in Genting, and then sky-high-dine at KL Tower, or deep dive off the beaches in Tioman, or even hike with zen to Mount Kinabalu and go trekking for Orangutans in Sarawak. Did we fill in your yearly calendar already? 😉
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia
We have Georgetown (Penang), and not to forget the most visited world historical site in Malaysia, city of Melaka, and then the “Perak Man” skeletons in Lenggong Valley in Perak , Gunung Mulu National Park, and Kinabalu Park. Who say Malaysia not best?
- “Open House” and “Buah Tangan”
Not just major Festive Seasons but also housewarming or even visiting on special occasion, Malaysian culture is just so natural in their customs – “Open House” or feel free to come over for a drink or makan-makan? But weh, don’t forget the “Buah Tangan”. We are so customized to just bring something along even if it’s just fruits or kuih-muih from the roadside stall. It’s in our blood. Best part, festive season, we come with hampers or food snacks such as:
Nutrabliss Organic Mixed Fruits by Watsons which gives you the 2nd buy with 60% or handy Antibacterial Sanitiser as a small cute gift!* 😉
- Bahasa Rojak
With a population as ethnically diverse as Malaysia’s, we mix the languages from English, Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil. The most classic thing we would say to our buddy is “Wei macha, you want makan here or tapau?” which simply means, “hey, do you want to eat here or take away?”
Finally – Selamat Hari Malaysia, #KakiWatsons!!! Proud to be Malaysian wherever we go! 😊
*Terms and conditions apply. Promotion valid from 8-28 September 2022 (WM), 15 September – 5 October 2022 (EM).
