Blog: The Lesser known Facts About Malaysia

With 879 islands, and spectacular infrastructure, Malaysia managed to hold its position among the famous tourist spots across the globe. Breathtaking beaches and landscapes are adorned with historic architecture and thriving cultural diversity. Kuala Lampur plays the ideal Muslim location. While Islam is the official religion of the country, non Muslim population also contributes heavily to the diversity of the country.

Malaysian cultural diversity is something to be appreciated, and to be explored more. If you are planning to visit the country, make sure that you have a nice little chat with the natives, and visit places other than the obvious tourist spots.

While the Petronas Towers (twin towers), Perdana Botanical Gardens, Batu Caves, and Kilim Geoforest Park are some of the unmissable spots, I would advice you to go local. Switch off that typical tourist mode, and go deeper into the country.

As a Muslim, I found Malaysia’s culture and inclusivity to be interesting. Do you know that Along with Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali (the festival of light celebrated by India) are also declared as national holidays in Malaysia?

Over 63.5% of Malaysian population is Muslim. According to the 2020 census, 18.7 % in Malaysia follow Buddhism, 9.1 %, Christianity; 6.1 %, Hinduism; and 9% follow other religious groups including Confucianists, Taoists, Sikhs, and so on.

I would say that Malaysia understands the core idea of what a Mosque stands for. In Malaysia, there are no mosques. Yup, you heard me right. In Malaysia, the idea of a mosque or a masjid is quite different. While in every other Muslim country, mosques are strictly for praying, here, mosques are more like community centres. Exactly as it should be.

In the National Mosques, women and men go together. While we go to cafes to catch up, in Malaysia, people come here. The whole set up is entirely different from other countries. If you are tired after your long flight to this Island nation, and you want to freshen up, and don’t know where to start, don’t worry. Go straight to the mosque. You can take bath, and freshen up here. Then start your day with a hot cup of tea. Or coffee, as you prefer.

Spread over some five acres, this mosque has washrooms, and bathrooms for people to freshen up. The premises also have small tea shops, and hotels, serving Malay cuisine. While it costs 1 ringgit (Malaysian currency) for a bottle of water, you can also have it for free, inside the mosque.

Inside the mosque

Malaysia follows Shafi madhab (Islamic school of thought). The Friday sermons are in the Malay language. Being a staunch supporter of Palestine, often times, the sermon discussed the war-torn country. This Friday’s sermon, the topic was Gaza. Though it was in Malay, I understood what it was about through the visuals of Gaza shown on the screen. The sermon was directed to the Muslim ummah (community), and brotherhood.

Palestinian t-shirts and other stuff are also on sale inside the Mosque. Discussions and chit-chats will takes place here. People gather in small groups, or alone. Personally, I liked the idea of mosques in Malaysia more. The most respected and peaceful place for the community to relax and thrive. In my opinion, Mosques should be the most attractive and relaxing place for the community. The ultimate go to place.

Palestine t-shirt for sale inside the mosque in Malaysia.

In most Muslim countries, women are not allowed to visit cemeteries. This comes from the wrongful interpretation of what Prophet Muhammed had taught. In Malaysia, cemetery is more like a peaceful park. Women can also visit their loved ones. I saw a lady, sitting near the grave of her loved one with a black tea in her hand. May be she is filling him on all the happenings. This is a stark contrast scenario for me, coming from India, where women visiting cemeteries, and entering mosques are still hot topic of discussion among the Muslim community.

Cemetery

Malaysia follows European culture in choosing partner. While in many Muslim countries family plays huge role in choosing one’s partner, and children live with their parents until they get married and shift, its different in Malaysia. After one turns 18, they are free to fetch for themselves. If one find their person, and if both boy and girl are equally into it, families will unite for the nikkah ceremony (marriage ceremony in Islam). Both boys and girls are to move out from parents house after 18. Their education, and living expenses are mostly their own business, and family does not play a role in it.

Now comes the most interesting and unique practice in Malaysia. Divorce is an ugly affair in most cases. People who once shared pure love often transform into arch nemesis after divorce. Respect becomes an archaic. Families become foes. However, the Malay way of parting ways are quite different.

When a couple decide to part ways, they will hold a small party. A “divorce party”. Sounds nice right!

The couple will hold a small and intimate party. Both their families will attend. If the man decided to marry another woman, that woman and her family will also be invited to the party. The same is for the woman. The families will introduce to each other, have food together, and then part ways on good note. Malaysia should promote the idea, isn’t it!

Individual freedom is very much visible in Malaysia. A hijabi and a non-hijabi, who is comfortable in wearing shorts or any other clothing style, are still best of friends. Moral judgement have no place in here. Even though Malaysia is a Muslim country, and alcohol is strictly prohibited, it is available to everyone as easily as water. Malls, and shops will have liquor like water and other cool drinks. It is up to an individual to what to chose. However, drugs are a big no in Kuala Lampur. If caught, no turning back.

Another interesting fact is, in Malaysia, you don’t see Halal sticker, but non-Halal sticker. That speaks volume of inclusivity and respect for minority communities in the country. A perfect model for a functional brotherhood, and secularism.

As I approach the final words of my writings, what I should not miss is the Ramadan experience in Malaysia. The month is almost here, and the most intriguing facet of Ramadan life in Malaysia is the spirit of sharing and the family-oriented experience seen across the country. I witnessed many days when people arrived at the mosque hours before Iftar and shared their food with other families while sitting in circles. It is as if food prepared in one’s home is given to another family, creating a soulful connection through food in the holy month.

Malaysia is a gem. If you plan to visit this magnificent island nation, make sure to dive deeper.

(Anas Mundo is a dynamic entrepreneur with a decade of experience in internet business and technology. He currently serves as the director of seven companies across Malaysia, India, and the Middle East. With extensive expertise in the digital space, he has collaborated with hundreds of companies, providing strategic consulting on internet business and online branding.

A thought leader in his field, Anas has built multiple brands from the ground up. He holds an MBA from the London School of Commerce – Malaysia, in association with Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK. Committed to fostering entrepreneurship, he also runs a business school dedicated to shaping future leaders and passionate entrepreneurs.)