Section A - Customs and Traditions - Guidelines (Masyitah)

The thought of embarking for a new foreign country tends to set off a series of questions and countless possibilities born from imagination. Local practices there may be completely different than those of one’s home country. This could make it a challenge for a foreigner to adapt, especially if planning to stay for the long term – like the new foreign students here in this international school. Thus, here are some guidelines to help you fit in with the locals, where the majority are Malays.

•          Before presenting a gift to someone, ensure it is ‘halal’.

The concept of ‘halal’ is very important in a country like Malaysia. According to this concept, any product derived from pigs should not be consumed. Pork and pigskin are a few examples to name. The ‘halal’ concept is normally associated with food, although it is not limited to just that. It also comprises of anything that can be used by people, such as apparel, footwear, or tools like brushes made from pig fur. Despite seeming like a rigid restriction, there are many other animal-derived products that are perfectly fine to consume. For instance, chicken meat, leather products, and synthetic brushes. As such, alcohol would not be suitable as a gift for all occasions.

•          Modesty is the best policy.

Nudity is not well accepted here compared to Western countries, thus dressing modestly is important to keep away misunderstandings and unwanted attention, especially if one intends to visit places of worship. The concept of modesty is practiced by the people on varying degrees. Rural areas usually place a larger emphasis on it, while metropolitan areas may be more lenient due to having a larger population of people with different views of modesty.

•        Refrain from making physical contact with a different sex unless prompted.

Locals are aware of the handshake practice commonly used in Western countries, hence it is generally permissible to shake hands between members of the same sex. With different sexes, it is more difficult to determine whether they are fine with physical contact. Thus, waiting for a cue – like them initiating the handshake – would be a better option. This will also save one from any embarrassment by accidentally offering to shake the hand of someone who does not practice it.

To conclude, there are several important practices to be mindful of when interacting with the locals, including the concept of ‘halal’, modesty, and physical contact between different sexes. Once these basics are mastered, any foreign student will be able to fit right in with their Malaysian peers.