10 Astonishing Facts About Malaysia That Will Leave You Speechless

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and is home to the people of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous backgrounds. Malaysians are generally quite gentle and reserved. They are often modest in their attire, body language, and tend to approach daily life with a great deal of patience. This behavior is referred to as halus, which means refined. In this article, we will be discussing 10 astonishing facts about Malaysia that will leave you speechless. 

Fact 10 - Wearing yellow clothing is banned in Malaysia.

The ban on wearing yellow began after the 2016 protest organized by a group called Baersi. BERSI, which means clean in Malay, is an association of non-governmental organizations advocating for electoral reform and transparency in the country. The protests attracted a significant number of participants who wore yellow t-shirts as a symbol of unity and their call for change.

The Malaysian government, concerned about the scale and impact of these protests under Prime Minister Najib Razak, responded to the protests by deploying riot police, using water cannons and tear gas, and making arrests. There were clashes between the protesters and the authorities.

It was at that time that the government prohibited the wearing of yellow clothing. The authorities perceived the color yellow as a potent symbol of opposition and a rallying point for future protests. This ban on yellow clothing has been met with criticism from civil society groups and human rights organizations. They argue that it is wrong because it stops freedom and goes against democracy.

They also argue that it is a way for the government to control people and stop them from expressing their opinions. Since then, the people of Malaysia have been cautious about wearing yellow in public gatherings and events that could be perceived as politically sensitive.

Fact 9 - All Newborn Babies Are Named After A Deceased Relative 

The Ebon community of Sarawak is a group of people with rich cultural traditions and beliefs. Their unique way of naming newborn babies reflects their deep-rooted connection to their ancestors and their belief in the cycle of life.

Every newborn baby is named oolot, which means worm, until they are officially named. This may seem odd to outsiders. However, it symbolizes the vulnerability and fragility of a newborn, much like a worm. It is also a way of protecting the baby from any potential harm until they are officially named.

The naming process itself is a significant event for the Iban people. They firmly believe that naming a baby after a deceased relative allows the spirit of that ancestor to continue living through the newborn. This belief strengthens the bond between the living and the deceased, creating a sense of continuity and preserving the collective memory of their ancestors.

To choose a name, the family make a list of names that remember family members who have passed away. They make rice balls, each one standing for a possible name. Then they bring in a fighting cock, which is important in Aibin tradition. The first rice ball the cock pecks at is the name chosen for the baby. This unique naming tradition showcases the Aibin people's respect for their ancestors and their belief in the spiritual connection between the living and the deceased. It is a way for them to pass down their heritage and honor their lineage.

Fact 8 - Pregnant Malay women do not tie, kill, or see anything ugly and scary during their pregnancy. 

In the Malay community, pregnant Malay women are advised to adhere to certain restrictions and practices to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. One important belief is that pregnant women should avoid tying or killing anything, as it is believed that doing so may lead to the birth of a baby with deformities or birthmarks.

This belief stems from the notion that the actions of the mother during pregnancy can directly impact the physical characteristics of the child. Therefore, pregnant women in Malaysia are cautious not to engage in activities that may have negative consequences for their unborn child.

Moreover, it is also customary for pregnant Malay women to avoid exposure to anything ugly or scary. This includes avoiding disturbing or frightening images, stories, or even certain environments. The reason behind this belief is to protect the emotional and psychological well-being of the mother and the baby. It is believed that negative experiences during pregnancy can have lasting effects on the child's temperament and overall development.

These cultural practices are deeply ingrained in Malaysia and are passed down from generation to generation. Malay women take these beliefs seriously and make a conscious effort to follow them during their pregnancy. They seek guidance from elders and experienced women within the community to ensure they are adhering to these customs correctly. 

Fact 7 - Graveyard Visits in Exchange for Lucky Lottery Numbers

In the Chinese-Malaysian culture, there's a tradition where people visit graveyards at night carrying gifts for their departed family members. They believe that by honoring their ancestors and offering them gifts, they can receive blessings and good luck in return. One common belief is that the spirits of the deceased can provide lucky numbers for the lottery.

This practice reflects a deep respect for ancestors and a belief in the continued connection between the living and the dead. It's a way for people to seek guidance and assistance from their ancestors, especially in matters related to luck and fortune. Visiting graveyards at night for this purpose is seen as a solemn and sacred ritual. People leave offerings such as food, drinks, incense, and other items that their ancestors would have appreciated in life.

They may also engage in prayers and rituals to communicate with the spirits and ask for their help. While some may view this tradition as superstition, for many Chinese Malaysians, it's an important cultural practice that strengthens their sense of connection to their heritage and their belief in the power of ancestral spirits.

Fact 6 - Malaysians Follow a Rotating Monarchy System 

This system is known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and it holds a significant place in the hearts of Malaysians. The position of the king is not hereditary but rather determined by a rotational system among the nine Malay state rulers.

This system ensures that each state ruler has the opportunity to serve as the king for a five-year term. The people of Malaysia hold great reverence for their king, who serves as a symbol of unity and continuity. During the reign of the king, Malaysians come together to celebrate various royal events and ceremonies. This includes the installation ceremony, where the new king is officially enthroned, and the royal birthdays, which are marked by nationwide festivities.

The presence of the monarchy in Malaysia is largely ceremonial, but the king still holds political powers. Therefore, he has constitutional powers, such as the ability to grant pardons and appoint the prime minister. The monarchy serves as a stabilizing force in the country, ensuring a smooth transition of power and maintaining a sense of national identity.

Fact 5 - Kissing and Cuddling in Cinemas 

In 1997, the government of Kelantan, Malaysia decided that lights in movie cinemas should stay on during screenings. This was done to discourage people from cuddling and kissing while watching movies. By keeping the lights on, the authorities hoped to prevent couples from becoming too comfortable and intimate in cinemas.

The decision led to discussions and debates among residents and moviegoers. Some people supported the measure, agreeing that it promoted modesty and decency in public places. However, others criticized it, saying that it violated personal freedoms and took away from the immersive experience of watching a movie in a dark theater while enjoying each other's company.

Despite the debates, the directive to keep lights on in cinemas remained in place. This reflects the influence of religious and cultural norms on local government decisions in Malaysia.

While it aimed to address concerns about public behavior, its impact on the cinema experience and inpidual freedoms continued to be a topic of debate. 

Fact 4 - Malay Brides wear their wedding rings on the fourth finger of their right hand, and this ring is placed on this finger by a senior female relative of the groom, instead of being placed by the groom himself.

During the wedding ceremony, it is customary for a senior female relative of the groom, often an aunt or grandmother, to place the wedding ring on the bride's finger. This act holds deep cultural meaning as it signifies the acceptance and blessings of the groom's family towards the bride. The choice of the right hand for wearing the wedding ring is also rooted in Malay tradition. It is believed that the right hand is closer to the heart, where love resides.

By wearing the ring on this finger, the bride carries the love and commitment of her husband close to her heart. This tradition reflects the strong familial ties and respect for elders in Malay culture. This involvement of a senior female relative in the placement of the ring emphasizes the importance of experienced women in guiding and supporting the newlyweds.

It is also believed that having someone else put the ring prevents the groom from appearing boastful or prideful. It is a gesture that reflects the Malay belief in the importance of humility and modesty in personal relationships. 

Fact 3 - The Past Between Singapore and Malaysia Between 1963 and 1965 Singapore was part of Malaysia, joining hands with other states to create a bigger federation.

There were 14 states in total. However, tensions arose among different cultural and political groups in Singapore leading to riots and disagreements regarding economic and governance matters. Eventually, these tensions reached a boiling point and Singapore separated from Malaysia on the 9th of August, 1965.

Following its separation, Singapore became an independent city-state, establishing its own government and embarking on a unique path of development separate from Malaysia. One theory suggests that the SI in Malaysia refers to Singapore. However, the term Malaysia existed before Singapore's separation from the Federation. Originally, it referred to the Malay Peninsula and the different states that later formed Malaysia, including Singapore, during the short period of Federation.

Although Singapore's exit reshaped the country, the name Malaysia stayed the same, referring to the remaining states that constituted the country after Singapore's separation. 

Fact 2 - Malaysians require a passport when traveling between East and Peninsular Malaysia Sabah and Sarawak

Two states in East Malaysia, have their own immigration laws separate from those of Peninsular Malaysia. This means that even Malaysian citizens need to carry a passport when traveling between these regions. The requirement for Malaysians to have a passport when traveling between East and Peninsular Malaysia is a unique feature of Malaysian internal travel. It originated from historical agreements made during the formation of Malaysia in 1963, which granted Sabah and Sarawak certain autonomy over immigration matters. As a result, travelers moving between East and Peninsular Malaysia must go through immigration checkpoints similar to those encountered when crossing international borders. This means presenting a valid passport for inspection, even though Malaysia is a single country. 

Fact 1 - 200 and 253 rainy days in a year. 

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, has recorded 200 rainy days in a single year. It experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. However, Kuching, located in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, holds the record for the highest number of rainy days in Malaysia, with 253 rainy days in a year. Kuching also has a tropical rainforest climate, which contributes to its high rainfall. Both cities receive abundant precipitation, making them relatively wet compared to other parts of Malaysia.

One notable characteristic of the people in these cities is their adaptability. They have grown accustomed to the frequent rain and have learned to incorporate it into their daily routines. For example, many residents carry umbrellas and raincoats with them at all times and it is common to see covered walkways and buildings equipped with sheltered entrances to provide protection from the rain.