Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 10:04 am Post subject: Malaysia Do's and Don'ts
Don't be surprised to see U.S. television shows or movies in Malaysia, and don't be surprised if a lewd joke or kissing scene is missing. Many Malaysians are enamored of Western films and television, but the more conservative government censors all programs for any behavior it deems inappropriate in relation to traditional Islamic values. Shows like Sex and the City are banned in some parts of the country.
Don't kiss anyone in public - not romantically anyway. It has become fashionable in Kuala Lumpur (but not in other parts of the country) to kiss friends hello and goodbye as is done in Europe.
Do remove your shoes when entering someone's home and never take a gift of alcohol.
Don't touch the head of an adult.
Don't point the bottom of your feet at anyone.
Do wait until you're in Malaysia to convert most of your currency. A special permit is needed to bring large amounts of ringgit (Malaysia's currency) into or out of the country. There are no restrictions for foreign money.
Don't offer to shake hands unless you know that your acquaintances are fairly Westernized. Even then, let them offer to shake first. Never shake hands with women unless they offer to do so first.
Don't bring up the topic of ethnic relations in Malaysia or the political system: They are both sensitive subjects.
Don't even think about buying or transporting illegal drugs - there's a mandatory death penalty for trafficking (possession of 200 grams of marijuana is considered to be trafficking).
Do try to attend a puppet show or cultural performance.
Don't try to ride or disturb sea turtles attempting to nest on beaches, and don't toss your trash in the water, especially plastic bags - turtles can mistake them for tasty jellyfish and suffocate.
Do help preserve reefs and beaches by leaving coral and shells where you find them.
Do pay careful attention to your attire if you're female: Wearing hot pants and vests on the islands where Malaysians are used to foreigners is fine, but it may invite harassment elsewhere. At mainland beaches, bring a wrap-around as well as a swimsuit so you won't feel conspicuous; Malay women usually go swimming fully dressed and some keep their scarves on. While you wouldn't be expected to do the same, it's best not to draw attention. _________________ Asia Expats Forum Expat Friends Dating
Mikey, notice u posted thread in 2004. Can i update it?
Don't be surprised to see U.S. television shows or movies in Malaysia, and don't be surprised if a lewd joke or kissing scene is missing. Many Malaysians are enamored of Western films and television, but the more conservative government censors all programs for any behavior it deems inappropriate in relation to traditional Islamic values. Shows like Sex and the City are banned in some parts of the country. Nowadays lots of frenchies been shown on TV,especially on Astro.But if you really wanna watch the 'hot stuff' endure the long-winded Indian movies
Don't kiss anyone in public - not romantically anyway. It has become fashionable in Kuala Lumpur (but not in other parts of the country) to kiss friends hello and goodbye as is done in Europe. True...unless you like french kissing with an ape
Do remove your shoes when entering someone's home and never take a gift of alcohol. Alcohol ok as gifts for non-muslim friends
Don't touch the head of an adult. Or a child!!! Or the apes!!!
Don't point the bottom of your feet at anyone. Mostly in the malay culture.Dunno bout other groups??
Do wait until you're in Malaysia to convert most of your currency. A special permit is needed to bring large amounts of ringgit (Malaysia's currency) into or out of the country. There are no restrictions for foreign money. Yeah and if you change currency in a posh building like KLCC you'll end up losing. Find modest money-changers they offer better rates!
Don't offer to shake hands unless you know that your acquaintances are fairly Westernized. Even then, let them offer to shake first. Never shake hands with women unless they offer to do so first. Yeah quite true, and girls don't offer to shake hands with muslim men unless they offer their hands to you first
Don't bring up the topic of ethnic relations in Malaysia or the political system: They are both sensitive subjects. Eer...depends the group you're with actually.Some are very open-minded and they usually go over board cussing on the .....
Don't even think about buying or transporting illegal drugs - there's a mandatory death penalty for trafficking (possession of 200 grams of marijuana is considered to be trafficking). BE AFRAID... BE VERY AFRAID!!!
Do try to attend a puppet show or cultural performance. EH?? Really?But yes the Gamelan show is BEAUTIFUL!!
Don't try to ride or disturb sea turtles attempting to nest on beaches, and don't toss your trash in the water, especially plastic bags - turtles can mistake them for tasty jellyfish and suffocate. YES!!! And do not attempt to feed the mermaids!!!
Do help preserve reefs and beaches by leaving coral and shells where you find them. YES!!
Do pay careful attention to your attire if you're female: Wearing hot pants and vests on the islands where Malaysians are used to foreigners is fine, but it may invite harassment elsewhere. At mainland beaches, bring a wrap-around as well as a swimsuit so you won't feel conspicuous; Malay women usually go swimming fully dressed and some keep their scarves on. While you wouldn't be expected to do the same, it's best not to draw attention.Hmm, things have been relaxed these days Mikey. Just don't go around topless, and guys, try not to wear those thongs on the beach please!! _________________ Ana S
that bottomm the foot thing is also an issue in Saudi Arabia.
In thialand one should never point with the foot or move anything with the feet _________________ Asia Expats Forum Expat Friends Dating
Mikey... this may sound like a dumb question but i notice the word 'Plebian' under my nick AnaS. What's that? Same goes for novita's and cohort for some guys. Sorry but i am not really IT-savvy or PC-savvy for that matter.
Yeah,yeah... go ahead and LOL!! _________________ Ana S
... and I just found out a 'Plebian' has no access to the 'Adult Section'. What's in the 'Adult Section'?? Adult stuff?? How 'adult' dya need to be in order to gain access?? Does it help if I have a driving license?? _________________ Ana S
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