Tuesday 24 November 2015

Various Ethnic in Malaysia

VARIOUS ETHNIC IN MALAYSIA
Introduction
Having an interesting past and being a part of the international spice route many hundreds of years ago, Malaysia has turned into a mosaic of cultures. Everything from its people to its architecture reflect a colorful heritage and an varies culture. To understand Malaysian culture, you must first get to know its people.
Discover a Land of Intriguing Diversity
Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generation. All these three cultures are the main cultures in Malaysia and have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture.
In Sabah and Sarawak, there a varies of indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.

Malay
Today, the Malays, make up Malaysia's largest ethnic group, which is more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions and speaks the Malay language. Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Buddhism began when the Sultan of Melaka embraced it in the 14th Century. They are known for their good mannerisms.
Chinese
The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form 25% of the population. Mostly descendents of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, different dialects are spoken. Hokkien is spoken mainly in the North, in Penang and Cantonese in Kuala Lumpur. There are other dialects like Teochew and Hakka and other smaller dialects such as Foochow, Henghua, Kwongsai, Hokchia and Hokchui. Mandarin is widely spoken in the southern states. The Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense.
Indians
The Indians constitute 10% of the Malaysian population and is the third and smallest of the three main ethic groups. Most are from Tamil Speaking South India who immigrated to Malaysia during British colonial times. Mainly Hindus, they brought their colourful cultures such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
East Malaysia
In East Malaysia, the indigenous people of Sarawak are known as the Dayaks, the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. The largest indigenous ethnic groups of Sabah's population are the Kadazan Dusun, the Bajau and the Murut.
·                     Sarawak
Dayak
Dayak means upstream or inland. Typically, they live in longhouses traditional community homes that can house 20 to 100 families.
Iban
Iban is the largest of Sarawak's ethnic groups with over 30% of the state's population. In the past, they were a fearsome warrior race known for headhunting and piracy. Sometimes wrongly called Sea Dayaks for their boating skills, they live in the heart of Kalimantan.
Bidayuh
The Bidayuh are peace loving and easy going but ironically have a history of headhunting. Their roundhouses are mainly located in Sarawak's mountainous regions.
Orang Ulu
Orang Ulu are the upriver tribes of Sarawak. Artistically inclined, their longhouses are ornately decorated with woodcarvings and murals. Their utensils are embellished with intricate beadwork; and aristocratic ladies cover their body with finely detailed tattoos.
·                     Sabah
Sabah’s indigenous people include Kadazan-Dusun, Kwijau, Murut, Bajau, Illanun, Lotud, Rungus, Tambanuo, Dumpas, Mangka’ak, Suluk, Illocano, Orang Sungai, Brunei, Kedayan, Tagalog, Bisaya, Tidong, Indonesian, Maragang, Orang Cocos, Paitan, Ida’an, Minoko, Rumanau, Serani, Chinese of mixed bumibutra parentage and Filipino of mixed bumiputra parentage.
Kadazan Dusun
The largest ethnic group of Sabah, the Kadazan Dusuns form about 30% of the state's population. Actually consisting of two tribes; the Kadazan and the Dusun, they were grouped together as they both share the same language and culture. However, the Kadazan are mainly inhabitants of flat valley deltas, which are conducive to paddy field farming, while the Dusun traditionally lived in the hilly and mountainous regions of interior Sabah.
Bajau
The second largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Bajaus make up about 15% of the state's population. Historically, a nomadic sea-faring people that worshipped the Omboh Dilaut of God of the Sea, they are sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies. Those who chose to leave their sea-faring ways become farmers and cattle breeders. These land Bajaus are nicknamed 'Cowboys of the East' in tribute to their impressive equestrian skills, which are publicly displayed in the annual Tamu Besar festival at Kota Belud.
Murut
Murut means ‘Men of the Hills’ and they are the third largest ethnic group in Sabah, making up about 3% of the state's population. Traditionally inhabiting the northern inland regions of Borneo, they were the last of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce headhunting. Now, they are mostly shifting cultivators of hill paddy and tapioca, supplementing their diet with blowpipe hunting and fishing. Like most indigenous tribes in Sabah, their traditional clothing is decorated with distinctive beadwork. ‘Kaansayan Minatong’ means welcome in Murut language.

Written by: AKMAL ZAIDAH BINTI ARJUNAIDI

The Glory of Malaysia~

These are some of newspaper report from outside of Malaysia that talked about greatness of Malaysia.


MALAYSIA MOVING UPWARDS!


NEW YORK: Malaysia is ranked 32nd overall in the world for global innovation index, up one spot from position 33 last year, according to the Global Innovation Index (GII) this year. This was disclosed at a meeting of the Advisory Council of the Global Science and Innovation (GSIAC) fifth in midtown Manhattan, here on Monday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Meetings take advantage of a survey of GII report, newly published by Cornell University, INSEAD (graduate school of business graduate who has campuses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East) and the World Intellectual porperty Organisation (WIPO). "Malaysia is a middle income country, ranked the top in index innovation," the report said. The report said that "political stability, foreign direct investment and export-oriented industries among factors for the successful transformation of Malaysia as a middle-income country in the top positions." GSIAC is a body composed of national leaders and international leader in the fields of economy, trade, science and technology, and given the mandate to help countries reach high income status by 2020. Other actions include developing a national innovation system that mature with a healthy interaction between composition and major international environment gradually, cultivate the ability of firms to innovate through business combination is based on the framework conditions for innovation-friendly policies and measures that are responsive and dedicated. Attention is also given to strengthen the contribution of research universities and research institutions, especially by drivers and financing mechanisms, taking into account the various functions of the institution (of educating skilled personnel for STI through to carry out advanced research.


AFC CUP : 'Congratulations JDT as proud of Malaysia!'

The success of Johor (JDT) to win the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has become a household name and a clear victory in the eyes of the Malaysian flag Asia.JDT become the first local teams from Malaysia, who lifted the cup, in addition to break the monopoly of force from the Middle East who had previously won successive AFC.Susulan success, social media are used as a medium to convey its congratulations to the team's supporters tersebut.Penyokong Johor and Malaysians share this success as it new football history homeland after winning matches AFC it.

written by: Aida Filzah Binti Ramli

The Traditional Attires of Malaysian & Their Celebration

Malaysia is a multiracial country living in a safe and peacefully. Major races in Malaysia are Malays, Chinese and Indians. Malays are the largest community in Malaysia , followed by Chinese and Indians.

 
Baju Melayu

Baju Melayu is the national traditional clothing for Malay men. Baju Melayu is divided into two parts, clothes (long sleeve shirt) and pants and fitted with a side and a skull cap. Malay clothes usually worn as a daily wear especially to pray, to the office, formal occasions and as in traditional clothing.

Baju Kurung

Meanwhile, the dress for Malay women is a Malay traditional dress. Baju Kurung divided into two, there are Shirts and Tops Men's Kurung  .Today Baju Kurung was more advance because there add the modern style at the Baju Kurung and it call Baju Kurung Moden .This attire became the official dress for Malaysia and Brunei.
     
Cheongsam
Cheongsam or qipao is also called the woman dress with a pattern of Chinese nation. The name " cheongsam" means "long dress", translated into English in Tiongkok. Cheongsam is  a typical Chinese dress that clings to the body that highlights the body shape of the wearer. Many traditional Cheongsam satin or silk using a special pattern. Some motifs common to cheongsam is a flower, a bird, a dragon and so on.

Samfoo

Samfoo means 'shirt and pants' in Cantonese dialect. It is the daily dress of Chinese women and other than 'cheong sam' . It is favored attire by middle-aged women and the work on the farm, mine or at home. Samfoo made ​​of thin fabric that is not patterned or have  smooth flowering. Samfoo also worn by men of Chinese descent.

Sari

"The sari is the traditional dress that is the favored attire for  women in India. Sari is the traditional dress for women and can also be used as everyday clothing or during the festive season. "(M.Rajantheran, 1994) Sari consists of sheets of fabric that are half to two meters width. The long of the fabric is between five to fifteen meters according to the size of the women who wore the sari. The fabric is  rare and soft , bright hued , and decorated with beads.

Dhoti
Dhoti is the clothing for men. This dress is made of white colour material . This dhoti  can only be seen on the wedding day. Dhoti made ​​of sheets of white cloth wrapped around. The another material  is tied around the hips and thighs and then the slit on the shoulder. Then, it will be add at the fabric decorated with tiny beads that make the dhoti look more interesting.

CELEBRATION

Hari Raya Aidilfitri
For Muslims and the Malays, the Eid Mubarak celebration  is celebrated on the 1st of Shawal of Hijriah. The festival is also known as the Feast of Ramadan, Eid Fitr and Eid Day. Eid Mubarak  is a festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world as a sign  of the end of Ramadan in which the Muslims had undergone fasting. It is one of the two biggest festival for Muslims, beside  the Feast of Ramadhan celebration.

CHINESE NEW YEAR
For the Chinese, they celebrate the Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year symbolizes the beginning, the starting point in the destiny and life. Before the new year began, a distant relative will come back home together. The house will be cleaned and all the debts are collected or paid so that they are not always surrounded the new debt during the year. Burned firecrackers at midnight as the  mark the start of the new year and to dispel demons and bad luck. The houses are decorated with orange as a symbol of fortune, flowers and lime trees.

DEEPAVALI
Thaipusam and Deepavali is celebrated in honor of the Hindu god, Lord Murugan. Greeted of the tenth month in the Tamil calendar. They will fast for a month to cleanse the soul. Batu Caves, a Hindu sacred place for the people here. The main feature of this festival of Thaipusam, a Hindu will also bring ' kavadi ', a metal frame decorated with flowers, colorful papers and fresh fruit were upheld on the shoulder as a sign of repentance to God Subramaniam. During Thaipusam, Hindu devotees would carry a statue of Lord Subramaniam, the youngest son of Lord Shiva, on the silver chariot and paraded with traditional music.

Written by: Nur Iffah Binti Nasri

Beautiful Islands in Malaysia...

1. Pulau Pangkor (Pangkor Island)



Pulau pangkor is located in the state of Perak, Malacca Straits. In addition, Pangkor Island is a tropical island which has several tourist attractions worth visiting. There are several of interest places in Malaysia which are the Netherlands, stone inscription (Scared Rock), Pantai Puteri Dewi, Pasir Bogak, Teluk Nipah. Besides, we can surround the sea or do some sea activities. Among of the activities are swimming, snorkeling, fishing, banana boat, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing trip.

2. Pulau Tioman (Tioman Island)


This island is located in the east of the Peninsula Malaysia. Kg. Salang, this place can attract tourist to come here because whoever visit in this island definitely they will feel calm. It is because of the beautiful island and peaceful. There are some popular resorts in Kg. Salang. One of the popular resort Paya Resort, Salang Sayang Resort and Salang Indah Tioman.

 3. Pulau Redang (Redang Island)



Pulau Redang is one of the nine island that has been created as a national sea park Redang island which located in Terengganu and had been known as turtle preservation. Generally, this island is one of the famous island that had been visited by tourist and also Malaysia citizen.

4. Pulau Dayang (Dayang Island)


 The largest island after Langkawi. The island is named on the basis of the story of sacred gegarsi named Dayang Bunting. Among the places of interest in the island is Tasik Dayang Bunting and Langsuir cave. A jetty was built near of Pulau Dayang Bunting for tourist boats stop. Green lake water is crystal clear and raises an interesting panorama.

5. Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Island)



This island has been created by two island which are Perhentian Besar Island and Perhentian Kecil island, and now it is called as Perhentian island. The activities that can attract tourist and visitor are snorkeling and travel using boat to see the beautiful island.

6. Pulau Kapas (Kapas Island)


Kapas island is located in South China Sea from Marang Jetty in Terengganu. This name is come from the cotton plant that flowers can be made of cloth or cotton.

For more information, go to: 

written by: Norazwani Binti Zamanhuri 

Monday 23 November 2015

Food in Malaysia

Food in Malaysia

Basically, there are variety of food in Malaysia seems this country have three main races such as Malay, Chinese and Indian population. These three races have their own traditional food and those foods are popular in Malaysia. Malaysian food, of course is very much reflective of the diversity of the people staying here. It doesn't take an adventurous traveler or food enthusiast to appreciate Malaysian food. There are just so much to choose from, whether traditional or modern cuisines, deem to satisfy the choosiest tastes buds. The staple food in Malaysia is rice, just like the other Asian countries. Due to its sunny weather all year round, fruits and vegetables are in abundance while meat, poultry and seafood is inexpensive and readily available. Malaysian food, just like its people, is divided into Malay, Chinese and Indian and is still prepared by their own unique ways.

Malay Food:
Generally, Malay food in Malaysia is everywhere. The most traditional Malay food in this country is ‘nasi lemak’. At its very basic, Nasi lemak is a plate of white rice cooked in coconut milk. Accompanying it on the plate is ‘sambal’, a chilli paste mixed with salted anchovies or ‘ikan bilis’. A good ‘sambal’ is a balance of mushiness, spiciness and sweetness. Then, there is an egg served, either boiled or fried, with cucumber slices and a helping of salted anchovies and peanuts. Finally, you may add beef or chicken ‘rendang’, essentially pieces of meat cooked in rich coconut milk and curry. It is the most delicious traditional Malay food here and it is the most common food in Malaysia. If you do not believe it, try it on. It is not only nasi lemak is the traditional food, there is also satay, roti jala, kuih-muih and others that I am not mentioned it. Below is the picture of some traditional food in Malaysia:
Nasi Lemak

Satay

 
Chinese Food:
Mooncake is available during the Mooncake Festival’ in September, with bean paste, lotus paste or lotus seed fillings, each with egg yolk if desired. This is the traditional food around Chinese population where they will have it every year. On top of that, there is a several traditional Chinese food such as Hainanese chicken and also wantan mee. Hainanese chicken rice is rice cooked in chicken stock and topped with steamed or roasted chicken. Also, Wantan mee is a soup noodles with prawn or pork dumplings and thin slices of roast pork or minced chicken. Seems it have a pork, so basically only non-Muslim will allowed to eat it. Nevertheless, mooncake is clearly enough popular in our country for Chinese population.
Mooncake


Indian Food:
Indian in origin, this popular pastry pancake is an all the time favorite appetizer on menus in Malaysian eateries all around the globe. Roti canai, it is name originating from the region of Chennai in India, is also known as Roti Paratha. A side of curry is served for dipping the flaky pancake, usually a Malaysian Chicken Curry. Also, chapati has a delightful flavor and chewy texture. Indian traditional food is popular with their curry as they have too many ingredients in their cooking especially the variety of spice routes. That makes the food are more tasty. 
Roti Canai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_cuisine


Written by: Noor Syafiqah Bt Mohd Salim

Holidays~~ ^_^

MALAYSIA 2015 PUBLIC HOLIDAY
DATE
OCCASION
1 JANUARY 2015
NEW YEAR’S DAY
3 JANUARY 2015
PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S BIRTHDAY (MAULIDUR RASUL)
1 FEBRUARY 2015
FEDERAL TERRITORY DAY
3 FEBRUARY 2015
THAIPUSAM
19; 20 FEBRUARY 2015
CHINESE NEW YEAR
1 MAY 2015
LABOUR DAY
3 MAY 2015
WESAK DAY
6 JUNE 2015
THE YANG di-PERTUAN AGONG’S BIRTHDAY
4 JULY 2015
NUZUL AL-QURAN
17; 18 JULY 2015
AIDILFITRI
31 AUGUST 2015
NATIONAL DAY
16 SEPETEMBER 2015
MALAYSIA DAY
24 SEPTEMBER 2015
AIDILADHA
14 OCTOBER 2015
AWAL MUHARRAM
10 NOVEMBER 2015
DEEPAVALI
24 DISEMBER 2015
PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S BIRTHDAY (MAULIDUR RASUL)
25 DISEMBER 2015
CHRISTMAS
END OF THE 2015
Malaysia is a multiracial country. The Malaysian consists of 3 main races which are Malays, Chinese and Indians. Therefore,  Malaysia one of the country which had many public holidays alongside other Asian country. Malaysia was listed as top 5 as a country which had a lot of public holidays. There are two types of public holidays in Malaysia, those at national and state levels. National holidays are normally observed by most governmental and private organisation. State holidays are normally observed by certain states in Malaysia or when it is relevant to the state itself.
Every year, the public holidays in Malaysia are repetitive but sometimes fall on a different date or month. Still, the holiday are because of the same reason. The holiday that unchanged is the New Year’s Day, Labour Day, National Day, Malaysia Day and Christmas. The religious and ethnic holidays depend on their own calendar. As examples, the Muslim used the Islamic Calendar, the Chinese used Lunar Calendar and the Indians used Saka Calendar.



Other site that can be refer for more holidays : holidays
Written by: Aini Jalwa Binti Ahmad Kamal