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Published by Zuraida Yaacob, 2020-11-26 02:41:38

TOURISM MALAYSIA 1ST EDITION

This book also suitable for student who take Tourism in Malaysia subject.

DTM 1023 TOURISM MALAYSIA (1st Edition 2015)

AZLINDA BINTI AHMAD
FAIZAH BINTI YUSOF
KAMAL BIN ALI
MOHD SHAHRIR BIN AHMAD ZAINI
MOHD ZAIDI BIN SARIP
MUAINI HANIK ZUNAIRAH BINTI HARON
RUHANA WATI BINTI IRAN
WINNE ANAK CHENGAI
ZURAIDA BINTI YAACOB

All rights reserved. No part of this publications may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written
permission from Department of Tourism & Hospitality, Polytechnic Merlimau,
Melaka.

PERPUSTAKAAN NEGARA MALAYSIA
ISBN 978-967-0189-55-0

DEPARTMENTOF TOURISM &HOSPITALILTY
POLYTECHNIC MERLIMAU
KB1031, PEJABAT POS MERLIMAU
77300 MERLIMAU, MELAKA

For permission to use material from this text or product, contact us by
Tel :06 262 6687 ext. 6010
Fax : 06 2636678
e-mail : [email protected]

Editor : Zuraida binti Yaacob

Graphic designer : Mohd Shahrir bin Ahmad Zaini

PREFACE

Tourism Malaysia is exposes students to the tourism scenario in Malaysia. This book will

help the diploma student in the field of tourism and hospitality in order to understand their
courses. It also covers the history of Malaysian tourism while instilling a sense of
appreciation and pride towards Malaysia. Students will also be exposed to the various tourist
products and attractions available, not forgetting the demands and existing supply in
Malaysia.

This book is divided into 8 topics by different author. Topic 1, Malaysia in General, Topic 2
is Chinese Community in Malaysia, in Topic 3 discuss about Indian Community in Malaysia,
Topic 4 is Indegeneous Community in Malaysia, in Topic 5 is about Iban Community in
Malaysia, topic 6 is about Kadazan Community in Malaysia, Topic 7 Tourism in Malaysia
and Topic 8 is Baba and Nyonya Community in Malaysia.

We hope that this book will be beneficial for the students and the readers. We welcome any
suggestions for further improve in the future edition.

CONTENTS

Preface

Topic 1 Malaysia in General 1
Zuraida Binti Yaacob, Mohd Zaidi Bin Sarip 35
69
Topic 2 Chinese Community in Malaysia 91
Azlinda Binti Ahmad 106
135
Topic 3 Indian Community in Malaysia 171
Mohd Shahrir Bin Ahmad Zaini 157

Topic 4 Indegeneous Community in Malaysia
Ruhana Wati Binti Iran

Topic 5 Iban Community in Malaysia
Winne Anak Chengai

Topic 6 Kadazan Community in Malaysia
Kamal Bin Ali

Topic 7 Tourism in Malaysia
Muaini Hanik Zunairah Binti Haron

Topic 8 Baba and Nyonya Community in Malaysia
Faizah Binti Yusof

Phrases
Reference

TOPIC 1
MALAYSIA IN GENERAL

1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is a country with an abundance of land and natural resources but with a long
history, spanning through pre-independence times to the present, of shortages of people and
human resources. Traditionally, these shortages have been overcome by turning to three of Asia's
population and labour-surplus countries. As a result, Malaysia has a fascinatingly diverse
demographic context whereby its three largest communities-Malays, Chinese, and Indians can be
viewed as representing samples of three of the world's most populous countries such as
Indonesia, China, and India. As for people, Malaysians are very relaxed, warm and friendly.

Geographically, Malaysia is almost as diverse as its culture. 11 states and 2 federal
territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) form Peninsular Malaysia which is separated by the
South China Sea from East Malaysia which includes the 2 states (Sabah and Sarawak on the
island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan. One of Malaysia's key
attractions is its extreme contrasts which further add to this theme of ‘diversity’. Towering
skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit just meters
away from ancient reefs.

Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while their rainforest-clad slopes sweep
down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy
beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

In this topic, we will discuss more about Malaysian history, understanding of Malaysian
country; get more knowledge on general information about Malaysia and also about Malaysian
economic activities.

2

1.1 HISTORY OF MALAYSIA

The course of Malaysia history has been determined by its strategic position at one of the
world’s major crossroads, its tropical climate, the surrounding environment and the regime of the
northeast and southwest monsoons. Its position and other geographical circumstances made the
country a natural meeting place for the settlement and sustenance of small, self-supporting
human communities.

Malaysia History has been influenced to a great extent by outside influence of Hindu
Kingdoms, the arrival of Islam in the 10th century, the intrusion of European colonial power, the
Japanese occupation during World War Two and the establishment of a multi-racial Federation
of Malaya in 1957.

The Hindu Kingdoms ruled the Malays world from 100 BC to 1400 AD and reached its
peak in the Srivijaya civilisation based in Sumatra. During this time, Hindu culture was imported
from India and archaeological findings in Bujang Valley in the state of Kedah showed that they
were ruined by an ancient Hindu Kingdom dated back to the year 300 AD.

The arrival of Islam in the 10th century led to the conversion of the Malay and
Indonesian world. It reached its golden era from 1400 AD to 1511 AD during the reign of the
sultanates in Malacca. The European colonial powers came into this region to conquer the land
for its rich spices, minerals and as army posts in South East Asia. The Portuguese captured
Malacca in 1511 followed by the Dutch and finally the British.

In World War Two and the Japanese occupied Malaya from 1942 to 1945. After World
War Two, the British resumed their control of the country. After series of diplomacy and
discussion between the leaders of the country and the British, the multi-racial Federation of
Malaya was established in 1957. In 1963, Malaya became Malaysia with the joining of Sabah,
Sarawak and Singapore as part of Malaysia. However, Singapore separated from Malaysia in
1965.

3

1.2 MALAYSIAN COUNTRIES
The Federation of Malaysia comprises of Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and

Sarawak on the island Borneo. It is located in the heart of South-East Asia (refer figure 1.1).
Situated between 2° and 7° to the North Equator line, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from
Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia, covering 132 000 square
kilometers, is separated from Sabah and Sarawak, which covers 200 000 square kilometers,
about 500 kilometers of the South China Sea. In the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia lies
Thailand, and in the south, neighboring Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia
while Sarawak also shares borders with Brunei.

Figure 1.1: Malaysia showing state boundaries
4

1.2.1 Demography aspects of Malaysia
The current population of Malaysia in total is 30,267,367 a slight increase from

2013’s estimate of 29,791,949. Of this number 50.7% 9or 15,345,555) is the male
population and the remaining 49.3% (which is 14,921,811) is female population.

Malaysia is a multiracial country and bustling melting-pot of races and religions
where the main ethnic groups are Malays, Chinese, Indian and many other ethnic groups
live together in peace and harmony. Malays comprise 57% of the population, while the
Chinese, Indian and Bumiputeras and other races make up the rest of the country's
population.

While Malay is the national language (Bahasa Malaysia) the many ethnic groups
also converse in their various languages and dialects, but English is also widely spoken
because it is the 2nd most important language in Malaysia. Islam is the official religion of
the country, but other religions such as Buddhism and Christianity are widely and freely
practiced.

Our multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to
hundreds of colorful festivals. It is undeniable that we love celebrating and socializing.
As Malaysian people are very relaxed, warm and friendly.

1.2.2 Location of Malaysia on world map
Malaysia is located in the southeast of the Asian continent; therefore this region is

often referred to as Southeast Asia (refer Figure 1.2). It shares the same border with
Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. Malaysia is the 67th largest country in the world and
our land area is 329,847 km2. Malaysia is divided into Malaysian Peninsula in Southeast
Asia and Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Peninsular Malaysia is located just
above the equator and Borneo just beneath it. The large island Borneo is shared with
Indonesia (they call this island Kalimantan) and Brunei. To the north it borders the
Philippines (that still has claims on parts of Borneo) via sea.

5

Figure 1.2: Malaysia on the world map

Malaysia comprises of thirteen states and three Federal Territories. Eleven states
are situated on the Malay Peninsula as while as two Federal Territories, while two states,
Sabah and Sarawak are on the island of Borneo. One Federal Territory, the island group
with its main island Labuan is situated north east of Brunei and west Sabah (refer Figure
1.3). State that located at Peninsula Malaysia are Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor,
Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan while Sabah and
Sarawak are located at Borneo. The Federal Territories are Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and
Labuan.

6

Figure 1.3: Map of Malaysia

1.3 MALAYSIA GENERAL INFORMATION

Malaysia general information that will be discussed in this topic consists of Malaysia
government system, judiciary system, financial system, education system and security system.

1.3.1 Malaysian government system
Malaysia practices Parliamentary Democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The

federal head of state of Malaysia is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commonly referred to as
the King of Malaysia. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected to a five-year term among

7

the nine hereditary Sultans of the Malay states; the other four states, which have titular
Governors, do not participate in the selection.

a. Constitutional Monarchy
Constitutional Monarchy in Malaysia is a form of government in which a monarch
acts as head of state within the parameters of a written (i.e., codified), unwritten (i.e.,
uncodified) or blended constitution. It differs from absolute monarchy in that an
absolute monarch serves as the sole source of political power in the state and is not
legally bound by any constitution.

Most constitutional monarchies employ a parliamentary system in which the Monarch
may have strictly Ceremonial duties or may have Reserve Powers, depending on the
constitution, have a directly or indirectly elected prime minister who is the head of
government and practices effective political power. In the past, constitutional
monarchs have co-existed with fascist and quasi-fascist constitutions (Fascist Italy,
Francoist Spain) and with military dictatorships.

Contemporary constitutional monarchies include Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize,
Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Lesotho, Luxembourg,
Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden,
Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy. The federal head of state of
Malaysia is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commonly referred to as the King of
Malaysia. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected to a five-year term among the nine
hereditary Sultans of the Malay states; the other four states, which have titular
Governors, do not participate in the selection.

8

b. Parliamentary democracy
A parliamentary system is a system of government in which the ministers of the
executive branch are drawn from the legislature and are accountable to that body,
such that the executive and legislative branches are intertwined. In such a system, the
head of government is both de facto chief executive and chief legislator.
Parliamentary systems are characterized by no clear-cut separation of powers between
the executive and legislative branches, leading to a different set of checks and
balances compared to those found in presidential systems. Parliamentary systems
usually have a clear differentiation between the head of government and the head of
state, with the head of government being the prime minister or premier, and the head
of state often being a figurehead, often either a president (elected either popularly or
by the parliament) or a hereditary monarch (often in a constitutional monarchy)
(figure 1.4).

Figure 1.4: Parliament of Malaysia

9

Legislative power is divided between federal and state legislatures. The bicameral
parliament consists of the lower house, the House of Representative or Dewan Rakyat
(the "Chamber of the People") and the upper house, the Senate or Dewan Negara (the
"Chamber of the Nation").

The Malaysian Parliament is divided into three components which are Yang Di-
Pertuan Agong, Senate and House of representative.

i. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the Supreme Head of State as provided by the
Constitution. The full title for His Majesty is Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-
Pertuan Agong.The King performs his official duties upon the advice of the Prime
Minister and his Cabinet as provided for by the Constitution.

His Majesty also holds the position of Islamic Religious Head for the States of
Penang, Malacca, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territories. As Malaysia's
Supreme Head of State, the King is also the Supreme Commander of the
Malaysian Armed Forces.The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected every five years
in accordance with a rotating succession system determined by the Conference of
Rulers.

ii. The Senate

The Senate (Dewan Negara) consists of 70 members. The membership of the
Senate is made up of two categories:-
 26 members elected by the State Legislative Assembly to represent 13 states

(each state represented by two members).
 44 members appointed by His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on the

advice of the Prime Minister, including two members from the Federal
Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and one member each from the Federal Territory
of Labuan and Putra Jaya.

10

To be eligible as a member, a person must:-
 be a Malaysian citizen;
 be not less than 30 years old;
 be of sound mind;
 not be an undischarged bankrupt; and
 not have a criminal record.

The tenure of office is a three-year term for a maximum of two terms, applicable
to both federal and state appointments. The life of the Senate is not affected by the
dissolution of Parliament. Senators are drawn from the ranks of persons who have
rendered distinguished public services or have achieved distinction in the
professions, commerce, industry, agriculture, cultural activities or social service
or are representatives of a racial minority or are capable of representing the
interests of aborigines.

iii. The House of Representative
The House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) consists of 222 members who
hold office for a period of five years. Members of the House are elected by the
people through general elections, where each member represents a constituency.
Customarily, a Bill originates in the House of representative. Once approved, it is
tabled in the House of Representative for another debate. After that, the Bill has to
be approved before being presented to Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for his consent.
The Bill will then be gazette in the form of 'Government Gazette', thus making the
Bill a law as stated in the Government Gazette. The present Speaker of the House
is Tan Sri Datuk Pandikar Amin Bin Haji Mulia.

11

1.3.2 Judiciary system
The Judiciary of Malaysia is largely centralized despite Malaysia's federal

constitution, heavily influenced by the British Common Law and to a lesser extent
Islamic law, and is mostly independent from political interference. There are generally
two types of trials which is criminal trial and civil trial.

The jurisdiction of the courts in civil or criminal matters is contained in the
Subordinate Courts Act 1948 and the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. Article 121 of the
Constitution provides for two High Courts of coordinate jurisdiction, the High Court in
Malaya, and the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak (refer Figure 1.5). Thus this creates
two separate local jurisdictions of the courts – for Peninsular Malaysia and for East
Malaysia.

Figure 1.5: The High Court in Sabah & Sarawak
12

In Malaysia, the hierarchy of courts begins from the Magistrates' Court, Sessions
Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and finally, the Federal Court (refers Figure 1.6).

Figure 1.6: Hierarchy of courts in Malaysia
The highest position in the judiciary of Malaysia is the Chief Justice of the
Federal Court of Malaysia (also known as the Chief Justice of Malaysia), followed by the
President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of Malaya, and the Chief Judge of
Sabah and Sarawak.

13

The superior courts are the High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Federal Court,
while the Magistrates' Courts and the Sessions Courts are classified as subordinate courts.

a. Superior courts

i. Federal court
The Federal Court is the highest court in Malaysia. The Federal Court may hear
appeals of civil decisions of the Court of Appeal where the Federal Court grants
leave to do so. The Federal Court also hears criminal appeals from the Court of
Appeal, but only in respect of matters heard by the High Court in its original
jurisdiction (i.e. where the case has not been appealed from the Subordinate
Courts).

ii. Court of appeal
The Court of Appeal generally hears all civil appeals against decisions of the
High Courts except where against judgment or orders made by consent. In cases
where the claim is less than RM250,000, the judgment or order relates to costs
only, and the appeal is against a decision of a judge in chambers on an
interpleader summons on undisputed facts, the leave of the Court of Appeal must
first be obtained. The Court of Appeal also hears appeals of criminal decisions of
the High Court. It is the court of final jurisdiction for cases which began in any
subordinate courts.

iii. High courts
The two High Courts in Malaysia have general supervisory and revisionary
jurisdiction over all the Subordinate Courts, and jurisdiction to hear appeals from
the Subordinate Courts in civil and criminal matters. The High Courts have
unlimited civil jurisdiction, and generally hear actions where the claim exceeds
RM250,000, other than actions involving motor vehicle accidents, landlord and
tenant disputes and distress. The High Courts hear all matters relating to:
• the validity or dissolution of marriage (divorce) and matrimonial causes,

14

• bankruptcy and matters relating to the winding-up of companies,
• guardianship or custody of children,
• grants of probate, wills and letters of administration of estates,
• injunctions, specific performance or rescissions of contracts,
• legitimacy of persons.

The High Courts have unlimited jurisdiction in all criminal matters other than
matters involving Islamic law. The High Courts have original jurisdiction in
criminal cases punishable by death. Cases are heard by a single judge in the High
Court, or by a judicial commissioner. While High Court judges enjoy security of
tenure, judicial commissioners are appointed for a term of two years, and do not
enjoy similar protection under the Constitution. An application for a judicial
review is applied in this court.

b. Subordinates courts

i. Sessions court
Somewhat like the former Quarter Sessions in England, the Sessions Courts have
jurisdiction to try offences which are not punishable by death. They are presided
over by Sessions Court judges (formerly Sessions Court Presidents). The Sessions
Courts also hear all civil matters of which the claim exceeds RM25,000 but does
not exceed RM250,000, except in matters relating to motor vehicle accidents,
landlord and tenant and distress, where the Sessions Courts have unlimited
jurisdiction.

ii. Magistrates court
Magistrates are divided into First Class and Second Class Magistrates, the former
being legally qualified and having greater powers. Second Class Magistrates are
now not normally appointed.
In criminal matters, First Class Magistrates' Courts generally have power to try all
offences of which the maximum term of imprisonment does not exceed 10 years

15

or which are punishable with fine only, but may pass sentences of not more than
five years imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, and/or up to twelve strokes of
the cane. The Magistrates Courts hear all civil matters with less than RM25,000 in
dispute. The Magistrates' Courts also hear appeals from the Penghulu's Courts.

1.3.3 Financial system

Malaysia is a growing and relatively open state-oriented market economy. The
state plays a significant but declining role in guiding economic activity through
macroeconomic plans. The economy of Malaysia was the 3rd largest economy in South
East Asia and 29th largest economy in the world. The nominal GDP was US$207,400
billion, and the nominal per capital GDP was US$8,100.

The Southeast Asian nation experienced an economic boom and underwent rapid
development during the late 20th century and has a GDP per capita of $14,800, being
considered a newly industrialized country. As one of three countries that control the Strait
of Malacca, international trade plays a large role in its economy. At one time, it was the
largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world. Manufacturing has a large
influence in the country's economy.

1.3.4 Civil services

Article 132 of the Constitution of Malaysia stipulates that the Public Service consist
of:
 the General Public Service of the Federation
 the State Public Services
 the Joint Public Services
 the Education Service
 the Judiciary and the Legal Service
 the Armed Forces

16

For all intents and purpose, Statutory Bodies and the Local Authorities are also
considered as part of the Public Service. This is because both autonomous bodies
resemble the Public Service in many respects since they adopt the procedures of the
Public Service pertaining to appointments, terms and conditions of service and the
remuneration system. Besides that, their officers and staff also receive pension and other
retirement benefits similar to the employees in the Public Service.

However, with the implementation of the separation concept under the New
Remuneration System which became effective on 1 January 1993, several public sector
agencies were given the freedom to institute their own policies and procedures. These
agencies, whose activities were akin to that of businesses and were in good financial
stead, were allowed to determine their own policies and procedures pertaining to
appointments, terms and conditions of service.

a. Public Agencies

Public agencies are agencies in the Public Service at the Federal, State and the Local
Government levels. Federal agencies consist of Ministries, Federal Departments and
Federal Statutory Bodies. Each Ministry is headed by a Minister and the executive
officer is known as the Secretary General.

The Prime Minister’s Department is also a ministry. Typically there will be a number
of departments and possibly one or more statutory bodies as well under a ministry.
Head of departments are given the title Director General. Head of statutory bodies are
called chairman while the chief executive officer who is a civil servant is called the
General Manager. There are statutory bodies headed by the executive chairman who
also functions as the General Manager as is the case in the Employees’ Provident
Fund. State Agencies consist of state departments, state statutory bodies and local
governments (City, Municipal and District Councils).

17

The term Public Service does not include special institutions like the Judiciary, Public
Service Commissions, and the Election Commission and like institutions whose
members are appointed by the Yang DiPertuan Agong (King). Nevertheless, the
organizations providing support or secretarial services to these institutions are public
agencies whose officers and staff are from the Public Service. The Public Service also
excludes off-budget agencies which are formed under the Companies Act or the
Society Act and do not follow policies and procedures of personnel management in
the public sector.

b. Central Agencies

Central Agencies are Federal agencies responsible for formulating the national
financial and economic policies, the public sector human resource policies and the
monitoring and supervising the implementation of these policies.
The central agencies are:
 The Treasury
 The Economic Planning Unit (EPU)
 The Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU JPM)
 The Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit

(MAMPU)
 The Public Service Department (PSD)

1.3.5 Education system

Education system in Malaysia is overseen by the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
Education may be obtained from government-sponsored schools, private schools, or
through homeschooling. Although education is the responsibility of the federal
government, each state has an Education Department to help coordinate educational
matters in their respective states. The main legislation governing education is the
Education Act of 1996.

18

Education may be obtained from government-sponsored schools, private schools,
or through homeschooling. By law, primary education is compulsory. As in other Asian
countries such as Singapore and China, standardized tests are a common feature.
Levels of education in Malaysia are:

i. Preschool Education

Preschool education is mainly provided by private for-profit preschools, though some
are run by the government or religious groups. Some primary schools have attached
preschool sections. Attendance in a preschool programme is not universal; while
people living in urban areas are generally able to send their children to private
kindergartens, few do in rural areas.

There is no formal preschool curriculum except a formal mandatory training and
certification for principals and teachers before they may operate a preschool. The
training covers lessons on child psychology, teaching methodologies, and other
related curricula on childcare and development.

Registered preschools are subjected to zoning regulations and must comply to other
regulations such as health screening and fire hazard assessment. Many preschools are
located in high density residential areas, where normal residential units compliant to
regulations are converted into the schools.

There is no fixed rule on when a child needs to start preschool education but majority
would start when the child turns 5 years old. Preschool education usually lasts for 2
years, before they proceed to primary school at age 7.

ii. Primary Education

There are two main types of public primary schools in Malaysia:
 National (Sekolah Kebangsaan in Malay, abbreviated as SK) and
 National-type (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan, abbreviated as SJK).

19

National-type schools are further divided into Chinese national-type schools (Sekolah
Jenis Kebangsaan Cina, SJK(C)) and Tamil national-type schools (Sekolah Jenis
Kebangsaan Tamil, SJK(T)). By degree of government funding, national schools are
government-operated, while national-type schools are mostly government-assisted,
though some are government-operated. All schools admit students regardless of racial
and language background.

The medium of instruction is Malay for SK, Mandarin and simplified Chinese
characters writing for SJK(C), and Tamil for SJK(T). Malay and English are
compulsory subjects in all schools. All schools use the same syllabus for non-
language subjects regardless of the medium of instruction.

Primary education consists of six years of education, referred to as Year 1 to Year 6
(also known as Standard 1 to Standard 6). Year 1 to Year 3 are classified as Level
One (Tahap Satu) while Year 4 to Year 6 are considered as Level Two (Tahap Dua).
Primary education begins at the age of 7 and ends at 12. Students are promoted to the
next year regardless of their academic performance (poor curriculum induced).

At the end of primary education, students in national schools are required to undergo
a standardised test known as the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) or
Primary School Evaluation Test. The subjects tested are Malay comprehension,
written Malay, English, Science and Mathematics. Chinese comprehension and
written Chinese are compulsory in SJK(C), while Tamil comprehension and written
Tamil are compulsory in SJK(T).

iii. Secondary Education

Public secondary schools are regarded as extensions of the national schools. They
study in five forms. Each form will take a year. Some students, however, will have to
study in "Remove" before they can study in Form 1 because of the poor academic

20

results, or simply choosing to do so, which is possible in some schools. At the end of
Form 3, the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR, formerly known as Sijil Pelajaran
Rendah (SRP) or Lower Certificate of Education (LCE)) or Lower Secondary
Evaluation is taken by students. Based on choice, they will be streamed into either the
Science stream or Arts stream. The Science stream is generally more desirable.
Students are allowed to shift to the Arts stream from the Science stream, but rarely
vice-versa.

Co-curricular activities are compulsory at the secondary level, where all students
must participate in at least 2 activities. There are many co-curricular activities offered
at the secondary level, varying at each school and each student is judged based in
these areas. Competitions and performances are regularly organized. Co-curricular
activities are often categorized under the following: Uniformed Groups, Performing
Arts, Clubs & Societies, Sports & Games. Student may also participate in more than 2
co-curricular activities.

At the end of Form 5, students are required to take the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
or Malaysian Certificate of Education examination, before graduating from secondary
school. The SPM was based on the old British ‘School Certificate’ examination
before it became General Certificate of Education 'O' Levels examination, which
became the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education).

National Type/Charter Secondary/High Schools/Residential Schools or Sekolah
Berasrama Penuh (SBP). Within the national public school system are a few magnet
type/charter public high schools. Admissions are very selective, reserved for students
who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential at the elementary
level, Grade/Standard 1 through 6. These schools are either full time day or boarding
schools ('asrama penuh'). Examples of these schools is the Malacca High School,
Royal Military College (Malaysia) and Penang Free School.

21

Residential schools or Sekolah Berasrama Penuh are also known as Science Schools.
These schools used to cater mainly for Malays elites but have since expanded as
schools for nurturing Malays who are outstanding academically or those displaying
talents in sports & leadership. The schools are modeled after British Boarding School.

iv. Pre-University Education

After the SPM, students from public secondary school would have a choice of either
studying Form 6 or the matriculation (pre-university). If they are accepted to continue
studying in Form 6, they will also take the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (which
is usually abbreviated as STPM) or Malaysian Higher School Certificate examination
(its British equivalent is the General Certificate of Education 'A' Levels examination
or internationally, the Higher School Certificate). STPM is regulated by the
Malaysian Examinations Council. Form 6 consists of two years of study which is
known as Lower 6 (Tingkatan Enam Rendah) and Upper 6 (Tingkatan Enam Atas).

The matriculation programme is not as rigorous as the STPM. The matriculation
programme has come under some criticism as it is the general consensus that this
programme is much easier than the sixth form programme leading to the STPM and
serves to help Bumiputeras enter public universities easily. Also, the matriculation
programme adopts a semester basis examination (2 semesters in a year) whilst STPM
involves only one final examination, covering all 2 years' syllabus in one go.

The scope and depth of syllabus in matriculation is also lesser to that of STPM. The
disparity between the programmes does not end there, for it is a known fact that in
critical courses offered by local public universities (such as Medicine, Pharmacy,
Dentistry and Law), almost 70% of the students comprise matriculation students. On
the contrary, STPM students form the majority in courses which are less in demand,
such as a Bachelor in Science. Defenders of the matriculation programme have
described the two programmes as distinct and different, drawing the analogy of an
apple and an orange. However, having serve the same purpose (i.e. as an entrance

22

requirement to local public universities), the Malaysian public is criticising the
matriculation programme as a blatant practice of double standards.

v. Tertiary Education

Tertiary education is heavily subsidised by the government. Applicants to public
universities must have completed the Malaysia matriculation programme or have an
STPM grade. Excellence in these examinations does not guarantee a place in a public
university. The selection criteria are largely opaque as no strictly enforced defined
guidelines exist.

The classification of tertiary education in Malaysia is organised upon the Malaysian
Qualifications Framework (MQF) which seeks to set up a unified system of post-
secondary qualifications offered on a national basis both in the vocational as well as
higher educational sectors.

In 2004, the government formed the Ministry of Higher Education to oversee tertiary
education in Malaysia. The ministry is headed by Mustapa Mohamed. Prior to 2004,
all lecturers in public tertiary institutions were required to have some post-graduate
award as a requisite qualification. In October 2004, this requirement was removed
and the Higher Education Ministry announced that industry professionals who added
value to a course could apply for lecturing positions directly to universities even if
they did not have postgraduate qualifications.

The academic independence of public universities' faculty has been questioned.
Critics like Bakri Musa cite examples such as a scientist who was reprimanded by
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak for "publishing studies on air pollution", and a
professor of mathematics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia who was reproved for
criticizing the government policy of teaching mathematics and science in English at
the primary and secondary levels.

23

Many private colleges offer programmes whereby the student does part of his degree
course here and part of it in the other institution; this method is named "twinning".
The nature of these programs is somewhat diverse and ranges from the full
"twinning" program where all credits and transcripts are transferable and admission is
automatic to programs where the local institution offers an "associate degree" which
is accepted at the discretion of the partnering university. In the latter case, acceptance
of transcripts and credits is at the discretion of the partner.

Some foreign universities and colleges have also set up branch campuses in Malaysia,
including:

• Monash University, Australia.
• The University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
• SAE Institute, Australia
• Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
• Curtin University of Technology, Australia
• Raffles Design Institute, Singapore

The net outflow of academics from Malaysia led to a "brain gain" scheme by then
(1995) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamed. The scheme set a target of
attracting 5,000 talents annually. In 2004, Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister, Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis in a parliamentary reply stated that the scheme
attracted 94 scientists (24 Malaysians) in pharmacology, medicine, semi-conductor
technology and engineering from abroad between 1995 and 2000. At the time of his
reply, only one was remaining in Malaysia.

vi. Postgraduate Programmes

Postgraduate degrees such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) are becoming popular and are offered by
both the public universities and the private colleges. All public and most private

24

universities in Malaysia offer Master of Science degrees either through coursework or
research and Doctor of Philosophy degrees through research.

1.3.6 Security system
National security measure in Malaysia is the ability for a nation to function and

prosper relies heavily on its level of security and safety. The Government ensures that all
citizens and residents are safe and secure. A stable country enables trade, businesses and
organizations to grow as well as encourages foreign investments.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia is under the Ministry of Home Affairs,
which provides services to Malaysian Citizens, Permanent Residents and Foreign
Visitors.

The functions of the department are:
 Issuing of passports and travel documents to Malaysian Citizens and Permanent

Residents.
 Issuing of visas, passes and permits to Foreign Nationals entering Malaysia.
 Administering and managing the movement of people at authorized entry and exit

points.
 Enforcing the Immigration Act 1959/63, Immigration Regulations 1963 and Passport

Act 1966

The Malaysian International Passport is a valid travel document issued by the
Malaysian Government for the purpose of travelling abroad (refer Figure 1.7). It is
eligible only to the Malaysian citizen and can be applied at any Immigration Office or
Malaysian Representative Office. The validity of the passport is either two years or five
years from date of issue. The Exemption of payment is given to the handicapped and
disabled to get the passport.

25

Figure 1.7: Malaysian Passport

The Malaysian Government under the Immigration Department of Malaysia
issues three types of visas to foreign nationals.

a. Single Entry Visa
Single Entry Visa is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia
mainly for a social visit. It is normally valid for a single entry and for a period of
three months from the date of issue.

b. Multiple Entry Visa
Multiple Entry Visa is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia
mainly for business or government-to-government matters. It is normally valid for a
period within three (3) months to twelve (12) months from the date of issue.

The conditions for the Multiple Entry Visa are:
 The applicant must show proof of sufficient funds for staying in Malaysia
 The applicant must possess a valid and confirmed return ticket

26

 Tour groups are not eligible to apply for Multiple Entry Visa
 The Multiple Entry Visa costs RM100.00 for Indian Citizens and RM30.00 for

citizens of the People's Republic of China.
c. Transit Visa

Transit Visa is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on
transit to other countries. Foreign nationals on transit without leaving the airport
premises and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight
does not require a transit visa.

1.4 MALAYSIAN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Malaysian economic activities consist of agro-based industry, manufacturing industry,
construction industry and oil and gas industry. This sub topic will discuss detail about these
activities.

1.4.1 Agro-based industry
Agriculture based economic activities in Malaysia makes up twelve percent of the

nation's GDP. Sixteen percent of the population of Malaysia is employed under the
agriculture industry.

a. Palm Oil
Palm oil was introduced in Malaysia in 1917. The development of palm oil industry is
managed by agencies like Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and FELCRA. Palm
oil is currently the first major income from the agriculture industry. In 2012, Malaysia
has a total of over 5.0 million hectares of oil palm plantations consisting of 675
million trees. The total oil palm plantation labor pool was about 491,000 workers
(figure 1.8).

27

Figure 1.8: Palm oil tree
b. Rubber

Rubber was introduced by the British colonial in 1876. RISDA is one of the Federal
Statutory Bodies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and was
established on 1 January 1973 under the authorities endorsed by Parliament:-
 RISDA Rubber Industry Smallholders’ Development Authority Act 85, 1972.
 Rubber Industry (Replanting) Fund Ordinance 1952.
With the establishment of RISDA, it is clear that “the Government takes a serious
view of the role of the Smallholders Sector as one of the most important yield-
production sectors of the national economy" (Figure 1.9).

Figure 1.9: Rubber tree
28

c. Cocoa
Cocoa was first introduced to South East Asia in 17th century by the Spanish. It was
brought from Latin America to the Philippines in 1670. Then, it was brought to
Indonesia and Sabah in the early 18th century.

In Malaysia, the first cocoa planted area was found in Malacca in 1778. Subsequently,
the cocoa planting was started in a plotted area at Serdang Agriculture Station and
Silam Agriculture Research Center, Sabah. The earliest cocoa commercialization
started between 1853 to 1959 where cocoa types Amelonado was first planted at
Jerangau, Terengganu.

d. Local fruit
Malaysia is rich in diversity of local fruit. Among them are:

i. Durian
Durian, the football-sized "king of the fruits", emanates a distinct smell that
evokes either love or disgust. Passionate Malaysians will travel miles for the best
and spend a week's salary on one fruit. Although available all year round the
prime season is from June to August. A spiked green casing encompasses a sweet,
creamy yellow flesh.

ii. Mangosteen
Mangosteen are a traditional accompaniment to the durian, as they are believed to
"neutralize" the potent, "heaty" properties of the latter. The size of a small orange,
the mangosteen's thick, dark purple skin is squeezed open to reveal five to eight
snowy-white segments. The flesh is both astringent and sweet but do mind the
rind's staining purple juice.

iii. Pomelos
Pomelos are a large sweet grapefruit that the Chinese consider auspicious because
it resembles an orange. Beneath the green rind and a thick layer of spongy pith,

29

are the large segments which are gently prised apart. Perak has indisputably the
sweetest and juiciest pomelos in Malaysia

iv. Rambutan
Rambutan is a seasonal fruit. It has an egg-shaped red fruit, covered in dark thin
hair and grows in bunches. It is a relative of the lychee; Rambutan has a
translucent white flesh, and extremely succulent and sugary sweet.

Agriculture plays a lot in tourism development in Malaysia especially in agro tourism and
homestays. Attraction like Cameron Highland is an example of Agro tourism in
Malaysia.

1.4.2 Manufacturing industry
In the 1970s, Malaysia began to imitate the four Asian Tiger economies (Republic

of Korea (South Korea), Republic of China (Taiwan), then British Crown Colony of
Hong Kong and the Republic of Singapore) and committed itself to a transition from
being reliant on mining and agriculture to an economy that depends more on
manufacturing. With Japanese investment, heavy industries flourished and in a matter of
years, Malaysian exports became the country's primary growth engine. Malaysia
consistently achieved more than 7% GDP growth along with low inflation in the 1980s
and the 1990s.

Manufacturing grew from 13.9% of GDP in 1970 to 30% in 1999, while
agriculture and mining which together had accounted for 42.7% of GDP in 1970, dropped
to 9.3% and 7.3%, respectively, in 1999. Manufacturing accounted for 30% of GDP
(1999). Major products include electronic components – Malaysia is one of the world's
largest exporters of semiconductor devices – electrical goods and appliances.

30

1.4.3 Construction industry

The building and construction industry is one of the fastest developing sectors of
the Malaysian economy. The growth rate is average at 8.1% in 1980-1985. The industry
employed 386,300 workers in 1989 since the 70s with rising construction costs and
shortage of skilled labor, the industry adapted new technologies and labor saving devices
to expenditure construction.

The main construction materials, namely steel, cement, bricks and timber are
available locally and generally these are adequate for current needs. New cement and
steel factories are in the pipeline and some existing plants will be expanded to meet
future needs. Other materials like roofing floor tile, asbestos sheet, sanitary wares and
iron mongers are also produced locally. Equipment like lifts, air conditioning plants
certain firefighting appliances generators, etc are not manufactured locally and are
therefore imported.

1.4.4 Oil and gas industry

Tin and petroleum are the two main mineral resources that are of major
significance in the Malaysian economy. Malaysia was once the world's largest producer
of tin until the collapse of the tin market in the early 1980s. In the 19th and 20th century,
tin played a predominant role in the Malaysian economy. It was only in 1972 that
petroleum and natural gas took over from tin as the mainstay of the mineral extraction
sector. Meanwhile, the contribution by tin has declined. Petroleum and natural gas
discoveries in oil fields off Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu have contributed much to the
Malaysian economy.

Oil and gas resources are managed by Petronas, the state controlled oil company
which forms production sharing contracts with other players like Exxon-Mobil and Royal
Dutch Shell to explore oil fields in Malaysia.

31

The government estimates that at current production rates Malaysia will be able to
produce oil up to 18 years and gas for 35 years. In 2004, Malaysia is ranked 24th in terms
of world oil reserves and 13th for gas. 56% of the oil reserves exist in the Peninsula while
19% exist in East Malaysia. The government collects oil royalties of which 5% are
passed to the states and the rest retained by the federal government.

Other minerals of some importance or significance include copper, bauxite, iron-
ore and coal together with industrial minerals like clay, kaolin, silica, limestone, barite,
phosphates and dimension stones such as granite as well as marble blocks and slabs.
Small quantities of gold are produced.

1.5 SUMMARY

Malaysia History has started way back 100 BC with the influence of Hindu Kingdoms.
The arrival of Islam in the 10th century changes the social and cultural life of the community. It
reached its golden era from 1400 AD to 1511 AD during the reign of the sultanates in Malacca.
The European colonial powers came into this region to conquer the land for its rich spices,
minerals and as army posts in South East Asia. Among the European colonialism were the
Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. Malaysia was also conquered by Japanese army in World
War II. Malaysia gained independence in 31st August 1957 from British.

Total population of Malaysia is 29,628,392 which consist of Malay, Chinese, Indigenous
and Indian. The official religion is Islam and the official language is Bahasa Malaysia. Malaysia
is located in south East Asia. The head of the country is Yang Di Pertuan Agong and the head of
the government is Prime Minister.

The government system is Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.
Malaysian judiciary system is heavily influenced by the British Common Law and to a lesser
extent Islamic law. The hierarchy of courts begins from the Magistrates' Court, Sessions Court,
High Court, Court of Appeal, and finally, the Federal Court.

32

The civil services in Malaysia consist of Public Agencies and Central Agencies. Public
agencies are agencies in the Public Service at the Federal, State and the Local Government
levels. Central Agencies are Federal agencies responsible for formulating the national financial
and economic policies, the public sector human resource policies and the monitoring and
supervising the implementation of these policies

For education system, Malaysia’s 5 level of education are primary, secondary, pre-
university, tertiary and post graduate programmes. For national security, Malaysia government
under the Immigration Department apply the passport and visa system to manage the movement
of people at authorized entry and exit point.

33

ACTIVITY

Please answer all the question.

1. List 3 European Colonialisms of Malaysia.
a. ……………………………………
b. ……………………………………
c. ……………………………………

2. List 4 major ethnic groups in Malaysia.
a. …………………………………………………….
b. …………………………………………………….
c. ……………………………………………………
d. ……………………………………………………

3. What is the name of the current Yang di Pertuan Agong?
……………………………………………………………

4. The bicameral parliament of Malaysia consists of?
a. ……………………………………………………
b. ……………………………………………………

5. List 3 states government in Malaysia led by Chief Ministers.
a. ……………………………………………………
b. ……………………………………………………
c. ……………………………………………………

6. What is the Malaysian “King of Fruit”?
……………………………………………………………

34

TOPIC 2
CHINESE COMMUNITY IN MALAYSIA

35

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The most dominant non-Bumiputra group in Malaysia is the Chinese. Numbering about 6
million (26% of Malaysia’s total population). Malaysian Chinese is a unique breed of Overseas
Chinese who migrated to Peninsular Malaya in the 19th century. They came because of a number
of push factors, which included over population, natural calamities and landlord exploitation in
the southern coastal provinces of Fujian and Guandong. Particularly significant was the Taiping
Rebellion of 1850 as it caused a breakdown of law and order in South China, forcing large
groups of Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew, Hainanese and Cantonese to leave Mainland China for
Malaya. The Hokkien was mist numerous in Selangor, Penang and Melaka, the Cantonese in
Kuala Lumpur. Teochews settled primarily in Kedah, the Hainanese in Terengganu and the
Hakka in Sabah and Sarawak.

However, the earliest Chinese settlements in Malaysia can be traced back to the time of
the Melaka Sultanate in the 15th century. Known as Babas and Nyonyas, the descendants’ of
these early Melaka Chinese speak Malay while retaining their Chinese values albeit with some
distinctive traits of their own.

2.1 LANGUAGE

The speaking language or dialect of the Chinese is diverse. Teochew is widely spoken in
Sarawak and Sitiawan while Hokkien is the Chinese lingua franca in most places in Malaysia,
especially in Taiping, Penang and most parts of Selangor. The majority of the Chinese in Ipoh,
Kuantan, Sarawak and Sabah are Hakka and Cantonese. While Hakka is the second largest
dialect group in Peninsula Malaysia after Hokkien, Cantonese is widely spoken in Kuala
Lumpur. The other minority dialect groups of Hainanese, Kwongsi, Hokchui, Foochow, and
Hokchia are scattered in Perak, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak. However, the common language of
the Chinese is Mandarin which is also the official language in Chinese schools.

Table 1.1 Different Dialect Groupings among the Chinese Population in Malaysia

36

State Grouping (%)
11
Kedah Teochew 18
35
Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Kuantan Cantonese 23
5
Selangor, Penang and Taiping Hokkien 4
4
Sabah and Sarawak Hakka 100

Sarawak and Sitiawan Foochow

Hainanese

Others

Total

Source: http:www.statistics.gov.my

2.2 RELIGIONS

Malaysian Chinese religion refers to religious beliefs of Chinese origin as practiced by
the sizable Chinese minority of Malaysia. These beliefs and practices are heavily influenced by
the three faiths practiced by Chinese communities, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

2.2.1 Confucianism
Confucianism is more of Philosophy than a religion. Benevolence, propriety,

wisdom and obedience are Chinese Confucian norms for human being. It is the
cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture as well as a complete ideological system
created by Confucius, based on the traditional culture of the Xia, Shang and Zhou
Dynasties. It has dominated a feudal society that in essence has lasted 2000 years and for
that reason its influence over the history, social structure and the people of China cannot
be overlooked. Figure 2.2 show the famous Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur.

37

Figure 2.2: Thean Hou Tample

2.2.2 Taoism
Taoism was formulated by Lao Tzu. Tao means ‘THE WAY’ and is a

philosophical orientation to life and the world that emphasizes letting go, passive power
and rejection of action, in order to achieve happiness. Taoism in Malaysia is followed by
many Chinese. In general, owing to the decline in religious knowledge amongst the
younger generations, many followers focus on rituals of Malaysian Chinese religion with
little or no knowledge of Taoist scriptures and cultivation.

Taoism arrived in Malaysia with Chinese settlers. Taoist practice later flourished
as an increasing number of Chinese settled in Malaysia. Many Taoist followers also
worship ancestors and Buddhas as these beliefs have traditionally enjoyed a peaceful
coexistence, thereby leading to obscured delineation between them. There is a syncretic
religion of Taoism and Buddhism, the Wuweijiao in Malaysia. Figure 2.3 shows the
Taoist temple of serenity, Peace and beauty.

38

Figure 2.3: Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple

2.2.3 Buddhism
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Who was born a Hindu, but

rejected Hinduism because of its inability to explain the misery that existed in the world.
However, Malaysian Chinese have also converted to Islam and Christians but only a
small number. The Chinese believe that the only way to survive is through having a
strong enterprising spirit.

The early Chinese who arrived in the country penniless started as petty traders
and slowly moved upwards in a typical family business environment. They work hard to
make a living in order to fulfil their family obligations. They believe that if one does not
help oneself, nobody will, as history has proven to them that to survive one has to work
hard and to save money for a rainy day. Figure 2.4 show the temple of the Evergreen
Clouds.

39

Figure 2.4: Cheng Hong Teng Temple

2.3 SOCIO-ECONOMICS

The Chinese believe that the only way to survive is through having a strong enterprising
spirit. The early Chinese who arrived in the country penniless started as petty traders and slowly
moved upwards in a typical family business environment. They work hard to make a living in
order to fulfil their family obligations. They believe that if one does not help oneself, nobody
will, as history has proven to them that to survive one has to work hard and to save money for a
rainy day.

Their natural business acumen, hard work and legendary thrift and ability to take ‘knocks
and bumps’ along the way were the primary forces shaping their eventual success. Another
traditional strategy is to plough back their savings into bigger or improved business. Currently
most of the richest men in Malaysia are Chinese who started from ‘rags’ to achieve their wealth
and prominence in their new found country.

40

These values of entrepreneurial spirit and hard work have since been passed on to the
younger generations as the Chinese believed that the only way to survive in the long run is to
create their own security. By building a business or profession there is always something to fall
back on, in case of difficulties in earning a living. Thus if there is a chance to make money the
Chinese will always find ways to take advantage of the opportunities available.

Many Chinese businesses, such as restaurants, sundry shops, motor workshops and piety
traders in Malaysia today are still small and run by family. Usually the male elder/father will
start the business while the wife, sons or daughters will help in the daily business. Normally the
profit will be used to finance a son studying overseas who might eventually return with a degree
to continue the business.

Typically upon his return, the ‘educated’ son will introduce new management concepts
and practices and engage professionals to help in the expanded business. Despite initial
resistance from the traditional Chinese business orientation, which is likely to have autocratic
and paternalistic approach, the new generation of Chinese graduates in business studies are now
able to incorporate modern management concepts in their business undertakings. Figure 2.5 and
2.6 shows the traditional sundry shop at Kuala Kangsar and Melaka.

Figure 2.5: Traditional Sundry shop at Kuala Kangsar, Perak

41

Figure 2.6: Jonker Street, Melaka

2.4 CUISINE

Malaysian Chinese cuisine is derived from the culinary traditions of Chinese Malaysian
immigrants and their descendants, who have adapted or modified their culinary traditions under
the influence of Malaysian culture as well as immigration patterns of Chinese to Malaysia.
Because the vast majority of Chinese Malaysians are descendants of immigrants from southern
China, Malaysian Chinese cuisine is predominantly based on an eclectic repertoire of dishes with
roots from Cantonese cuisine, Hakka cuisine, Fujian cuisine and Teochew cuisine.

As these early immigrants settled in different regions throughout what was then British
Malaya, North Borneo and the Kingdom of Sarawak, they carried with them traditions of foods
and recipes that were particularly identified with their origins in China, which gradually became
infused with the characteristics of their new home locale in Malaysia while remaining
distinctively Chinese. For example, Hainanese chicken rice is usually flavored with tropical
pandan leaves and served with chili sauce for dipping, and tastes unlike the typical chicken
dishes found in Hainan Island itself. Some of these foods and recipes became closely associated

42

with a specific city, town or village, eventually developing iconic status and culminating in a
proliferation of nationwide popularity in the present day.

Chinese food is especially prominent in areas with concentrated Chinese communities, at
roadside stalls, hawker Centre’s and Kopitiam, as well as smart cafes and upmarket restaurants
throughout the nation. Many Chinese dishes have pork as a component ingredient, but chicken is
available as a substitution for Muslim customers from the wider community, and some Chinese
restaurants are even halal-certified.

A sample of representative Malaysian Chinese dishes found nationwide includes:
i. Bak Kut Teh
The root meaning for the dish, "BaKut" (Hokkien dialect) is the term for meaty
ribs, at its simplest cooked with garlic, dark soy sauce and a specific combination
of herbs and spices which have been boiled for many hours. Popularly regarded as
a health tonic, this soup is historically eaten by hard working Chinese coolies
working on the wharfs at Port Swettenham (now Port Klang) and clearing estates,
accompaniment with strong tea ("Teh") on the side(refer figure 2.7).

Figure 2.7: Bak Kut Teh

43

There are some differences in seasoning amongst other Chinese communities; the
Teochew prefer a clear broth which is heavier on garlic and pepper, while the
Cantonese may include additional varieties of medicinal herbs and spices.
Variations include the so-called chik kut teh (made with chicken and a version
that is gaining popularity with Muslim diners), seafood bak kut teh, and a "dry"
(reduced gravy) version which originated from the town of Klang.

ii. Cantonese Fried Noodles
Cantonese fried noodles refers to a preparation of noodles which are shallow or
deep fried to a crisp, then served as the base for a thick egg and cornstarch white
sauce cooked with sliced lean pork, seafood, and green vegetables like Choy sum.
A related dish called wa tan hor uses hor fun noodles, but the noodles are not deep
fried, merely charred. Another variation called yuen yong involves mixing both
crisp-fried rice vermicelli as well as hor fun to form a base for the sauce.

Figure 2.8: Cantonese Fried Noodles

iii. Chee Cheong Fun
Is square rice sheets made from a viscous mixture of rice flour and water. This
liquid is poured onto a specially made flat pan in which it is steamed to produce
the square rice sheets. The steamed rice sheets is rolled or folded for ease in
serving. It is usually served with tofu stuffed with fish paste. The dish is eaten
with accompaniment of semi-sweet fermented bean paste sauce, chilli paste

44

and/or light vegetable curry gravy. Up north in the city of Ipoh, certain stalls serve
the dish with a red sweet sauce, thinly sliced pickled green chilies and fried
shallots (figure 2.9).

Figure 2.9: Chee Cheong Fun
iv. Curry Mee

A bowl of thin yellow noodles mixed with bihun in a spicy curry soup enriched
with coconut milk, and topped with tofu puffs, prawns, cuttlefish, chicken, long
beans, cockles and mint leaves, with sambal served on the side. It is often referred
to as curry laksa (figure 2.10).

Figure 2.10: Curry Mee
45

v. Duck Noodle Soup
It is famous in Penang food stalls. Its ingredients include duck meat in hot soup
with mixed herbals and slim white noodles mee-sua (figure 2.11).

Figure 2.11: Duck Noodle Soup
vi. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese chicken rice is the best known version: it is prepared with the same
traditional method used for cooking Wenchang chicken, which involve steeping
the entire chicken at sub-boiling temperatures within a master stock until cooked,
in order to ensure the chicken meat becomes moist and tender.
The chicken is then chopped up, and served with a bowl or plate of rice cooked
in chicken fat and chicken stock, along with another bowl of clear chicken broth
and a set of dips and condiments. Sometimes the chicken is dipped in ice to
produce a jelly-like skin finishing upon the completion of the poaching process.
In Malacca, the chicken rice is served shaped into balls.

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