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  Asia-Pacific Destinations

Malaysia: Do's and Don'ts


A very mellow and laid-back place, the one thing to be aware of is that the culture of Malaysia is primarily Islamic. Not a big deal as long as your attendees don’t get too tipsy in public places—it’s definitely okay to wet your whistle at hotels and hotel bars, though. There are a few other small points to keep in mind when doing business in Malaysia.

The following tips are courtesy of the Tourism Malaysia website, located at www.tourism.gov.my

  • Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A handshake should only be initiated by ladies.
  • The traditional greeting, or salam, resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart.” The visitor should reciprocate with the same gesture.
  • Always call ahead when visiting a home, and always remove your shoes before entering.
  • Use your right hand when eating or offering gifts. Don’t point with you index finger, either, but use your thumb and a closed fist.
  • The shoe rule applies to mosques and other holy places, and women should cover their heads and bare shoulders. Long skirts or pants for women are advised.
  • People in the tourism industry are probably used to it, but toasting, especially with alcoholic beverages, is not common.

Asia-Pacific Tourism Bureaus

Destinations:
   - India: A World of Wonders Awaits
   - Malaysia: Many Slices of Asia
   - Hong Kong: The Sweet Smell of Success
   - Australia: What's Up Down Under
   - Australia: Oz Fests
   - Singapore: Unique Events
   - Macau: Culture’s in the Cards
   - Macau: 'Tis The Season!
   - Macau: Cotai Report
   - Thailand: A Land of Meetings Options
   - Thailand: Eight Things You Gotta Try
   - China: All Roads Lead From Here
   - China: Travel Tips
   - Pitched Battle For China Route
   - Malaysia: Meeting—and Beating—Expectations
   - Malaysia: Travel Tips
   - Malaysia's Top Five Must-Sees
   - Japan: Main Island Events
   - Japan: Seven Things You Gotta Try
   - India: Tips for Smooth Sailing
   - India: Luxury Train Tips
   - India: Bangalore Becomes Bengalooru
   - South Korea: A Meetings Smorgasbord
   - South Korea: The Most Wired Place on Earth
   - South Korea: Travel Tips
   - Indonesia: A Lot Under Many Roofs
   - Indonesia Set to Launch New MICE Effort
   - Indonesia: Travel Tips
   - Taiwan: Fast-Paced, with Grace
   - Taiwan: Travel Tips
   - Taiwan: A Natural Choice
   - Melbourne Getaways: Great Ocean Road
   - Melbourne Getaways: Yarra Valley
   - Melbourne: Victoria's capital means buisiness—and pleasure
   - Beijing: United Snares Capitals Routed
   - Beijing: Travel Tips
   - Beijing: Ready for Its Close-up
   - Singapore: All Diamond, No Rough
   - Singapore: Island Time
   - Singapore: Travel Tips
   - Kuala Lumpur: The Heart of Malaysia
   - Malaysia: Do's and Don'ts
   - Kuala Lumpur: FastFacts
   - Tokyo: City of Contrasts
   - Tokyo: Japanese-Style Spa
   - Tokyo: Out-of-the-Box Venues
   - Hong Kong: Going Strong
   - Hong Kong: Travel Tips
   - Hong Kong: Surf's Up for Off-Sites
   - Australia: Wonders Down Under
   - Australia: Only in Oz Experiences
   - Australia: The Magical Land of Oz
   - Bangalore: City of the Future
   - Bangalore: High Tech A-List
   - Bangalore: Getaways
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   - Shanghai: Get Out of Town
   - Indonesia: A World Unto Itself
   - Indonesia: The Wild World of Borneo
   - Indonesia: Must-Sees in Bali
   - South Pacific: Heaven on Earth
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   - Macau: Big Things in a Small Package
   - Macau: Cultural Heritage Sites
   - Macau: Of Booms & Visas
   - Sydney: Bright Side of the Rainbow
   - Sydney: Eight Must-Do's
   - Sydney: Travel Tips
   - Taiwan: Night Markets
   - Taiwan: Making Good Meetings
   - Taiwan: Mountain Majesties
   - New Zealand: Middle Earth Anything but Middling
   - New Zealand: Four Auckland Maori Musts
   - New Zealand: Travel Tips
   - Vietnam: A Rising Star
   - Vietnam: Planner's Perspective
   - Vietnam: Travel Tips
   - Seoul: Got Seoul?
   - Seoul: Only in Seoul
   - Seoul: Going Green
   - Mumbai: Travel Tips
   - Mumbai: Sights to Behold
   - Mumbai: Hurray for Bollywood
   - Bangkok: Must-Sees
   - Bangkok: A Meetings Kingdom
   - Thailand: Travel Tips
   - The Philippines: Fun and Sun for a Song
   - The Philippines: Manila Day Trips
   - The Philippines: Travel Tips
   - Malaysia: Many Faces of Culture
   - Malaysia: Open for Business
   - Malaysia: Incentive Heaven
   - Singapore: What's Cookin'?
   - Singapore: Future Development
   - Singapore: Singing the Lion City's Praises
   - Japan: Kyoto Culture Programs
   - Japan: Heart and Soul of Kyoto
   - Japan: Kyoto Off-Sites
   - India: A Passage to India's Landscape
   - India: A Taste of the Subcontinent
   - Inida: Expect the Unexpected
   - Hong Kong: Asia's World City
   - Hong Kong: Ethereal Experiences
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   - South Korea: Top Tourist Sites
   - South Korea: Seoul Food
   - South Korea: Where Business Is a Pleasure
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   - Macau: Outside Casino Doors
   - Gaming In the Cards for Aisa
   - Beijing: After the Olympics
   - Beijing: Olympic Improvement
   - Beijing: Finding a Room During the Olympics
   - Singapore: For Kids of All Ages
   - Singapore: Changi's Amazing Terminal 3
   - Singapore: Thinking Big
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   - Kuala Lumpur: Get on the Green
   - Kuala Lumpur: A Fushion of Flavors
   - Tokyo: Season's Greetings
   - Tokyo: Skip the Sushi
   - Tokyo: In With the New
   - Hong Kong: In Tune with Planner Needs
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   - Hong Kong: What's Happening
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   - Osaka: Theme Dreams Come True
   - Bangalore: City of a Thousand Names
   - Bangalore: Spiritual Side
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   - Shangai: Serious Shopping
   - Shangai: Must-See Sights

   


Expert Advice:
   - A Key to Culture

Business Resources:
   - Etiquette Tips
   - Holidays
   - Asia Pacific Bookmarks
   - A 'Dream' of a New Airliner
   - Japan Bookmarks

   
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