Late-night ‘Mamaks’, the endless list of food options… these are the things that every Malaysians celebrate and live for.
Being a country of multi-cultures, there really is no country quite as unique as Malaysia.
Here are 7 things every Malaysians can relate to: from glorious food to the diversity of languages, these are what makes a Malaysian truly, well, Malaysian!
1. Traffic jams
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While we’ve always admired how our Singapore and European neighbours can walk, skateboard, or cycle to work or for classes, ask any Malaysians, and you’ll know that we can’t live without our cars. And when you have to leave for work as early as 6AM so that you can arrive by 8AM. The moment the clock strikes 5PM, you’ll see every Malaysian worker rushing off to avoid the weekday traffics!
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So, what causes all the jam lah? Well, us Malaysians are always so “kepo” (busybody) especially when there’s a road accident at the side. Aiyo, like this also jam?!
2. Can’t leave (or live) without a good bargain/discounts
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A person’s social skills in Malaysia are pretty much measured on how well he/she can strike a good bargain. Let’s just leave that for our parents – they can do much better than the younger ones. Got discount ah?
Speaking of discounts, check out these National Month promotions this August:
- Get 2nd item at 62% off with Guardian Malaysia’s Mix & Match Campaign
- Enjoy up to 50% off your travels with FireFly’s MERDEKA and Malaysia Day Promotions!
- From August 15th – September 16th, enjoy Starbuck’s Grande for RM15, and Venti for RM16 of selected Starbucks beverages. The best bit, enjoy 50% off Starbucks National Day beverages every Tuesdays until August 27th. Find out more here.
- Birkenstocks’ Merdeka Special: buy 1 and get 2nd pair at 40% off!
3. What’s for lunch?
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Or, more specifically, what’s for breakfast, dinner, supper…. Malaysians take pride in our diversity of cuisine! Being a multi-cultural country, Malaysians get to have a taste of food from different parts of Asia. Ask any Malaysians who have left overseas for studies, and they’ll say nothing beats Malaysian food!
4. Rojak language
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Aside from knowing how to speak multi-languages, you are only truly Malaysian when you speak in “rojak” (mixed) language. Every sentence would probably consist of three words from different languages. Need a survivor guide? Just add “lah”, “lo” and “ke” at the end of your sentences and you’re good to go!
5. Late-night Mamaks!
The perfect late-night hangout spots for every Malaysians – Mamak! Feeling hungry at midnight? The Malaysian Mamak stores will always be available – some even opening for 24 hours!
6. Pasar Malams!
Find the best local food at Malaysia’s Pasar Pagi & Pasar Malams! Not forgetting the Ramadhan bazaars that every Malaysians would look forward to on every Raya!
And lastly…
7. Having friends from different cultures!
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Despite being a multi-cultural country, nothing would break apart the close-knit every Malaysians will have for each other: regardless the race, religion, or culture! And psst, we get to have more Public Holidays celebrating Deepavali, Hari Raya, Christmas, Chinese New Year and the list is endless!
What do you love most being a Malaysian? Let us know in the comments!
Header image credits: Time Out | Jayren Kwan | The Malaysian Times | Mark Nelson | Alexander Popov via Unsplash