If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Where is Malaysia again?” or “Do Malaysians really live on trees, and do they use leaves as plates?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a trip, thinking of moving here, or just wildly curious, this FAQ is your one-stop guide to understanding Malaysia, from the practical travel stuff to the weird, wonderful bits of daily life you’re too embarrassed to ask.
Now let’s bust myths, and answer your burning questions.
Where is Malaysia located?
Malaysia is in Southeast Asia, split into two parts:
- Peninsular Malaysia (located between Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south).
- Malaysian Borneo (on the island of Borneo, sharing space with Indonesia and Brunei).
What's the capital of Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city. But here’s an interesting twist: Putrajaya is the administrative capital, where all the government buildings are. It’s like Malaysia’s version of D.C.
Is Singapore part of Malaysia?
Nope, not anymore! Singapore was briefly part of Malaysia after gaining independence from the British, but it became its own country in 1965. Today, it’s a neighboring city-state just across the Johor-Singapore Causeway.
While they share close economic ties and cultural similarities, Singapore and Malaysia have separate governments, currencies, and border controls.
Fun fact: Malaysians and Singaporeans love to tease each other, especially over who has better food.
What language(s) do Malaysian people speak?
The official language is Bahasa Melayu (Malay) — also called Bahasa Malaysia — but English is the second language, and you’ll also hear Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, Hindi, and many more. An average Malaysian would know at least two. In East Malaysia, indigenous languages like Kadazan and Iban are also spoken.
Is "Malay" short for "Malaysian"?
No, they are two different things. The term Malay refers to an ethnic group, not a nationality. Malaysian refers to anyone who holds Malaysian citizenship, regardless of ethnicity.
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country made up of Malays, Chinese Malaysians, Indian Malaysians, Indigenous peoples (like the Iban, Kadazan, and Orang Asli), and mixed-race communities. Malays are the largest ethnic group.
So, when someone says “Malay food,” they’re talking about food associated with the Malay ethnic group, while “Malaysian food” refers to the larger picture: a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, indigenous, and colonial influences.
So, is Malay language the same as Malaysian language? The national language is officially called Bahasa Melayu (Malay language), but many people also refer to it as Bahasa Malaysia (Malaysian language) for the sake of inclusivity.
In short, not all Malays are Malaysians, and not all Malaysians are Malays. 
Saying that all Malaysians are Malays is as inaccurate (and offensive) as saying all Americans are white.
Is Malaysia a Muslim country?
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country (about 60% of the population), and Islam is the official religion. But it’s also home to Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. Religious diversity is deeply woven into daily life. You will see mosques, temples, and churches — sometimes in the same neighborhood.
Not Muslim? No worries. Malaysia is welcoming to visitors of all faiths. If you’re curious about what to expect, check out my post on visiting Malaysia as a non-Muslim.
Planning a trip during Ramadan? It’s a beautiful time to experience the culture, but there are a few things to keep in mind. I’ve written a guide to help you navigate that too: visiting Malaysia during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Why are some women wearing hijab and some not?
In Malaysia, the majority of the population are Muslim, and many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab (headscarf) as part of their faith. But unlike some Muslim countries that legally require women to wear the hijab, in Malaysia it’s more of a personal choice.
Meanwhile, non-Muslim women don’t wear the hijab, unless they want to for specific reasons (like visiting a mosque). Malaysia is diverse, and that means dress styles vary widely.
Why do Malaysians wear long sleeves in the sweltering heat?
Despite the tropical heat, many Malaysians wear long sleeves and long pants. There are a few solid reasons for this:
- Cultural modesty – If they’re Muslim, they probably do it for their faith. On top of that, many government offices and public buildings (like the library) require modest attire to enter, so long sleeves and pants are just the norm for daily life.
- Sun protection – Covering up actually helps shield the skin from harsh UV rays. Long sleeves can feel cooler than direct sun on bare skin, especially if the fabric is breathable.
- Air-conditioned life – You’ll go from blazing sun to freezing air-con in 30 seconds flat. So long sleeves can help you avoid temperature whiplash!
If you’re wondering how to survive the heat like a local, check out my Malaysia Weather Survival Guide and if you’re wondering how to dress for Malaysian weather and customs, read my full post on What to Wear in Malaysia.
Does Malaysia have a king?
Yes, Malaysia does have a king, but not like most monarchies. What makes Malaysia unique is its rotating monarchy system: the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (that’s the official title) is enthroned every five years from among the nine hereditary Malay state rulers. So it’s kind of like a king with a term limit.
The king serves more as a symbolic and constitutional monarch, not day-to-day politics. The real political power lies with the elected government and Prime Minister. Still, the monarchy plays an important role in national identity and Islamic matters.
Is Malaysia a third-world country?
Technically, the term “third-world country” is outdated and misleading. It originally referred to countries not aligned with NATO or the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, not economic status.
Today, Malaysia is considered a developing country or an upper-middle-income nation. It has modern infrastructure, high-rise cities, a growing digital economy, and one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world. But like many countries, it also has rural areas and social inequality.
In short: no, Malaysia isn’t “third world”.
What is Malaysia famous for?
Where to start? Petronas Twin Towers, street food, ancient rainforests, orangutans, cultural diversity, white sand beaches, and diving spots.
It’s also infamous for the missing plane (a Malaysia Airlines flight that vanished in 2014 and became one of aviation’s biggest unsolved puzzles), and the former Prime Minister who was convicted of embezzling billions of dollars. Yes, billions, and it even involved luxury handbags, Hollywood movies, and a yacht.
Why do Malaysians eat with their hands?
It’s traditional, especially among Malays and Indians. Eating with your (right) hand is seen as more connected and respectful to the food and culture. And yes, it’s totally acceptable to lick your fingers after (and then you wash it with soap and water, of course).
Do Malaysian people live on trees?
Not unless they’re really into treehouses.
No, Malaysians live in modern homes, apartments, high-rise condos, and in some areas, village houses. That said, some Indigenous communities, especially in Borneo (like the Penan or Orang Ulu), have traditionally lived closer to the forest and nature. But even they don’t live in trees. More like near them, in raised wooden homes or longhouses.
So… unless it’s a glamping resort or a TikTok challenge, you won’t find Malaysians living in trees.
Are Malaysian people headhunters?
That’s a hard no… unless you mean in corporate recruitment.
This myth likely comes from the indigenous tribes of Borneo, some of whom practiced headhunting centuries ago, long before Malaysia even existed as a country. Today, those same communities are known more for their beautiful handicrafts, traditional longhouses, and warm hospitality — not so much their skull collections.
So rest assured: the only things Malaysians are hunting now are good food and cheap parking.
Do Malaysians use leaves as plates?
Sometimes, and it’s pretty genius.
In certain settings, like at banana leaf restaurants, food is still served on actual banana leaves. It’s eco-friendly, biodegradable, and adds a subtle aroma to the meal.
Even when we use regular plates or food wrappers, you’ll sometimes see a small piece of banana leaf placed underneath the rice or traditional dessert. It’s a simple way to keep the tradition alive, and honestly, some people swear it makes the food taste better. Whether it’s science or nostalgia, who’s to say?
So no, Malaysians aren’t eating off leaves 24/7, but we’re definitely not letting them go anytime soon.
Can you drink tap water in Malaysia?
I would advise against it. It’s safe enough to brush your teeth with, but most locals still boil or filter it before drinking. To be safe, stick with bottled or filtered water, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Is Malaysian food spicy?
It depends.
Malaysian cuisine is very diverse. Traditional Malay and Indian dishes tend to be spicy, and some regions like it spicier than others. That said, many dishes can be adjusted to your spice tolerance, and you’ll find plenty of milder options, especially in Chinese or Nyonya cuisine.
If you’re unsure, just ask for less spicy when ordering.
Why do Malaysians love durians so much?
Ah, the king of fruits. You either love it or run from it. Malaysians love durian for its flavor (creamy, sweet, and custard-like), and also because it’s a social experience. The durian is not a fruit you typically eat alone. People gather to feast on durian at home or under tents by the roadside like it’s a mini party.
Yes, it smells intense (some say like old socks in a gas leak), but that’s part of the thrill. Once you get past the smell, it’s kind of addictive.
What is that hose next to the toilet for?
Ah, that’s the famous “toilet hose”, also known as the bidet spray or bum gun. It’s used for cleaning yourself after using the toilet — a more hygienic (and eco-friendly) alternative to just toilet paper. You’ll find it in almost every Malaysian bathroom, even in airports and hotels.
Curious how to use it without accidentally soaking yourself or why some Malaysians still prefer squat toilets? I wrote a whole post about it here:
👉 Malaysian Public Toilets: The Good, the Bad, the Hose
Is Malaysia safe for tourists?
Yes, Malaysia is generally very safe for tourists, even solo travelers and women. Violent crime is rare, and most people find locals warm, helpful, and respectful. That said, no place is completely risk-free.
👉 I’ve written full posts on how to stay safe and healthy in Malaysia, common scams, and whether you need travel insurance. Give them a read before you go.
Final thoughts
Malaysia is full of surprises — some delicious, some curious, and some that leave you scratching your head. Hopefully, this FAQ cleared up a few of your questions, or at least gave you a good laugh along the way.
If you’re just starting to learn about this incredible country, check out my Malaysia 101 post where I cover everything from language and money to a little bit of history and basic survival tips.
And if you’re ready to plan your trip, head over to the rest of the blog for:
Still got a burning question I missed?
Drop it in the comments below. I’ll answer it, and who knows, it might just end up in the next FAQ roundup!
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