PEOPLE OF MALAYSIA

Do You Know That

 

Malaysia is a country with fascinating people and an enthralling range of attractions, its three major races, the Malays, Chinese and Indians, along with the ethnic traditions of the KadazanDusun, Iban and many more in East Malaysia make up the delightful multicultural fabric of Malaysia. The potpourri is enriched further with the influence of the British, Portuguese, Dutch and Thais.


There are about 28,250,500 (as of July 2010) people in Malaysia from diverse backgrounds/races. It can be said that in diversity there is unity because in Malaysia all the races, ethnic Malays and indigenous people (sons of the soil), as well as Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and many others work and live together.

Kadazan

The Kadazans are an ethnic group indigenous to the state of Sabah in Malaysia. They are found mainly on the west coast of Sabah, the surrounding locales, and various locations in the interior. Due to similarities in culture and language with the Dusun ethnic group, and also because of other political initiatives, a new unified term called "Kadazan-dusun" was created. Collectively, they form the largest ethnic group in Sabah.

Iban

The Ibans are a branch of the Dayak people of Borneo. In Malaysia, most Ibans are located in Sarawak, a small portion in Sabah and some in west Malaysia. They were formerly known during the colonial period by the British as Sea Dayaks.



Indian

Malaysian Indians are Malaysians of Indian origin. Many are descendants from those who migrated from India during the British colonization of Malaya. Today, they form the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia after the Chinese and the Malays, and constitute 8% of the Malaysian population.



Chinese

The Malaysian Chinese  or also referred to as Chinese Malaysians, are Malaysians of Chinese origin. Most are descendants of Chinese who arrived between the fifteenth and the mid-twentieth centuries. Within Malaysia, they are usually simply referred to as "Chinese" in all languages. As of 2010, 22.9% of Malaysian population are of Chinese origin.

Malay

The Malay are Malaysia's largest ethnic group, accounting for over half the population and the national language. With the oldest indigenous people they form a group called bumiputera. Almost all Malays are Muslims. Traditional Malay culture centers around the kampung, or village.