Use the right hand
Give, receive, and eat with the right hand. The left is considered unclean. When shaking hands, touch your chest afterward — a gesture of sincerity.
🤝 Etiquette in Malaysia
Etiquette in Malaysia is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In Malaysia, etiquette comes down to a few things: use the right hand, remove shoes at homes and mosques, and respect religious diversity.
Remove shoes at homes and mosques
Always remove shoes when entering Malaysian homes and all places of worship. Many restaurants too — look for the shoe pile.
Respect religious diversity
Don't assume someone's religion or dietary restrictions. Ask if food is halal when cooking for Malay friends. Don't offer alcohol to Muslims. Be sensitive during Ramadan.