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:: GENERAL
INFORMATION :: |
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Malaysia
has a combined population
of over 18 million people.
Because of its central
location, between the
Indian Ocean and the South
China Sea, Malaysia has
traditionally been a meeting
point for traders and
travelers from both the
East and West. As a result,
Malaysia has a multicultural
and multiracial population
consisting of Malays,
Chinese, Indians and numerous
indigenous peoples. Although
Malay is the official
language, English is widely
spoken, especially in
business, and the English
language is a compulsory
subject in all schools.
With such a varying ethnic
composition, it is no
surprise that a great
diversity of religions
is prevalent throughout
Malaysia. Although the
official religion is Islam,
freedom of worship is
practiced. As a result,
it is a common to see
temples, mosques and churches
within the same area.
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| 59%
Malay and other indigenous,
32% Chinese and 9% Indian.
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Malay
(official), English,
Chinese dialects,
Mandarin, Hakka
dialects, Cantonese,
Tamil and numerous
tribal languages.
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Muslim (primarily
Malays), Buddhism (Chinese),
Hindu (Indian), Christianity,
Confucianism, Taoism and tribal
religions.
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At
dusk, a new facet
of Malaysia reveals
itself. Hotel
lounges and clubs,
frequently found
within the larger
hotels, are active
at night. Although
somewhat expensive,
these clubs usually
have entertainment
on a nightly basis,
excluding Sunday.
Performances and
styles range from
jazz, to piano/singer
acts, to popular
music and singers.
Pubs
and bars
can also be found.
Locating these
may require some
effort, even for
taxi drivers,
as the pubs and
bars are usually
situated in the
suburbs. Major
hotels also have
pubs, but these
are more expensive
than their suburban
counterparts.
Music, often live,
is played on a
nightly basis.
Pubs close around
11pm, however,
so late-night
action seekers
must look elsewhere.
Discos begin to
warm up just as
the pubs start
closing their
doors. Discos
often stay open
until 2am. Some
have live bands
and light shows
but often require
cover charges
or drink minimums.
Consult with the
locals for the
current hot spots.
Nightclubs and
cabarets, or "kelab
malam" as
the locals call
them, offer Fifties-style
atmosphere, often
with variety acts,
floor shows and
bands. |
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