Colours of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a very interesting place. The three dominant cultures are from the Malays, Chinese and Indians, who form the majority of Malaysia’s population. Although majority of Malaysians are Muslims, the three dominant cultures bring three languages, religions, culture and amazing food into this region. Sizeable community of Sikhs and Eurasians add and compliment the harmonious mix of cultures. Past trading with the East and West has made Malaysia a multi racial country, making it a potpourri of sorts.

 

Malays

The Malays or  Melayu, are the ethnic majority in Malaysia and compose a large part of the population. The embrace the Muslim faith at birth. The Malaysians in different states speak different dialects too, which the people from the other states find it hard to understand. To facilitate this, there is one common language, which is Bahasa Malay. Malays have a rich heritage in weaving fabrics, batik and wooden handicrafts.

 

The Chinese

The Chinese have set foot in Malaysia since the 15th Century, but it was only in the late 18th Century that they came en masse to Malaysia to work the booming tin industry. Many of them settled in Kuala Lumpur and were an integral element for making the city as prosperous it is today. Within the Chinese community, you will find many different dialects but the majority in Kuala Lumpur are of Cantonese descent, the other dailects are Hokkien, Hakka and Teowchew. The Chinese are the economic power of Malaysia, and in Kuala Lumpur, this is evident by the large number of Chinese inhabiting the urban and city areas. Besides being the second largest race in Malaysia, the Chinese are known for their colourful customs and traditions especially during the Chinese New Year. Specially the Lion Dance and the Chinese New Year. The Lion dance is a colourful and agile dance done by a “lion”. They believe this dance will usher in prosperity and luck and drive out evil spirits.

 

Indians

The Indians in Malaysia are the third largest race comprising about 10% of the total population, and a sizeable number of them are located in Kuala Lumpur. Originating from Southern India, most Indians practise Hinduism and speak Tamil or Hindi. Most of their customs and traditions are intricately tied with their religion. Hence, during the Hindu festivals such as Deepavali, Indians will perform colourful rites and visit temples.

 

Punjabis

Originating from the Punjab region, the Punjabis are an ethnic group in Malaysia. In the Punjabi community, the male is known as ‘Sikh’ and the female is known as ‘Kaur’. Known for their colourful culture, Bhangra is a traditional Punjabi musical art form that is increasing in popularity all over the world.  The Punjabis celebrate Vaisakhi, the Sikh’s New Year and Harvest Festival.

 

 

 

The Orang Asli

The term ‘Orang Asli’ refers to the aboriginal people found in Peninsular Malaysia, and they are the true natives of the land, having been here first before any other race since thousands of years ago. They speak unique languages of Austronesian origin, but many have adopted Malay as a means of communication today. Originally farmers and hunters that reside in the deep rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia, many have adopted a commercial lifestyle and their traditional customs and skills are in danger of being abandoned. Around Kuala Lumpur, there are pockets of Orang Asli villages that live near the fringes of rainforests but some have migrated to the city. They still sustain their livelihoods partly from harvesting the jungle, but their outlook has become more modern. Some have put on their traditional customs and skills on display for tourists to support their income. Still, the Orang Asli remain largely neglected by society and are in danger of being undermined rapidly by modernity.

 

The different cultures in Malaysia are enjoyed for a month with the festival called “Colours of Malaysia”. This has started since 2000 and this annual parade is unforgettable. Traditional dances and music enthral the crowds.