Adat Orang Melayu/Malay Customs

In Indonesia and Malaysia Malays are very particular about their customs which they inherited from their forefathers. Officially or socially they have code of conduct that is strictly observed by their fellowmen and others.

a)  For example, although it is not of importance to us Sri Lankan Malays but only of interest, wearing  a baju (outfit) in yellow is forbidden when one has an audience with their rulers.

b)  When a Malay points at someone,  something or a particular direction, he does not use his second finger. This is considered impolite. The thumb of the right hand is used instead.

c)  One aspect of the Malay customs which is still practiced today is the role of the Tepak Sirih.  The Tepak Sirih is a special container made out of silver, pewter or brass. The usual items found in this container are pinang (areca nut) cutter, sirih (betel) pinang (areca nut) tembaku (tobacco), kapur (lime) and gambir. The custom of sirih chewing goes back more than a hundred years. It is in fact a protocol. In the past, elaborate sirih presentation ceremonies welcomed delegates to the palace. ivermectin update Recently in Pelembang, Indonesia, we, Usoof and Nooranie were presented the sirih from a Tepak Sirih after a Tepak Sirih dance. It also plays an important role in marriages. This is explained in the wedding ceremony section.

d)  Removing shoes.

When entering a house it is customary to remove one’s shoes. An old lady we called  Emak Tok  (grandmother) who is no longer with us once told us that the reason was because dirt trampled and found in shoes can be brought in to the house.

e)  Giving Salams.

It is a tradition that one give salams when meeting and greeting people.  Children are trained from a very early stage to give salams. This is done by bending and touching the elders right hand with the forehead. bonnie hartz ivermectin dog If this person is a close relative then one kisses the hand. However opposite sex adults should be cautious  because people of marriageable age should not touch one another. Also one may be in a wadhu (ablution) stage ready for sembahyang (prayers).

f)  Sitting position.

On the floor men sit crossed legged and women with both legs bending to the right. Ladies should not spread their legs apart.

g)  Using hands to eat.

Use one’s right hand and not the left to eat. dosage ivermectin standard chickens  Use left hand to serve yourselves with the spoon.

h)  Clothing

The traditional dress ((baju kurung/baju kebaya) code for Malay women would be covered from neck to ankle and with sleeves to beneath the elbow. It is still common today for this dress code to be observed whilst accommodating current fashion trends. As for men, the baju Melayu for formal wear and a batik shirt and trousers for informal functions is the norm.

We hope that this article has been informative for you. If you have questions or comments please feel free to post them below.