1. What is a 'Splash Bath'?
A 'Splash Bath' is a method of taking a shower using a small container to scoop water out of a large container (a tong) before pouring it over the body, in such a way the water does not go back into the large container. This is a traditional method of bathing which is called mandi in Indonesia and Malaysia.
2. What is a 'Wet Kitchen'?
A 'Wet Kitchen' is where most Malaysian do their 'dirty jobs' e.g. food preparation, cooking, frying where there is a fair element of fluids flying around i.e. water, oil, soup or gravy. The 'Wet Kitchen' is normally located near the laundry and washing machine and separated from the dry kitchen (what we call the conventional kitchen we see in modern households). Most cooking utensils and seasonings/ spices/ sauces are kept in this part of the kitchen. The refrigerator however is kept in the dry kitchen together with most of the other electrical appliances.
3. How do I use a 'Squat Toilet'?
Here is a link that explains how to use a 'Squat Toilet'.
4. Why should I not wear shoes inside the house?
Here are four reasons to you question.
5. Why should I lock the gate and the door of the house when I leave?
Here is an article to ponder on why Malaysians take extra precautions on security.
6. What is a 'Kedai Kopi', 'Kopitiam' or 'Mamak'?
- In Malaysia, 'Kopitiam' is our slang for Chinese coffee shop. A kopitiam consists of hawker stalls which offer a variety of Chinese cuisine. Recently there is a new 'breed' of kopitiams which are modernized with air-conditioning. These are more hygienic and upscaled compared to classic kopitiams.
- 'Kedai Kopi' is the Malay slang for coffee shop. This is very similar to a kopitiam but serves more of a local Malay cuisine such as 'nasi lemak'.
- 'Mamak' on the other hand is an Indian-Muslim version of a kopitiam. They sell a mixed variety of Indian-Muslim food such as thosai, murtabak and mee mamak.
7. What are table manners with Indian/ Chinese/ Malay families?
Here is a good link to understanding our Malaysian Dining Etiquette.
8. What normally offends local Malaysians?
Please read these articles in the weblink provided.
-The Concept of Face
-Etiquette and Customs in Malaysia
