cultural diversity

Malaysia is one of great example to the world to show a life of multi-racial society. Malaysia has succeeded in proving to the world that a multiracial society can tolerate and developing countries live together. According to the Kamus Dewan (2007), culture can be defined as, civilization, mind progress, common sense, strange behavior and many more. Culture can also be classified as a way of life practiced by a particular group and it covers the social, organizational arrangements, economics, politics, religion, beliefs, customs, attitudes and values. According to the Kamus Dewan (2005) fourth edition page 102, diversity is a description of the various types. Diversity include many things whether abstract or concrete, which can be found in a place or territory. Culture is the way of life that are designed to be able to interact and adapt to society and the environment. Malaysia is a multiracial country that can live in a harmony. Among the three main races in Malaysia, Chinese, Malays and Indians have lived in this land for five centuries. In addition, there are approximately 80 ethnic groups, especially in East Malaysia. These include Baba and Nyonya, Kadazan and Iban.

Malaysian Chinese community made ​​up of several tribes. There are six major dialect groups of Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese, and Fuzhou (Hokchiu). Chinese people practicing different forms of customs and taboos in their daily lives. From the aspect of the wedding, the Chinese will plan and arrange a marriage with glorious. According to their belief, married couples without the customary are not legal. Besides that, there are various forms of customs and taboos are practiced by the Chinese women during pregnancy and after birth to ensure the babies are healthy. For example, pregnant women are prohibited to do the nailing works because they believe that the babies will have a disability. They also had to abstain for 40 days after giving birth to maintain their health and beauty.

Chinese society adheres to the customs related to the issues of death. Upon death, the body will be cleaned and washed as a mark of their last respects to the deceased. The body will be placed in the coffin that is made of carved wood exciting. They will hire more people to mourn the deceased. During the escort the body, different types of songs will be played. After the funerals, black clothing will be worn for several days until the day of mourning is over.

In the area of ​​nutrition, the Chinese community has a variety of foods. One of it is the moon cake. Moon cakes are  Chinese pastry that is often eaten during mid-autumn festival. The cake is made from sweet dough and lotus seeds. In addition, Pan Gan Mian is also the Chinese food. Other names are Kompua. It is a kind of noodles eaten by Foochow community. Ding Bian Hu is the Foochow food that is usually eaten at breakfast and supper.