Malay people

Origins and Early History

The Malay people are an ethnic group native to the Malay peninsula, eastern Sumatra, coastal Borneo, and the smaller islands which lie between these locations. These areas are collectively known as the Malay world. The early Malay people were seafarers and farmers, with archaeological evidence indicating their presence in these regions dating back to 1,000 BC.

A traditional Malay village with wooden houses on stilts surrounded by lush greenery.

Language

The Malay language is the mother tongue of the Malay people. It belongs to the Austronesian language family, which includes languages from Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Malay language has been written in various scripts throughout history, including Pallava, Kawi, and Arabic. The modern Malay language is written in the Latin script, in a form known as Rumi. There is also a variant of the Arabic script known as Jawi, which is used mainly for religious purposes.

Religion

The majority of Malay people adhere to Islam, with the conversion of the Malay Archipelago to Islam being a significant event in their history. The conversion began in the 13th century, primarily through the influence of Indian Muslim traders. Prior to the conversion to Islam, the Malay people practiced Animism and Hinduism.

Society and Culture

Malay society is typically organized around many small village communities, each led by a headman known as a penghulu. The Malay people have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and art. The wayang kulit (shadow puppet theatre), silat (a martial art), and the kris (a traditional dagger) are all important aspects of Malay culture.

Cuisine

Malay cuisine is rich in spices and often heavily features rice, fish, and chicken. Popular dishes include nasi lemak, which is considered the national dish of Malaysia, and satay, a type of skewered meat. Malay cuisine has been influenced by many cultures due to the strategic location of the Malay Peninsula on the trade routes between China and India.

Modern Malay People

Today, the Malay people are recognized as one of the indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia and are the majority population in Malaysia and Brunei, and a significant minority in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. They continue to maintain their traditional customs and practices while also participating in modern society.