Literature

Malaysia &
Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage of Malaysia

 Malaysia consists of two distinct geographical regions: Peninsular Malaysia and

East Malaysia. Malaysia was formed when the Federation of Malaya merged with
North Borneo (today the province of Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore (seceded
1965) in 1963, and cultural differences between Peninsular and East Malaysia
remain.

 Malaysia is a multi–ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society, and the many

ethnic groups in Malaysia maintain separate cultural identities.[5] The society of
Malaysia has been described as "Asia in miniature".[6] The original culture of the
area stemmed from its indigenous tribes, along with the Malays who moved
there in ancient times. Substantial influence exists from the Chinese and Indian
cultures, dating back to when trade with those countries began in the area.
Malaysian Music

– Traditional Malay music and performing arts appear

to have originated in the Kelantan-Pattani region. The
music is based around percussion instruments,[28]
the most important of which is the Kendang (drum).
Music is traditionally used for storytelling, celebrating
life-cycle events, and at annual events such as the
harvest. Traditional orchestra can be divided between
two forms, the gamelan which plays melodies using
gongs and string instruments, and the nobat which
uses wind instruments to create more solemn music.
Malaysian Art

– Traditional Malaysian art is mainly centred on the

crafts of carving, weaving, and silversmithing.
Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from
rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts.
Luxurious textiles known as Songket are made, as
well as traditional patterned batik fabrics.
Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their
wooden masks
Malaysian Cuisine

– Malaysia's cuisine reflects the multiethnic makeup of its

population, and is defined by its diversity. Many cultures from
Malaysia and the surrounding areas have greatly influenced
Malaysian cuisine, with strong influence from Malay, Chinese,
Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cuisines. Much of this is
due to Malaysia being a part of the ancient spice route. The
cuisine is very similar to that of Singapore and Brunei, and also
bears resemblance to Filipino cuisine. The different states of
Malaysia have varied dishes, and often the food in Malaysia is
different from the original dishes
Literature