Religion in Malaysia

Overview

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and each of these groups has added its unique religious beliefs to the mix. This is a largely Moslem medical tourism destination, with freedom of religion granted to all citizens. But if you time your trip right, you might see Hindu, Taoist, Buddhist, and even Christian festivals.  

Islam

Approximately 60% of the citizens (and nearly 100% of native Malays) adhere to Islam, the state religion.  Muslim teachings arrived with traders from South India. Unlike in many other medical tourism destinations (like India), Islam came here by peace, and not force. There were no conquering battles; instead, the country peacefully adopted Islamic practices many of which were more tempered than the rigid practices of Arabia.   

The Malays, who are of Austronesian ethnicity, are required by the constitution to practice Islam. In fact, a Malay who chooses to give up Islam in this medical tourism center risks giving up his ethnic identity.  In doing so, he also forfeits his status of Bumiputra, which gives him a number of privileges, like discounts on real estate purchases and affirmative action protections.  Although Malays form a large majority of the Moslem population here, there are also Indians and Pakistani Moslems adding to the mix. 

Chinese Beliefs

Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese population follows a mix of ancestral worship, where former generations are venerated as respected.  There also exists a strong belief in the divine powers of objects, like rocks and trees.  Layering all these are Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist principles.  Some Chinese, particularly in the eastern part of Malaysia, practice Christianity. 

Hinduism and Sikhism