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Malaysia/FAQ

What languages are spoken in Malaysia?

The official language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is widely understood, particularly in cities and tourist areas. Mandarin, Tamil, and various local dialects are spoken by ethnic communities.

The Official Language

The Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the official language of the country. It is taught in all schools and used in public administration.

Practical Languages for Travelling

  • English : very widespread in cities, hotels, restaurants and tourist sites. A former colonial language, it remains commonly used in the service sector.
  • Basic Malay : a few words will help you in rural areas and to build connections with locals.

Community Languages

Malaysia's ethnic diversity is reflected in its languages:

  • Mandarin : spoken by the Chinese community, particularly in business.
  • Tamil : language of the Tamil Indian community.
  • Local Dialects : Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka depending on regions and communities.

Local Agency Advice

An English-speaking guide will allow you to explore Malaysia without language barriers while discovering the cultural subtleties of this multicultural country.

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