Malaysia 101
The name of the Malaysian holiday celebrating independence from British rule
Hari Merdeka
This historic city is famous for its red Dutch buildings and Jonker Street.
Melaka
What date is celebrated as Malaysia’s Independence Day (Hari Merdeka)?
August 31
This traditional Malay dish is made by cooking meat with coconut milk, kerisik, and spices until it becomes dry and richly flavored.
rendang
if someone says “He is very kedekut,” what does that mean?
stingy / unwilling to spend money
The famous towers are called this.
the petronas twin towers
This famous tower in Kuala Lumpur has a revolving restaurant near the top.
KL Tower
Which country separated from Malaysia and became an independent nation in 1965?
Singapore
This Kelantanese rice dish is famous for its blue-colored rice, often served with budu, fried chicken, and ulam.
nasi kerabu
What does “tapau” mean when someone says, “I want to tapau this”?
“Takeaway”
he name of the traditional Malay martial art recognized as part of Malaysia’s cultural heritage
silat
This famous Hindu temple is located inside limestone caves just outside Kuala Lumpur.
Batu Caves
In what year was Malaysia formed?
1963
This Peranakan dish is a spicy, coconut-milk-based noodle soup often served with shrimp and fish cake.
nyonya laksa
What does “makan angin” literally mean, and what does it actually refer to?
“Eat wind” — going on a trip / sightseeing
Malaysia’s national flower is a red hibiscus. This is its Malay name.
bunga raya
This is the highest mountain in Malaysia, located in Sabah.
Mount Kinabalu
In what year did Malaysia gain independence from British rule?
1957
This dish consists of rice noodles served with a thick, sweet, spicy gravy made from fermented shrimp paste, often topped with boiled egg and cucumber.
mee rebus
If someone says “Mampus lah” after realizing they forgot their assignment, what does it mean?
“I’m screwed / I’m in trouble”
This is the name of the Malaysian state located on the island of Borneo that is famous for its diverse indigenous cultures and the city of Kuching
Sarawak
This famous hill station is known for its cool weather, tea plantations, and strawberry farms.
Cameron Highlands
This is Malaysia’s current Prime Minister.
Anwar Ibrahim
This dish from Negeri Sembilan is known for its yellow coconut milk gravy and generous use of turmeric and bird’s eye chili.
masak lemak cili api
if someone says “Jangan kepoh,” what are they telling you?
“Don’t be so nosy”