Weekly Feature- Pets In Malaysia!

The focus this week is Pets In Malaysia! Namely, a few cultural and social norms to keep in mind when settling down in Malaysia, as well as the import rules and requirements and various other helpful tidbits.

Moving with your pets to Malaysia is an exciting time for you and your loved ones! Here’s some information that will hopefully shed some light on the local etiquette and a few great pet tips as well for living in Malaysia with!

As with most foreign lands, there are universally accepted standards of right and wrong and there is no need to cover the obvious here. However, as Malaysia is a multicultural society there are certain different cultural and religious characteristics one needs to recognize.

Shoes are commonly left at the front door of houses and some other buildings. A collection of shoes at the door is a giveaway that you may have to remove your shoes. Another sign is if you notice you are the only one wearing shoes!

Many Malaysians greet each other with a less than firm handshake and may then place their right hand over their heart after greeting you. Watch what happens and follow their lead.

In the city, the presentation of business cards or name cards often follow an introduction as a sign of interest in keeping contact with you, either socially or for business purposes. It is actually your prerogative; so use your discretion if it is wise to give your card or kindly excuse yourself for not carrying any of your own. But in doing business, it is a common practice though not compulsory.

Physical signs of affection in public are frowned upon and on the East Coast of Malaysia, men and women keep a safe distance from each other in public.

There are certain areas of mosques that should not be entered by non-Muslims. Signs are often displayed or people will inform you. Conservative dress is always required in all parts of mosques.

Many older people are simply referred to as "uncle" (pakcik) or "aunty" (makcik). People younger than you may also address you with such a term - take it as a compliment.

Many people bow their heads as they walk past people, especially older folk.

Some Malaysians eat with their hand. In many restaurants this is more than acceptable and well worth trying (saves waiting for the cutlery!). A tip though - only use the right hand as the left is used for more basic bodily functions.

If invited to a Malaysian home, the host will be most appreciative if you come bearing gifts, though this is not a must. Whatever you choose to bring - be it a souvenir from back home, some fruits or drinks purchased from a store around the corner - rest assured it would be welcomed sincerely. Even amongst Malaysians themselves, this practice is observed. Bringing a gift is known as carrying buah tangan, which literally means "fruit of the hands".

Many Malaysians are superstitious and there is a fascination with lucky numbers (essential for buying favorable numbers in lottery draws). Ask a Malaysian to explain this interest or when they jot down car license numbers at the scene of an accident.

There is a Chinese word called "kiasu". The English translation means something like "the fear of missing out". This surfaces in many situations - drivers being aggressive on the road, wearing branded clothes and accessories, using mobile phones loudly and piling one's plate the highest at a buffet. What does it all mean? It's about keeping up with the Jones's, it's about, "I'm as good as you", etc. This doesn't mean expats have to be kiasu, but being aware of its presence will help you understand many situations.

As in many Asian countries, Malaysians don't often show anger in public. When others do, many Malaysians are unsure of what to do next. Remain calm, firm and avoid shouting when things do not go your way. Something may be resolved if you are calm, but nothing will be achieved through ranting and raving.

Many Malaysians do not want to disappoint foreigners so a "yes" may not actually be in the affirmative. If you need a definite answer you might try and talk around a topic for awhile until you determine whether it is a real "yes" or a "no-yes".

This has a lot to do with "face". Face is another difficult concept to explain but most Malaysians do not like to "lose face" - i.e., they do not want to give the wrong information or to be called out, no matter what. You can "give face" by being understanding if something goes wrong; by not reminding people of this, by compensating for small mistakes and/or by not making a public spectacle. A difficult one, but very important for surviving in many Asian countries. Try and be a little humble - be honest about your faults and modest about your achievements.

When it comes to pets, living in Malaysia with them is something that most either love or hate! We have told many stories of the love of animals in Malaysia and just how pet friendly it really is - but again, back to the common sense side of this, many do frown upon taking your dog to eat with you at an outside restaurant. Be respectful of each establishment and those around you and many times your dog can tag along. If they do show signs of not wanting or allowing your pets around them, the respect you show in moving away from them will be to you and your pets' advantage.

Many of our customers do report of The De' Ritz Pet Hotel. It is a 5-star hotel for your cats or dogs with an area of 4,000 square feet which is fully air-conditioned. This hotel is located in Ikano Power Centre in Petaling Jaya, about 25 minutes drive away from Kuala Lumpur.

There are also many local hotels that cater for combined pet and people friendly options.

Another option is the Damansara Animal Centre (DAC). We are told it is a modern well-equipped visionary veterinary practice set up at The Pet Safari (Kuala Lumpur), IKANO Power Centre, Mutiara Damansara. The center provides veterinary health care and other pet care services for pet owners around the vicinity of Petaling Jaya and Damansara.

Their primary objective is to provide care for the well being of pets by committing themselves in educating the owners on the responsibility and to highlight the need for health care when owning a pet. Damansara Animal Centre also works together with The Pet Safari (Kuala Lumpur), the largest pet store in Malaysia and a pet friendly shopping mall IKANO for the futuristic idea of convenient shopping with companion pets which caters an accessible pet elevator from the parking lot! That is cool!

Before you arrive with your pets in Malaysia, please remember there are certain rules and requirements for moving with your pets to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Along with the full list of the Import Rules and Regulations, there is also some great information, especially about the quarantine times and facilities.