Malays

Malays are an ethnolinguistic group native to the Malay Peninsula and the wider Malay world, including parts of Sumatra, Borneo, Singapore, and the southern Thai region. In contemporary nation-states, Malays form a major portion of the populations of Malaysia and Brunei, with sizable communities in Singapore and border areas of Thailand. In Malaysia, the term Malay is also a legally defined category tied to Islam, the Malay language, and adherence to Malay customs, and it plays a key role in constitutional rights and affirmative-action policies.

Language and culture are central to Malay identity. Malays speak Malay languages, which belong to the Austronesian family; Standard Malay serves as the national language of Malaysia and Brunei and is widely used in Singapore. Regional dialects persist across the Malay-speaking world. Malay culture emphasizes adat istiadat (customary law and rituals), traditional attire such as the baju kurung and baju melayu, and arts like silat, gamelan, and batik crafts. Cuisine reflects coastal and inland influences, featuring rice, coconut, and a variety of spices.

Religion and history have shaped Malay society. Islam is the predominant faith among Malays, influencing daily life, ceremonial practice, and public norms in many communities. Historically, Malay sultanates such as Malacca and Johor–Riau built trade networks and cultural influence in the region. In the modern era, Malays have played prominent roles in the politics, education, and public life of Malaysia and Brunei. The Malay identity is also linked to the Bumiputera concept, which grants certain privileges within Malaysia’s affirmative-action framework.