Greetings

In Malaysia, greetings are significant because they are believed to convey the respect you would provide to that person moving forward. Malaysians usually greet by clasping their hands, then withdrawing one hand to the chest, and slightly bowing to show respect. They seldom ever shake hands with people of the opposing sex. Because it is customary for Malaysians, particularly Muslim women, to refrain from touching flesh. Therefore, it is advisable to let women initiate a handshake when speaking with them in this country rather than taking the initiative yourself.

"Salaam" is the standard spoken salutation in Malaysia. Formal greetings involve extending both hands to the recipient's right hand and placing it between one’s own. The individual then makes a small bow and places their own right hand on their heart. To greet an older person, gently bowed the head. Put your forehead or the tip of your nose on the back of the elder recipient's hand if you're in a more formal environment. Older Malaysian Chinese people may look down on greetings out of respect.