Many other languages are used in Malaysia, which contains speakers of 137 living languages.

[269]
 Peninsular Malaysia contains speakers of 41 of these languages. [270] The native tribes of East
Malaysia have their own languages which are related to, but easily distinguishable from,
Malay. Iban is the main tribal language in Sarawak while Dusunic and Kadazan languages are
spoken by the natives in Sabah.[271] Chinese Malaysians predominantly speak Chinese dialects from
the southern part of China. The more common Chinese varieties in the country
are Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and so on.[272] The Tamil language is used predominantly by the
majority of Malaysian Indians.[273] A small number of Malaysians have European ancestry and
speak creole languages, such as the Portuguese-based Malaccan Creoles,[274] and the Spanish-
based Chavacano language.[275]

Health
Main article: Health in Malaysia

Malaysia operates an efficient and widespread two-tier healthcare system, consisting of a universal

healthcare system and a co-existing private healthcare system; provided by highly subsidized
healthcare through its extensive network of public hospitals and clinics. [276] The Ministry of
Health (MOH) is the main provider of healthcare services to the country's population. [277] Malaysia's
healthcare system is considered to be among the most developed in Asia, which contributes to its
thriving medical tourism industry.[278]
Malaysia spent 3.83% of its GDP on healthcare in 2019. [279] In 2020, the overall life expectancy in
Malaysia at birth was 76 years (74 years for males and 78 years for females), [280] and it had an infant
mortality rate of 7 deaths per 1000 births.[281] Malaysia had a total fertility rate of 2.0 in 2020, which is
just below the replacement level of 2.1.[282] In 2020, the country's crude birth rate was 16 per 1000
people, and the crude death rate was 5 per 1000 people.[283][284]
In 2021, the principal cause of death among Malaysian adults was coronary artery disease,
representing 17% of the medically certified deaths in 2020—being followed by pneumonia; which
accounted for 11% of the deaths. [285] Transport accidents are considered a major health hazard, as
Malaysia, relative to its population, has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the world.
[286]
 Smoking is also considered a major health issue across the country. [287]

Education
Main article: Education in Malaysia

Ministry of Education, Putrajaya

The education system of Malaysia features a non-compulsory kindergarten education followed by six
years of compulsory primary education, and five years of optional secondary education. [288] Schools in
the primary education system are divided into two categories: national primary schools, which teach
in Malay, and vernacular schools, which teach in Chinese or Tamil. [289] Secondary education is
conducted for five years. In the final year of secondary education, students sit for the Malaysian
Certificate of Education examination.[290] Since the introduction of the matriculation programme in
1999, students who completed the 12-month programme in matriculation colleges can enroll in local
universities. However, in the matriculation system, only 10 per cent of places are open to non-
bumiputera[jargon] students.[291]

Culture
Main article: Culture of Malaysia

A traditional house being built in Sabah

Malaysia has a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. The original culture of the area
stemmed from indigenous tribes that inhabited it, along with the Malays who later moved there.
Substantial influence exists from Chinese and Indian culture, dating back to when foreign trade
began. Other cultural influences include the Persian, Arabic, and British cultures. Due to the
structure of the government, coupled with the social contract theory, there has been minimal cultural
assimilation of ethnic minorities.[292] Some cultural disputes exist between Malaysia and neighbouring
countries, notably Indonesia.[293]
In 1971, the government created a "National Cultural Policy", defining Malaysian culture. It stated
that Malaysian culture must be based on the culture of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, that it
may incorporate suitable elements from other cultures, and that Islam must play a part in it. [294] It also
promoted the Malay language above others. [295] This government intervention into culture has caused
resentment among non-Malays who feel their cultural freedom was lessened. Both Chinese and
Indian associations have submitted memorandums to the government, accusing it of formulating an
undemocratic culture policy.[294]

Fine arts
Main article: Malaysian art

See also: Music of Malaysia and Malaysian literature

A craftsman making batik. Malaysian batik is usually patterned with floral motifs with light colouring.
Traditional Malaysian art was mainly centred on the areas of carving, weaving, and silversmithing.
[296]
 Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay
courts. Common artworks included ornamental kris, beetle nut sets, and
woven batik and songket fabrics. Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their wooden masks.
[160]
 Each ethnic group have distinct performing arts, with little overlap between them. However, Malay
art does show some North Indian influence due to the historical influence of India. [297]
Traditional Malay music and performing arts appear to have originated in the Kelantan-Pattani region
with influences from India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The music is based around percussion
instruments,[297] the most important of which is the gendang (drum). There are at least 14 types of
traditional drums.[298] Drums and other traditional percussion instruments and are often made from
natural materials.[298] Music is traditionally used for storytelling, celebrating life-cycle events, and
occasions such as a harvest.[297] It was once used as a form of long-distance communication. [298] In
East Malaysia, gong-based musical ensembles such as agung and kulintang are commonly used in
ceremonies such as funerals and weddings. [299] These ensembles are also common in neighbouring
regions such as in Mindanao in the Philippines, Kalimantan in Indonesia, and Brunei.[299]