Malaysia has a strong oral tradition that has existed since before the arrival of writing, and continues

today. Each of the Malay Sultanates created their own literary tradition, influenced by pre-existing
oral stories and by the stories that came with Islam. [300] The first Malay literature was in the Arabic
script. The earliest known Malay writing is on the Terengganu stone, made in 1303.[160] Chinese and
Indian literature became common as the numbers of speakers increased in Malaysia, and locally
produced works based in languages from those areas began to be produced in the 19th century.
[300]
 English has also become a common literary language. [160] In 1971, the government took the step
of defining the literature of different languages. Literature written in Malay was called "the national
literature of Malaysia", literature in other bumiputera languages was called "regional literature", while
literature in other languages was called "sectional literature". [295] Malay poetry is highly developed,
and uses many forms. The Hikayat form is popular, and the pantun has spread from Malay to other
languages.[300]

Cuisine
Main article: Malaysian cuisine

Teh tarik

Nasi lemak

The national drink and dish of Malaysia[301][302]

Malaysia's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic makeup of its population. [303] Many cultures from within the
country and from surrounding regions have greatly influenced the cuisine. Much of the influence
comes from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures, [160] largely due to the
country being part of the ancient spice route.[304] The cuisine is very similar to that of Singapore and
Brunei,[182] and also bears resemblance to Filipino cuisine. [160] The different states have varied dishes,
[182]
 and often the food in Malaysia is different from the original dishes.[238]
Sometimes food not found in its original culture is assimilated into another; for example, Chinese
restaurants in Malaysia often serve Malay dishes.[305] Food from one culture is sometimes also
cooked using styles taken from another culture,[182] For example, sambal belacan (shrimp paste) are
commonly used as ingredients by Chinese restaurants to create the stir fried water
spinach (kangkung belacan).[306] This means that although much of Malaysian food can be traced
back to a certain culture, they have their own identity. [304] Rice is a staple food, and an important
constituent of the country's culture. [307] Chili is commonly found in local cuisine, although this does not
necessarily make them spicy.[303]

Media
Main article: Media of Malaysia

Radio Televisyen Malaysia

Malaysia's main newspapers are owned by the government and political parties in the ruling
coalition,[308][309] although some major opposition parties also have their own, which are openly sold
alongside regular newspapers. A divide exists between the media in the two halves of the country.
Peninsular-based media gives low priority to news from the East, and often treats the eastern states
as colonies of the Peninsula.[310] As a result of this, East Malaysia region of Sarawak launched TV
Sarawak as internet streaming beginning in 2014, and as TV station on 10 October 2020 [311] to
overcome the low priority and coverage of Peninsular-based media and to solidify the representation
of East Malaysia.[312] The media have been blamed for increasing tension between Indonesia and
Malaysia, and giving Malaysians a bad image of Indonesians. [313] The country has Malay, English,
Chinese, and Tamil dailies.[310] Kadazandusun and Bajau news only available via TV broadcast Berita
RTM.[314] Written Kadazan news was once included in publications such as The Borneo Post,
the Borneo Mail, the Daily Express, and the New Sabah Times, but publication has ceased with the
newspaper or as a section.[315][316]
Freedom of the press is limited, with numerous restrictions on publishing rights and information
dissemination.[317] The government has previously tried to crack down on opposition papers before
elections.[309] In 2007, a government agency issued a directive to all private television and radio
stations to refrain from broadcasting speeches made by opposition leaders, [318] a move condemned
by politicians from the opposition Democratic Action Party.[319] Sabah, where all tabloids but one are
independent of government control, has the freest press in Malaysia. [310] Laws such as the Printing
Presses and Publications Act have also been cited as curtailing freedom of expression. [320]