"Don’t Touch Children’s Heads" — 5 Taboos to Avoid When Traveling in Malaysia

▲Islam is Malaysia’s national religion. If you encounter Muslim visitors during your trip, what should you pay attention to? (Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia)

By Chen Tzu-yin, Taipei

Malaysia is a highly favored travel destination among Taiwanese tourists. The vibrant energy of Kuala Lumpur, the pristine beauty of its islands, and the diverse experiences make it worth visiting again and again. However, as a country where Islam is the national religion—followed by approximately 64% of the population—it's essential to be aware of local taboos. Dato’ Sri Huang Yanyan, Chairperson of the Malaysian Tourism Board, has outlined several key points for Taiwanese travelers. Butshe emphasized, "Taiwanese travelers are very polite and respectful of other cultures, which left a deep impression on me."

Regarding the many taboos in Islamic culture, Huang Yanyan listed the following travel tips:

1. Wear Long Sleeves
Huang Yanyan noted that when visiting areas with a large Muslim population, it’s best to wear long sleeves. However, there’s no need to worry too much—locals understand that visitors are just tourists, and modest, non-revealing clothing is generally acceptable.

2. Don’t Touch the Heads of Muslim Children
Even if you see a cute child in Malaysia, avoid touching their head. Huang Yanyan explains that in Islam, the head is believed to be the home of the soul and must never be touched casually.


▲If you encounter a Muslim family, remember not to touch a child’s head even if they seem adorable. (Photo by Chen Tzu-yin)

3. Don’t Shake Hands Before Prayer
Prayer holds great sanctity in Islam. It is essential to wash your hands before praying, and once washed, you must not touch anyone else’s hand. Huang Yanyan said, "If a traveler’s handshake is declined by a Muslim, it’s not because they’re being rude, but because their prayer is deeply devout—and they must wash their hands beforehand."

4. No Pork
Most people know that Muslims do not eat pork. Huang Yanyan added that if you know you’ll be around Muslim individuals, it’s best to avoid mentioning pork, as it can be a sensitive topic for them.

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