Quick Answer: Malaysia’s three biggest festivals are Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Muslim, marking the end of Ramadan), Chinese New Year (Chinese community), and Deepavali (Hindu festival of lights). Each involves public holidays, family celebration, special food, and the wonderful ‘open house’ tradition where all are welcomed. Foreign teachers should understand each festival’s significance, use appropriate greetings, and embrace open-house invitations warmly.
Table of Contents
- Three Festivals, One Multicultural Spirit
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- Chinese New Year
- Deepavali: The Festival of Lights
- The Magic of Open Houses
- Appropriate Greetings and Gestures
- Festival Etiquette for Teachers
- How Festivals Affect the School Calendar
- Embracing the Celebrations
- Common Mistakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Teach in Malaysia?
- Similar Topics
- References
Three Festivals, One Multicultural Spirit: Working Through Hari Raya, CNY Essentials
Malaysia’s three great festivals — Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali — are the colourful, joyful heart of its multicultural calendar, each celebrated by one of the main communities yet shared, in the wonderful Malaysian way, across the whole society. For foreign teachers, these festivals are among the most memorable and enriching experiences of living in Malaysia. Understanding what each one means, how to respect and engage with it, and how to enjoy the festivities makes you a more culturally attuned teacher and opens the door to genuine connection and celebration.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also called Hari Raya Puasa, or Eid al-Fitr) is the joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It’s one of the most significant occasions for the Muslim community and a major Malaysian holiday. After a month of fasting, Hari Raya brings feasting, family reunions, new clothes (often traditional baju kurung and baju Melayu), the seeking of forgiveness (‘maaf zahir dan batin’), visiting elders, and the giving of ‘duit raya’ (money gifts to children). Homes are open and tables laden with festive food like rendang and ketupat. The atmosphere is one of joy, family, and reconciliation.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year (Tahun Baru Cina) is the most important festival for Malaysia’s Chinese community — a vibrant, weeks-long celebration of family reunion, renewal, and good fortune. Highlights include reunion dinners, the colour red everywhere (symbolising luck and prosperity), ‘ang pow’ (red packets of money given to children and unmarried adults), lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, mandarin oranges exchanged as gifts, and the famous ‘yee sang’ (a tossed prosperity salad). The festivities are energetic, auspicious, and full of symbolism around luck, wealth, and family — a wonderful spectacle to witness and be welcomed into.
Deepavali: The Festival of Lights
Deepavali (Diwali) is the Hindu festival of lights, the major celebration for Malaysia’s Indian community, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are decorated with oil lamps and beautiful ‘kolam’ (intricate floor designs made with coloured rice or powder), new clothes are worn, prayers are offered, and families gather to share an abundance of delicious food and sweets (‘muruku’ and various treats). The warmth, colour, light, and generosity of Deepavali make it a beautiful celebration, and open houses welcome guests to share in the festive food and joy.
| Festival | Community | Meaning | Greeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Muslim/Malay | End of Ramadan; forgiveness, family | Selamat Hari Raya |
| Chinese New Year | Chinese | Renewal, luck, family reunion | Gong Xi Fa Cai |
| Deepavali | Hindu/Indian | Light over darkness, good over evil | Happy Deepavali |
The Magic of Open Houses
The ‘open house’ (rumah terbuka) is perhaps the most beautiful Malaysian tradition tied to these festivals, and it embodies the country’s spirit of multicultural harmony. During each festival, families hold open houses, welcoming guests of all races and religions into their homes to share festive food and celebration — Malay families welcome Chinese and Indian guests for Hari Raya, Chinese families welcome all for CNY, and so on. As a foreign teacher, being invited to open houses is a genuine privilege and one of the warmest, most connecting experiences you’ll have. Accept warmly, and you’ll experience Malaysian hospitality at its finest.
Appropriate Greetings and Gestures
Using the right greetings shows respect and delights colleagues and students: ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ (often with ‘Maaf zahir dan batin’, asking forgiveness) for Hari Raya; ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ (wishing prosperity) for Chinese New Year; and ‘Happy Deepavali’ or ‘Selamat Deepavali’ for Deepavali. Beyond greetings, small respectful gestures — admiring festive decorations, trying the special foods with enthusiasm, dressing modestly and smartly for open houses, and showing genuine interest — are all warmly received. These simple efforts signal your respect and engagement with each community’s celebration.
Festival Etiquette for Teachers
Some etiquette notes: at open houses, dress modestly and smartly, bring goodwill (and perhaps a small gift like fruit or sweets, though not always necessary — ask), accept food graciously, and be mindful of customs (halal food at Malay homes, removing shoes when entering homes, eating with the right hand in traditional settings). Be aware of and respectful toward the religious dimension of Hari Raya and Deepavali. Treat all three festivals with equal enthusiasm and respect — avoiding favouritism — which honours Malaysia’s multicultural balance and your relationships across all communities.
How Festivals Affect the School Calendar
These major festivals bring public holidays, and the school calendar reflects them — you’ll typically have time off for Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali. Schools may also hold their own festive celebrations, assemblies, or activities, and the lead-up to each festival brings a lovely celebratory atmosphere to school life. Embrace these as opportunities to learn, celebrate with your students and colleagues, and engage with the cultural richness around you. The festivals also provide welcome breaks and chances to travel or rest within Malaysia’s generous holiday calendar.
Embracing the Celebrations
The best advice for foreign teachers is simply to embrace these festivals wholeheartedly. Learn about their meaning, use the greetings, accept open-house invitations, try the foods, admire the traditions, dress appropriately, and participate with genuine warmth and respect. Treating all three with equal enthusiasm honours Malaysia’s multicultural harmony. These festivals are among the great joys and privileges of living in Malaysia — a chance to be welcomed into the celebrations of cultures different from your own, in a spirit of shared humanity and hospitality. Embrace them fully, and they’ll be among your most treasured Malaysian memories.
Common Mistakes
Arriving without sufficient financial preparation for the first months
The initial weeks of teaching in Malaysia require significant upfront expenditure before the first salary arrives: rental deposits equivalent to three months’ rent, utility deposits, transport setup, household essentials, and initial living costs can total RM15,000 to RM20,000 or more. Teachers who arrive with insufficient accessible savings experience financial stress during what is already a high-adjustment period. Ensure you have a minimum of RM20,000 in accessible funds before relocating to Malaysia, and treat this as the baseline requirement rather than an aspirational buffer.
Underestimating the complexity of the Employment Pass process and timeline
The Malaysian Employment Pass application process, managed through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD), is employer-led but requires the teacher to provide certified copies of degree certificates, a clean police clearance certificate, and medical documentation. The total process typically takes 6 to 12 weeks from submission — longer if documents require attestation from foreign governments. Teachers who underestimate this timeline may find their start date delayed, their legal right to work in Malaysia not yet established on arrival, or their first payday affected by administrative delays. Submit all required documents immediately and in certified form as soon as requested by your school’s HR team.
Not researching Malaysia’s tax and financial obligations before arriving
Foreign teachers in Malaysia have specific tax obligations including registration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), monthly salary tax deductions (PCB), and annual tax filing by April 30. EPF contributions at 2% of salary are mandatory for most foreign teachers and require a separate EPF registration. Teachers who arrive without understanding these obligations face compliance issues and potential penalties. Attend any financial orientation sessions your school provides, and if none are offered, research your specific obligations via the LHDN and EPF websites or consult a local accountant in your first month.
Choosing accommodation based on price alone without considering neighbourhood practicalities
Rental prices in some outer areas of KL look attractive but can translate into daily transport costs that eliminate the apparent saving. Beyond cost, accommodation decisions should factor in: proximity to the school, walking infrastructure, proximity to a grocery store, noise levels, building maintenance quality, and whether the landlord is responsive and professional. Teachers who sign leases primarily on the basis of rental price alone, without viewing properties in person and testing commutes at peak hours, frequently encounter problems — from difficult landlord relationships to exhausting daily commutes — that a more considered decision would have avoided.
Isolating from the expat and local community in the first months
The first term in Malaysia can feel isolating if a teacher does not actively invest in building social connections outside of school hours. Relying exclusively on school colleagues for social interaction is a common early mistake that limits exposure to the wider Malaysian experience and makes teachers vulnerable if those school relationships become complicated. Join expat Facebook groups, attend Hash House Harriers runs, explore local interest groups through Meetup, and make a deliberate effort to know your neighbourhood. The quality of social connections outside the school gates significantly affects how satisfying and sustainable the Malaysia posting becomes.
Not reading the employment contract carefully before signing
Malaysian international school employment contracts vary significantly in the protections and conditions they offer. Key clauses to review include: the probation period and its termination terms, what happens to housing and flight allowances if the contract is terminated early, whether there is a non-compete or non-solicitation clause, how end-of-contract gratuity is calculated and what triggers disqualify it, and the terms of any diplomatic or early termination clause. Do not sign a contract you have not read in full — ask your school’s HR team for 48 hours to review the document, and consult a Malaysian employment law resource or expat lawyer if any clause is unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be invited to open houses, and should I go?
Very likely yes — colleagues, students’ families, and friends often invite foreigners to festival open houses, and you should absolutely accept warmly. It’s a wonderful gesture of inclusion and one of the most connecting, enjoyable experiences in Malaysia. Dress modestly and smartly, bring goodwill, try the food with enthusiasm, and enjoy Malaysian hospitality at its finest.
Do I need to give gifts or red packets at these festivals?
As a guest, elaborate gifts aren’t expected — a small gift like fruit or sweets for an open house is a nice gesture but often not necessary (ask if unsure). ‘Ang pow’ (CNY red packets) and ‘duit raya’ (Hari Raya money) are traditionally given by the married/elders to children and the unmarried, so as a teacher you might give small amounts to students or younger people in some contexts, but observe local norms and follow colleagues’ lead.
How long does the Employment Pass process take for teachers in Malaysia?
The Employment Pass application process typically takes 6 to 12 weeks from document submission through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). The employer manages the application, but teachers must provide certified copies of their degree certificate, a clean police clearance certificate from their home country, and medical documentation. Starting document collection early — as soon as a job offer is received — is the most effective way to avoid delays to the contract start date.
Is Malaysia a good country for foreign teachers to save money?
Yes — Malaysia consistently ranks among the best destinations globally for teacher savings potential. The combination of competitive international school salaries, low cost of living (particularly accommodation, food, and transport), and low income tax rates means most foreign teachers can save RM3,000 to RM8,000 per month after all living expenses. This compares favourably with higher-salary destinations like Singapore or the UAE, where living costs absorb a much larger proportion of earnings.
What qualifications do I need to teach at an international school in Malaysia?
Most international schools in Malaysia require a recognised teaching qualification (a Bachelor of Education, PGCE, or equivalent), a minimum of two years classroom teaching experience, and a degree in the subject being taught at secondary level. IB World Schools additionally prefer or require IB workshop certification. Degree attestation — having your qualifications officially verified — is required for the Employment Pass application and can take 4 to 8 weeks depending on the issuing country.
Do foreign teachers in Malaysia pay income tax?
Yes. Foreign teachers who are tax residents — defined as spending more than 182 days in Malaysia in a calendar year — pay income tax at the graduated resident rate, typically 7% to 15% on a standard teacher salary. Non-residents pay a flat 30% rate on all Malaysian income. Monthly PCB deductions are made from salary, and annual tax returns must be filed with LHDN by 30 April.
Can my family come with me if I teach in Malaysia?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can accompany foreign teachers to Malaysia on a Dependent Pass, which is issued alongside the Employment Pass. A Dependent Pass does not automatically grant the right to work — spouses who wish to work must obtain a separate endorsement or their own work visa. Children enrolled at the teacher’s international school typically receive fee discounts as part of the employment package.
Ready to Teach in Malaysia?
Teaching in Malaysia offers a genuinely rewarding combination of competitive salaries, low living costs, and a unique base for exploring Southeast Asia. Whether you are researching your first international posting or planning your next career move, every aspect of the process is covered on this site — from Employment Pass applications and salary negotiation to accommodation, tax, and life in Kuala Lumpur. Browse the related guides below to build the full picture before you commit.
Similar Topics
- Deepavali in Malaysia: A Foreign Teacher’s Guide to the Festival of Lights
- Malaysia’s Multi-Faith Calendar: How Festivals and Observances Affect School Life
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri: A Guide for Foreign Teachers in Malaysia
- Malaysia for Foodies: A Foreign Teacher’s Guide to Eating Your Way Through KL
- Malaysia Public Holidays: A Foreign Teacher’s Complete Calendar Guide
