Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei

Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei politically separate but geographically united, are here dealt with together. Malaysia itself falls into two large parts (W. and E. Malaysia, with Singapore adjoining the former and Brunei the latter) and possesses a trio of principal cuisines (Malay, Indian, Chinese). Of Malaysia’s population of close to 20 million, over half are Malays and Muslim; a third are Peranakan (Straits Chinese, mostly in Penang, Malacca, and Singapore, with roots in S. China); and 10 per cent Indians, many from S. India.