Hygiene in Malaysia

24 October 2012
Hygiene
Hygiene is the most vital element in the daily life of every Malaysian. It is essential because it affects a person’s interactions with other people, self-esteem and health. Different families or cultures have different practices concerning hygiene. These practices vary from country to country. In my country, Malaysia, we practice daily personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle to prevent the spreading of germs and illnesses.
One of the things that people do in Malaysia is to use deodorant and shower frequently. Situated in the equatorial region, the humidity level is so high that excessive sweating occurs, and it can lead to body odor which is the most aggravating problem that Malaysian people face, especially when using public transportation. Although it is not a major problem that could harm one’s health, it creates an embarrassing situation in public places where you are unable get used to the awful smell. To avoid such an unpleasant situation, a shower is taken at least two to three times a day, and a spray or roll on deodorant is used.
Another thing that people do in my country is to wash their hands frequently. Many diseases are spread by not washing hands with soap or clean running water. According to a study conducted by the Malaysian health organization, an average human hand harbors around one hundred –fifty species of bacteria. Most infections such as colds and the flu are contracted when our germ infested hands come in contact with our mouths, nose or by handling food. In the Malaysian culture and etiquette, the cardinal rule of dining has been to always use the right hand when eating and receiving food, whereas the left hand is traditionally considered unclean because it’s used to perform matters associated with going to the restroom. Hand washing, before and after a meal and after using the restroom, is crucial. Cleaning with paper tissue or cloth after eating is considered unhygienic because it doesn’t eliminate germs. As a substitute, places where traditional hand washing with soap and water is beyond reach, alcohol- based sanitizer wipes are used.
Since Malaysia is a developing nation, air pollution is a common factor. Infections such as sinus problems or asthma are easily triggered by the presence of dust or airborne particles. To promote a healthy lifestyle in our living space, most Malaysian families spend the weekend performing housekeeping. Essentially, most Malaysian will begin the morning with a list of chores such as doing laundry, dusting the upholstery, cleaning the bathroom, and sweeping the house from inside out. The climate in Malaysia is normally hot and humid all year round. Often irregular or unattended cleaning of bathrooms could contribute to the growth of mold on floor tiles and on shower curtains, which over a long period could cause allergic responses, deteriorate surfaces and an unpleasant odor.
As the old saying goes: health is the best wealth. Malaysians realize practicing good hygiene habits such as using deodorant, showering and hand washing essential because it help to promote a healthy lifestyle; moreover keeps you physically and mentally healthy.