Malaysia is an Islamic country. Ramadan (fasting month), which occurs once a year, is a big event for residents. Although there are some aspects that may be inconvenient, there are also many funs that are unique to Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 1 month (varies every year according to the Islamic calendar) |
| Contents | Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset |
| Target | Muslims only |
| Non-Muslims | No obligation to fast. However, please respect manners |
Life changes during Ramadan
Changes in business hours
``Shops and department stores will remain open during Ramadan, but business hours may be shorter or changed than usual, so we recommend checking in advance by phone or on the official website.'' (Review from a resident)
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Malay restaurant | △ Shortened business hours. Some stores may be closed during the day |
| Chinatown | ◎ Almost no impact |
| Little India | ○ Almost normal business |
| Shopping mall | ○ Sales. Some time changes |
| Food court | △ Malay food stalls are closed during the day |
"Maybe Chinatown will be okay during Ramadan. China has nothing to do with it." (Review from a resident)
Service impact
“Malay and Indian Muslim store staff cannot eat or drink at all during the day, so service and work efficiency has declined.” (Review from a resident)
🎉 How to enjoy Ramadan
Ramadan Bazaar (Iftar stall)
During Ramadan, Iftar (food to break the fast) food stalls will pop up all over the city in the evening.
“From today until Hari Raya, for about a month, iftar food and sweets stalls will be set up on the streets all over the place, so it’s fun.” (Review from a resident)
| Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Time | 3:00 pm to around sunset (around 19:30) |
| Location | Residential areas, around mosques, along main roads |
| Price | Very cheap. About RM3~10 (approx. 120~400 yen) |
| Recommended | Kue (Malay sweets), Nasi Lemak, Murtabak |
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Feast of Breaking the Fast)
Last day of Ramadan. One of Malaysia's biggest holidays.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Period | 2-3 days holiday |
| Atmosphere | Gorgeous like New Year's |
| Open House | You can also enjoy a feast at a Malay friend's house |
| Caution | Transportation is congested. Heavy traffic jams on expressways |
Manners that non-Muslims should follow
| Manners | Details |
|---|---|
| Do not eat or drink in front of Muslims | Refrain from eating or drinking in public places. Private room OK |
| Refrain from eating while walking | Eating and drinking on the street is conspicuous |
| Show consideration | Saying "Thank you for your hard work" makes people happy |
| No problem with restaurants | Restaurants for non-Muslims open normally |
Travel advice during Ramadan
| Advice | Details |
|---|---|
| Based in Chinatown | Least affected by Ramadan |
| Enjoy Ramadan Bazaar | Rather Plus for Travelers |
| Check business hours in advance | Google Maps may not be up to date |
| Malay restaurants may be closed after the evening | During the day |
Summary
- ●✅ Ramadan is about 1 month. The time changes every year
- ●✅ Chinatown/Little India Less affected
- ●✅ Ramadan Bazaar is rather fun (touring around the stalls is the best)
- ●✅ Even if you are a non-Muslim, observe good manners (do not eat or drink in front of Muslims)
- ●⚠️ Please be aware of change in business hours for Malay restaurants.
"Ramadan may be inconvenient, but iftar stalls in bazaars can only be experienced in Malaysia. If you are a resident, you should go there at least once."
*This article contains word-of-mouth information from the LINE community.
Last updated: February 2026