The Malay people migrated from peninsular and east Malaysia. They will often identify themselves as Malaysian. However, Malaysians are a nationality, consisting of not only the Malay people group but also various ethnic Chinese, ethnic South Asian Indians, or aboriginal peoples.

A large percentage of Malay people originally migrated as students, then after graduating found employment. As a result, many are well-educated.

They pride in their cultural heritage and place great emphasis on family and community dependence. In fact, their value orientation is still very much influenced by community. They are a very social people and dependence upon community is considered normal and healthy.

The majority adhere to Islam. In fact, in their homeland of Malaysia, to be ethnic Malay means to be Muslim and to be Muslim means one is ethnic Malay.