Many, however, have migrated to the cities where they are heavily involved in the public and private sectors and the professions. Malays were the first Muslim converts in Southeast Asia (circa 10th century).

They have adopted the Islamic faith exclusively - to be a Malay is to be a Muslim. Malays view Islam as a celebration of the greatness and mercy of Allah, and their joyful, vibrant culture reflects this. The Malays have a complex and highly artistic culture. They are renowned for their beautifully crafted wooden houses, many of which can still be seen on the banks of the Sarawak River in Kuching, and other nearby villages such as at Kampung Bako, near the national park.

They are also famous for kain songket (cloth woven with gold and silver thread) and for their excellent silverware and brassware. Malay literature plays an important role in life; pantuns (allegorical poems) are popular with young and old alike. The embodiment of Malay culture, however is the Kris, the superbly crafted Malay dagger, which is often associated with magical powers.

In olden times, a Malay man was not properly dressed unless he was wearing his kris, and many men still wear them for ceremonial occasions.