Strong communities Malaysia has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, but most of the Malay still live in rural villages called kampungs. Even in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, many Malays live in reserved sections which maintain much of the traditional characteristics of the kampung. The houses in traditional villages are built on pilings four to eight feet off the ground and have thatched roofs. The more wealthy Rural Malay have houses with tiled roofs and wooden planks for floors. A growing percentage of the Malays of Malaysia live in attached urban and suburban housing.
Rubber is the major cash crop, and fishing is also an important occupation.
In the cities, Malay are involved in factory work and government. While Islamic laws permit men to have up to four wives, the majority have only one. Children are highly valued, and adoption of a relative's child by childless couples is common. Divorce is easy and frequent, because a man has the right to end his marriage simply be declaring his intention to do so. One favorite pastime is the Malay game sepak takraw, which is similar to volleyball.