Taoism in Malaysia


Taoism in Malaysia is followed by many Chinese. In general, owing to the decline in religious knowledge amongst the younger generations, many followers focus on rituals of Malaysian Chinese religion with little or no knowledge of Taoist scriptures and cultivation.

History

Taoism arrived in Malaysia with Chinese settlers. Taoist practice later flourished as an increasing number of Chinese settled in Malaysia.
Many Taoist followers also worship ancestors and bodhisattva as these beliefs have traditionally enjoyed a peaceful coexistence, thereby leading to obscured delineation between them. There are also Chinese salvationist religions such as Wuweiism, the De religion which has also been well established in East Malaysia and Thailand, and Zhenkongism that was popular among Hakka people before World War II for stopping people taking opium.