Brunei Malay in Canada

People Name:	Brunei Malay
Country:	Canada
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	5,200
World Population:	600,000
Primary Language:	Brunei
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.70 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Malay
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Brunei Malay is the name used to refer to several very closely related and assimilated groups of indigenous people. The Brunei Malay come from Brunei, which was once a small sultanate on the large Southeast Asian island of Borneo. Brunei is extremely wealthy.

Although they are ethnically related to the Malay and also share the same Islamic religion, there are many cultural and linguistic differences that make the Brunei Malay distinct from the larger Malay populations in nearby Malaysia and Singapore. They write in Bahasa Malaysia but they speak in Brunei Malay, which is uniquely different in sound from spoken Malay.

There are not many Brunei Malay in Canada. Most of what we hear about "Malays" in Canada is about Malays from Malaysia. Ontario is the main place in Canada where both Malay and Brunei Malay people have settled.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Brunei Malay love to get together with others to enjoy badminton, golf, and the foods they enjoy from their original homeland. Ambuyat is specifically a Brunei Malay dish. Picnics are the social events that bring the community together. There is at least one Malaysian restaurant in Toronto. The food is halal, meaning it conforms to Muslim standards. There is a Canada Malay Association, which sponsors fund raisers to help suffering Muslim people around the world.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They believe that to be a true Brunei Malay, you must be Muslim. Some are more devout than others, but all agree with the tenets of Islam. They believe that salvation comes from obedience to Allah as spelled out in the Koran, their holy book. Many are caught up in the here and now, not concerned about religious matters. Such people will still find religious companionship with other Muslims in a mosque, especially if it is attended by other Asian Muslims.

What Are Their Needs?

The Brunei Malay need to hear about the finished work of Christ in a way that won't be misjudged because of cultural misunderstanding. The Brunei Malay have the chance to hear the gospel from believers in Canada, a nation with religious freedom.

Prayer Points

There are many strong believers in Canada who can share Christ with the Muslim Brunei Malay people, but it will take perseverance and love. Pray for the Lord to raise up such people.
Pray that if the Brunei Malay people in Canada reject the gospel, it will be because of Christ, not because the gospel is presented in a culturally inappropriate way.
Pray for Brunei Malay in Canada to find their way to the cross and make many disciples.