Portrait of Malay men wearing western-style clothing

The Malays migrated to the Malay Archipelago between 2,000 and 5,000 BC. There are a variety of sub-groups, such as the Peninsular Malay, Javanese, Boyanese, Bugis and others, within the Malay community. Most Malays are Muslims and speak the Malay language. Malay customs and traditions originated from Hindu beliefs but were eventually modified in accordance to Islamic teachings. Although the community is over-represented in the lower-income group, this predicament is slowly changing.