Other than Mandarin (Standard Chinese), main dialects Malay spoken language, affectionally called 'Hokkien' and 'Teochew'.

Mandarin is widely used by Chinese attending formal occations and byschool children as it is compulsory to use in Chinese language stream schools. However, hokkien and teochew are casually used.

The 'hokkien' is identical to those hokkien spoken in north peninsula Malaysia and Medan (indonesia). Largely due to the common ancestor's origin in Fujian Province, south-east China. Southern Malaysians, who speak another variant of hokkien, called this north hokkien 'as sing-song hokkien' as it sounds softer and more more melodious! Hokkien is widely used by all local Chinese on social occasions.

Teochew, almost used solely by Chinese of Teochew decent only, is the second most commonly used dialect.

Mandarin is seldom used at Chinese homes where own dialect is prferred. Other common dialects are cantonese, hakka and hainan.

Whichever the dialets, they all have been influenced by the other common spoken languages especially Malay and English. Common Malay words used are 'tapi' (but), 'baru' (new; just), 'salah' (wrong), 'teruk' (severe; very bad), 'pekan' (town center), 'tuala' (bathe towel), and even 'jamban' (toilet)!