Sindhis In Malaysia Small In Number Mighty In Impact

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HISTORY | The Sindhis in Malaysia form a very small community that is vibrant, influential and exercises a huge impact far beyond its numbers.
Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, sharp business acumen, industriousness, willingness to take calculated risks, resilience, and a strong sense of community, the Sindhis have preserved their unique identity by maintaining the Sindhi language, practising endogamy, and fostering strong internal bonds.
Though now numbering only about 1,000 people (with about 85 percent in the Klang Valley), the Sindhis have made notable contributions to the Malaysian economy and society – particularly in commerce, philanthropy, and civic leadership.
Their remarkable story in Malaysia is one of migration, successful adaptation, and impressive business and professional achievements.
The Sindhis have been aptly described by Faisal Devji, professor of Indian History at the University of Oxford, as “a remarkable people by any accounting.”
Similarly, Mamta Sachan Kumar, in a 2010 Master of Social Sciences thesis titled “Trade of the Times: Reconceiving ‘Diaspora’ with the Sindhi Merchants in Japan” (National University of Singapore), noted that the Sindhis are renowned “for their trademark opportunism and shrewd business sense.”
Furthermore, NA Mallal, in a 1940 radio talk, “Singapore Indian Communities”, stated that the Sindhis are “an extremely enterprising people” (The Straits Times, Nov 28, 1940).
A key turning point in the recent history of the Sindhis occurred when they lost their homeland, Sindh, to Pakistan when British India was partitioned in 1947.
Stripped of their wealth and uprooted from their ancestral land, they refused to succumb to despair. Instead, both in India and across the globe, they rose like the phoenix - rebuilding their lives and businesses from the ground up.
Today, the Sindhis are one of the wealthiest and most well-connected trading and professional communities in the world.
For example, in neighbouring Indonesia, the Sindhis are renowned as “kings of entertainment”, owning major film production houses and controlling approximately 75 percent to 80 percent of the textile market share (The Jakarta Post, Jan 26, 2017).
Origins from Sindh
Who are the Sindhis? An Indo-Aryan ethnic group, the Sindhis trace their roots to the Sindh province in present-day Pakistan. Before the partition of India, Sindh was part of British India. The province derives its name from the Indus River (Sindhu in Sanskrit).
Sindh has a rich history that dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation, which flourished about 5,000 years ago.
Its people were known for their mercantile skills, religious tolerance, and a composite culture that embraced diversity.
Prior to 1947, Sindh was a multi-ethnic and multi-religious region - home to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other communities.
Hindu Sindhis, who were primarily traders and merchants, faced severe disruption during the partition. The creation of Pakistan triggered communal violence and political instability, forcing millions of Hindu Sindhis to flee their ancestral homeland.
This mass displacement gave rise to a global Sindhi diaspora, with many re-settling in India and others establishing roots in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Early settlement in British Malaya
The British conquest of Sindh in 1843 significantly boosted trade activity among Sindhi merchants, opening up new horizons and opportunities for commerce.
In the case of British Malaya, the first Sindhis came to Singapore and Penang primarily as textile merchants during the second half of the 19th century.
In Singapore, the first known Sindhi firm, Wassiamull Assomull & Company was established in 1873, followed by KAJ Chotirmall in 1882.
Based upon an oral history interview conducted by the National Archives of Singapore, it does appear that the earliest Sindhi textile firm in Penang was Wassiamull Assomull & Company, which was established in the 1870s, followed later by Tollaram Dholiamall & Company.
Tollaram Dholiamall & CompanyIn 1911, two more Sindhi textile firms were established: Kewalram Chellaram and GW Ramchand & Company.
In the 1920s, several new Sindhi textile firms were established in Penang, including BHT Doulatram & Company, R Hassaram, and Parmanand Brothers. In the 1930s, DR Binwani & Company was established at 21 Bishop Street.
The Sindhi firms in Penang - commonly known as “Bombay merchants” - were established along Penang Street, Chulia Street, Beach Street and Bishop Street.
These firms were mainly involved in the retail and wholesale of textiles (particularly silk), ready-made garments, imported goods and curios, besides tailoring.
It should be noted that most of these Sindhi firms were branches of large and established Sindhi firms headquartered in Hyderabad, India, which employed contracted young Sindhi merchants (Sindhworkis) to manage their overseas business.
The late 1940s and 1950s saw the emergence of more Sindhi shops in Penang, including the Green Silk Shop, Murli Silk Store, Kay Silk Shop, Textile Hall, and Vogue.
In Kuala Lumpur, one of the earliest Sindhi shops established around the 1920s at 55, 57 Ampang Street was Pohoomull Brothers, which was famous for its silk and curios.
According to Kishu Tirathrai and Ramesh Kodamall Nathani, several Sindhi firms such as Rochi Silk Store, Narain Silk Store, Krishna Silk Store and N Valiram were also established in Kuala Lumpur before the Second World War.
After the Second World War, a few more Sindhi firms such as Coliseum Silk Store, Globe Silk Store, Chanrais, Malaya Trading (specialising in military uniforms), Kings Men Shop, Goldtex and Chotirmall, were established in Kuala Lumpur.
In Taiping, Lilaram Dhalumal Belani established the Lila Store around the 1930s and later moved to Penang in the 1950s.
In Kuching, Sarawak, Pohumall Mulchand Asnani (grandfather of RP Shankar Asnani) established the Royal Silk Store in the 1930s. His son, Ramchand Pohumall followed suit and opened up the Sangeeta Silk Store in 1987.
In Ipoh, after the Second World War, several Sindhi textile shops were established, including Karachi Silk Store, Krishna Silk Store, Bombay Silk Store, and Ruby Silk Store.
Karachi Silk Store, which was founded by Kishin Chand in the 1940s, still exists today and is being managed by Rupchand.
Community growth
In 1947, the Sindhi community in British Malaya and Singapore (separate crown colony) numbered around 700 people. It was only after the partition of British India in 1947 that the Sindhis started immigrating to Malaya and Singapore in large numbers.
As reported in the local press then, hundreds of Sindhis arrived in Singapore during the second half of 1948 (The Straits Times, Dec 6, 1948). As a result, the Sindhi population in British Malaya and Singapore increased to approximately 3,500 people by 1960.
After the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965, many Sindhis from Peninsular Malaysia moved over to Singapore which held greater promise as an international trading port. According to the 2010 census, the Sindhi population in Singapore was 3,971.
Associations
The Sindhi Merchants Association in Singapore (presently Singapore Sindhi Association) was founded in 1921.
As noted by Jayati Bhattacharya in her article “Stories from the Margins: Indian Business Communities in the Growth of Colonial Singapore” (2019), the association engaged with the government on import-export policies and quotas, and also provided accommodation for Sindhis in transit to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Subsequently, the Sindhis in Penang established the Sindhi Merchants Association of Penang. Its popular president, Mathradas Topandas Assomull has the distinction of being the first Penang Sindhi to be made a Justice of the Peace in 1937.
The Sindhi Association of Malaysia (SAM) was officially registered in 1979 with Kishu Tirathrai serving as the founding president (1979-84). SAM plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Sindhi culture, traditions and heritage among the Sindhi diaspora in Malaysia.
Kishu TirathraiIts current president (second term) is Rakhee Sawlani, an ex-teacher and currently a commissioner of oaths who has the distinction of being elected as the first lady president of SAM in June 2022. SAM’s present patron is Champa Valiram.
Sindhi Association of Malaysia president Rakhee SawlaniUnder Rakhee’s able leadership, SAM has established both a Ladies Wing and the Youth Wing which have actively organised numerous religious, cultural and sports events normally held at Mira Ishwar Sindhu House (Lorong Mangga, off Jalan Ipoh, KL) and at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
SAM has also initiated community outreach programmes such as the “Bag to School” project, benefiting 180 students from the B40 group, and providing them with essential school supplies.
Occupations and business acumen
Sindhis in Malaysia, as their counterparts elsewhere, are renowned for their strong business acumen.
Traditionally traders and merchants, they have built successful enterprises in textiles, garments, electronics, jewellery, real estate, and retail. Many Sindhi businesses started as family-run shops and evolved into national or regional brands.
A key feature of Sindhi entrepreneurship is adaptability. They have consistently evolved with the market trends - moving from textiles to electronics, and now into property development, education, and digital ventures.
Although entrepreneurship remains the community’s hallmark, numerous Sindhis have entered professions such as law, medicine, and accountancy. They have made outstanding contributions in their chosen vocations.
Language and identity
The Sindhi language, written in Devanagari or Arabic script, is central to the community’s identity. It is a rich Indo-Aryan language with a long literary and poetic tradition.
However, in Malaysia, as stated by Professor Maya Khemlani David, a socio-linguistic authority on Malaysian Sindhis, the third generation of Malaysian Sindhis have by far and large adopted English and Malay as their primary languages, with Sindhi often restricted to family settings or cultural functions.
To preserve the language, community elders have organised Sindhi classes and cultural events. While fluency has generally declined, many Sindhis still retain conversational skills in the Sindhi language and pride in their linguistic heritage.
Customs and traditions
Sindhi customs reflect a blend of Hindu traditions and unique regional practices. Weddings, births, and religious festivals are marked by elaborate rituals, family gatherings, and cultural performances.
Key traditional customs include the Cheti Chand festival (birth anniversary of Saint Jhulelal), Lal Loi (similar to Lohri), and Akhand Jyot ceremonies.
Respect for elders, family unity, hospitality, and charity are core values in Sindhi culture. Most Sindhi families maintain altars at home, perform daily prayers, and observe rituals that reinforce a sense of identity and spirituality.
Religion
The majority of Sindhis in Malaysia are Hindus. Their revered patron saint is Lord Jhulelal, who is regarded as the incarnation of the Hindu water god, Varun Dev. It should be noted that many Sindhis also practise Sikhism.
Lord JhulelalSindhi religious gatherings often include bhajans (devotional songs), spiritual discourses, and community prayers. Temples in Kuala Lumpur (Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir) and Penang (Sri Kunj Bihari Mandir) serve as places of worship and cultural exchange.
Cuisine
Sindhi cuisine is hearty, flavourful, and diverse – reflecting the agrarian and trading roots of the community. Signature dishes include Sindhi curry (a tangy gram flour-based vegetable stew), Sai Bhaji (spinach cooked with lentils and vegetables), Sindhi Koki (flatbread with onions and spices), Sindhi Biryani (a flavourful rice dish with meat or vegetable), Sindhi Kadhi (a yogurt-based curry) and Dal Pakwan (crispy puris with spiced lentils).
Though many traditional recipes are still cherished, younger generations are also blending local Malaysian flavours with Sindhi dishes, creating a fusion culinary identity.
Traditional attire and dress
Traditional Sindhi attire reflects both Indian and Central Asian influences. Men traditionally wore shalwar kameez or kurta pajama, often with a Sindhi cap, while women don sarees, shalwar suits, or lehenga cholis. Embroidery and mirror work are common in festive wear.
In contemporary Malaysia, Sindhis dress in modern attire for daily life, reserving traditional clothing for weddings, festivals, and cultural programmes.
The use of bright colours, intricate jewellery, and embroidered fabrics remains popular during celebrations.
Performing arts and cultural expression
Music and dance are integral to Sindhi culture. Traditional bhajans, Sufi songs, and folk dances are performed at religious functions and social gatherings. Instruments such as the dholak, harmonium, and tabla are commonly used.
The community organises cultural events to showcase Sindhi heritage, often inviting performers from India or engaging local talents. These events not only foster unity but also help instil pride among younger Sindhis in their cultural roots.
Contributions to business and nation-building
Sindhis in Malaysia have made significant contributions to the country’s economic development, particularly in trade, retail, and real estate.
Through their businesses, they have created employment, spurred innovation, and supported charitable causes.
Many Sindhi entrepreneurs have also contributed to education, healthcare, and social welfare through donations and foundations. Some have been involved in national chambers of commerce, business councils, and social reform initiatives, underscoring their commitment to nation-building.
Their emphasis on meritocracy, education, and hard work aligns well with Malaysia’s development goals, and many Sindhis see themselves as both proud Malaysians and proud Sindhis.
Prominent businesspersons and professionals
Whenever the story of Sindhi business success in Malaysia is told, one name that shines brightly is Globe Silk Store (GSS) – a pioneering, one-stop, value-for-money departmental store founded by the visionary Tirathdas Jethanand in 1930 at No. 40, Jalan Awang, Segamat, Johor.
Tirathdas JethanandWith foresight and determination, he expanded the business in 1947 by opening a branch at 57, Batu Road (now Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman), Kuala Lumpur.
As business flourished, Tirathdas acquired the adjoining lot (No 55) and, in 1963, constructed a six-storey building – an impressive feat that mirrored his ambition.
Tirathdas Jethanand (left) with Tunku Abdul RahmanUpon his passing in 1972, his son, Kishu Tirathrai Jethanand, inherited the reins of GSS and led it to even greater heights. In December 1979, he officially opened a modern 10-storey GSS building at No 185, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
Under Kishu’s dynamic and visionary leadership, the business grew nearly eightfold. GSS blossomed into a household name in Malaysia– a stylish, modern departmental store offering a wide array of quality goods at affordable prices, including its iconic menswear brand, Don.
Globe Silk Store during its heydaysDuring its heyday, GSS welcomed on average about 10,000 shoppers a day, a testament to its popularity and enduring appeal. In 1993, the legacy continued with the entry of Kishu’s son, Vijay Kishu, into the management team.
However, after 75 remarkable years, GSS closed its doors in 2005, a casualty of financial difficulties stemming from the lingering effects of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
The late Naraindas B Jethwani (formerly general manager of Globe Silk Store) and the late Kamla Samandas Chandnani at their wedding in Malacca, 1948It is noteworthy to mention that in 1975, Kishu diversified his business by acquiring a German factory in Malacca producing high-quality apparel for top brands in Europe.
With the assistance of his son, Vinod, he expanded by establishing three more factories: one in Malacca and two in Pahang (Mentakab and Triang). During the same period, he also ventured into real estate development with the assistance of his other son, Bhushan.
His daughter, Gita (a qualified gemmologist) ventured into the jewellery business, by establishing “The Jewel Mine”.
Kishu has left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s business, financial, and economic landscape. Among his many accomplishments, he was the co-founder of United Asian Bank (UAB) and United Oriental Assurance Berhad (UOAB).
He also held several prominent positions, including chairperson of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and UOAB, deputy chairperson of UAB, and director of Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad.
Another remarkable success story of Sindhi enterprise is the Valiram Group. In 1935, Utumal Valiram established a textile retail store along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur.
In 1957, his son Jethanand took over the business. The third generation - brothers Sharan, Ashvin, and Mukesh - subsequently transformed the Valiram Group into one of Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods retailers.
(From left) Sharan, Ashvin, and MukeshThey have successfully secured distribution dealerships over notable international brands, including Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Tumi, and Bath & Body Works. Over the years, the Valiram brothers have expanded the business’s footprint to more than 400 stores across nine countries.
Another Sindhi textile giant is DR Binwani Sdn. Bhd. (Binwani’s), founded by Rupchand in Riau, Indonesia, in 1925. In the late 1930s, he opened a branch in Bishop Street, Penang. In 1972, his son Chandru opened another outlet in Kuala Lumpur. Binwani’s later established a new men’s fashion label, Lustro, with its Kuala Lumpur outlet opening in 2010.
In 2016, Binwani’s partnered with one of Brazil’s largest fashion retail brands, Dudalina and launched the first Dudalina retail outlet in Kuala Lumpur and Asia.
A remarkable success story among Malaysian Sindhi entrepreneurs and professionals is that of the Ratnani family of Langkawi.
In 1920, Chuharmall Ratnani established a thriving textile and general merchandise store in Langkawi. Demonstrating great enterprise, he also ventured successfully into rubber planting.
After the Second World War, his son Mangharam Chuharmall Ratnani invested in property, acquiring several shophouses and expanding the family’s rubber estates.
Today, Mangharam’s four sons are highly accomplished professionals and businesspersons. Sham Sunder Ratnani, an engineer by qualification, is a prominent property developer in Sungai Petani. Dr M Devanand is a consultant breast surgeon and the founder and chairperson of the Pink Ribbon Wellness (L) Foundation.
Ashok Kumar Ratnani is a leading importer and wholesaler of Indonesian batik sarong and kain pelikat. Suresh Kumar Ratnani, under the brand Rams Home Décor, is a key importer and retailer of duty-free goods.
Another prominent Sindhi entrepreneur is Ramesh Kodamall, who established a textile firm, Goldtex Exim Sdn. Bhd in Kuala Lumpur in 1973.
Ramesh KodamallThe business is at present managed by his son, Mahesh Ramesh Kodammal. Ramesh is a former chairperson of the Asean-India Business Council and currently serves as the chairperson of the Asean-India Economic Council.
Vishen Lakhiani is a renowned Malaysian entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker of Sindhi descent. He is the founder and CEO of Mindvalley, a leading edutech company focused on personal growth and life transformation.
Motivational speaker and author Vishen LakhianiMindvalley is widely acclaimed for its comprehensive personal development programmes, featuring world-class experts and covering areas such as health, wellness, spirituality, entrepreneurship, and mindfulness. Vishen is the author of two bestselling books: “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind” and “The Buddha and the Badass”.
Among the highly respected community leaders is fifth-generation Sindhi, Pishu Murli Hassaram, who, together with his mother, Lakhshmi Murli Hassaram, continued his father’s textile business in Penang under the name “Vogue” from 1974 until 2016.
He is actively involved in charitable work through the Society for the Teachings of Sadhu Vaswani, where he serves as chairperson. Pishu is also the president of the Malaysian Vegetarian Society.
Pishu Murli HassaramAnother respected Sindhi community leader in Penang was the late Arjun G Samtani, proprietor of Kakas, a children’s garments store on Bishop Street.
According to Pishu, he was the pillar of the Sindhi community, having served as treasurer of the Sri Kunj Bihari Mandir and frequently participating in congregational cooking at the temple.
Murli HassaramIn the legal profession, among the prominent Sindhi lawyers are Shankar RP Asnani, Ramdas Tikamdas, Khemchand Thadani, Krishna Dallumah, Lalchand Thadani, Arjan Pursumal, Vasdev Bakshani, Purshotamdas Thadani, Chetan Jethwani, Amardas Jethanand, Thakurdas Naraindas Jethwani, Sham Sunder Lakhiani, Ashok Kumar Mahadev Ranai and Jessica Binwani.
Notable Sindhi doctors include Gangaram Hemandas Belani (consultant dermatologist), Murli Naraindas Lakhwani (consultant vascular and general surgeon), Manoj Sajnani (consultant ophthalmologist and surgeon), Chandan Deepak Bhavnani (consultant cardiologist and internal medicine physician), and Durvesh Lachman Jethwani (urologist and renal transplant surgeon).
In the field of education, special mention goes to Professor Maya Khemlani David, a widely published scholar in sociolinguistics and language policy and planning; former school teacher Roopi G Bakshani; and Karishma Jethwani and Anjena Jethwani, both of whom serve at Garden International School, Kuala Lumpur. In accountancy, Mahesh Kodammal of Price Waterhouse is a notable name.
Vashdev B Jagwani, a prominent property developer in Pahang, and Herukh Jethwani, who has reportedly established Asia’s first pork-centric Indian restaurant, Meat The Porkers, located in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, should also be mentioned.
Challenges
Despite their enormous successes, the Sindhi community in Malaysia faces several pressing challenges that threaten the long-term sustainability of their cultural heritage and collective identity.
One of the most significant concerns is cultural preservation. Among the younger generation, there is a noticeable decline in the use and understanding of the Sindhi language, as well as a fading familiarity with traditional customs and practices.
This trend has raised alarm within the community about the risk of gradual erosion of their cultural roots.
Adding to this concern is the issue of demographic decline. Intermarriage and emigration have led to a shrinking community, both in numbers and cohesion, raising fears about the continuity and future vibrancy of Sindhi life in Malaysia.
The small population also means that the community lacks the critical mass to support its own dedicated institutions. Unlike larger ethnic groups in Malaysia, the Sindhis do not have exclusive schools, media platforms, or well-established cultural centres to help transmit and celebrate their heritage on a wider scale.
Another enduring challenge lies in navigating the fine line between integration and identity. While many Sindhis have successfully integrated into Malaysian society and built prosperous lives, maintaining a distinct cultural identity within a multicultural environment remains a delicate balancing act.
The push to assimilate can sometimes come at the expense of preserving unique Sindhi traditions and values, making it essential for the community to find ways to harmonise national integration with cultural retention.
The way forward
To ensure the continued vibrancy and resilience of the Sindhi community in Malaysia, it is essential to take deliberate and forward-looking steps that strengthen cultural continuity while embracing modern realities.
A key priority lies in revitalising cultural education. This involves encouraging the younger generation to learn the Sindhi language, music, history, and customs through innovative approaches such as weekend classes, digital learning tools, and engaging community events that make traditional practices relevant and accessible.
Equally important is the promotion of intergenerational engagement. Creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue between elders and youth can help transmit timeless values, personal stories, and cultural wisdom that might otherwise be lost. Such exchanges could foster a deeper sense of identity and belonging.
Collaborating with Sindhi organisations in neighbouring countries like Singapore, as well as in India and across the global diaspora, can also play a vital role in sustaining the community’s heritage.
These cross-border strategic alliances offer avenues to pool resources, exchange ideas, and jointly promote cultural initiatives that transcend national borders.
Finally, empowering youth leadership is crucial for the future of the community. By creating platforms for young Sindhis to lead initiatives - whether in business, social causes, or cultural programmes - the community can nurture a new generation of confident, connected, and culturally grounded leaders who will carry the Sindhi legacy forward in a rapidly changing world.
Above all, the spirit of resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurship that has sustained the Sindhis for centuries must continue to guide their path forward.
Conclusion
The Sindhis in Malaysia represent a vibrant microcosm of the global Sindhi diaspora - a community forged in adversity, driven by enterprise, and anchored in a 5,000-year-old culture.
Though tiny in number, their impact on Malaysia’s economy, society, and multicultural fabric is profound, far exceeding their numerical presence.
As they chart a path into the future, the Sindhis must draw strength from their rich traditions, embrace innovation, and lean on their enduring spirit of resilience.
Through this fusion of heritage, adaptability and perseverance, they will not only preserve their legacy but also continue to enrich the nation – seizing new opportunities in an ever-evolving world. - Mkini
RANJIT SINGH MALHI is an independent historian who has written 19 books on Malaysian, Asian and world history. He is highly committed to writing an inclusive and truthful history of Malaysia based upon authoritative sources.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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