The basic form and structure of most Malay 'kampong' (Malay for village) houses are similar. In particular, two distinctive features of a Malay kampong house are the high, sloping roof with gables at both ends and the raised floor. The roof is covered with 'attap', a layer of materials made either from palm fronds or zinc to protect it from rain. The raised floor facilitates ventilation, secures the house against attacks by wild animals, and helps the inhabitants to cope with flashfloods and ground dampness caused by the hot and humid tropical climate with heavy rain. A Malay village is usually self-sufficient, with its own water supply, place of worship, farm, school, shops and even a cemetery.
