[1][2] Typical vegetation in Southeast Asia is more woody than in South America, and the parang is therefore optimized for a stronger chopping action with a heavier blade and a "sweet spot" further forward of the handle; the blade is also beveled more obtusely to prevent it from binding in the cut.

This is the same rationale and (in practical terms) the same design as the Indonesian golok and very similar to the Filipino bolo.

The parang has three different edges: the front is very sharp and used for skinning, the middle is wider and used for chopping, and the back end (near the handle) is very fine and used for carving.

A parang handle is normally made out of wood or horn, with a wide end to prevent slips in wet conditions.

They are typically carried as weapons by gang members, protesters and robbers in Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Sri Lanka, due to these countries having strict gun laws.