MALAYSIA AT A GLANCE

Country
The Federation of Malaysia comprises of Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the islands of Borneo.

Geographical Location
Located 7 degrees north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. In the north of the peninsula is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore.

Area
329, 758 sq km

Population
21 million

Capital
Kuala Lumpur

People
Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indian and other ethnic group making up the rest.

Language
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

Religion
Islam is the official religion but all other religions are practised freely.

Government
Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Climate
Tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Annual rainfall varies from 2000mm to 2500mm.

History and Culture
There is a strong interlink between the country's multi-racial and multicultural make-up with its history. Besides the local Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed to the multiracial composition of its population. Its interesting cultural diversity can be largely attributed to the country's long and on-going interaction with the outside world and colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Consequently, the evolution of the country into a cultural melting pot is evident in the unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities and traditions, dressings, languages and food. The country achieved Independence on August 31, 1957 as the Federation of Malaysia and subsequently with the entry of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia was formed.

Major Holidays
New Year's Day* • Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (December)* • Chinese New Year (January/February)* • Federal Territory Day (February 1)* • Wesak Day (May)* • King's Birthday (June)* • National Day (August 31)* • Deepavali (October or November)* # • Christmas*
Note: * National Holidays ** KL & Labuan Only # Except Sarawak and Labuan.

Economic
Profile Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are major contributors to its economy.

Entry Requirement
Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, please check with the nearest Malaysia diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia Office.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money changers.
All residents and non-residents are required to complete the Travellers Declaration Form (TDF). The revised TDF has two separate sections and separate columns for residents and non-residents to declare their currencies; the blue section for the residents and the white section for non-residents. Residents are only required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount is in excess of RM1,000. They are also required to declare in detail the exact amount in foreign currency, including traveller's cheque carried, when they leave the country only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of RM10,000. Residents do not have to declare any amount of foreign currency, including traveller's cheques, carried with them when they re-enter the country. Non-residents are only required to declare the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country if the amount if in excess of RM1,000. As for foreign currency, including traveller's cheques, declaration in detail is required only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of USD2,500.
Residents are required to keep the TDF in their passport when they leave the country and surrender the TDF on their return journey. Non-residents are required to keep the TDF with their passport and surrender the TDF on leaving the country.

Banking Hours
Most states: Mon-Fri: 9.00am - 4.30pm • Sat-Sun: closed
Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu: Sun-Thur: 9.00am - 4.30pm • Fri-Sat: closed.

Post Offices Hours
Open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily
Saturday , Sundays and public holidays : closed.
In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu post offices are closed on Fridays, Saturday and public holiday

Time
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

Electricity Voltage
220-240 volts A C at 50 cycles per second.

Weights & Measures
Malaysia follows the metric system in weights and measures.

Telephones Local
Calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telekom offices.

Getting There
The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new KL Intrenational Airport at Sepang located approximately 50km of Kuala Lumpur.The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah in Subang serves a few domestic and regional airlines. Other major international airports which serves as entry points are Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.
The main entry point by sea to KL is at Port Klang, about 50km away from KL. Malaysia is also accessible by rail and road from Singapore and Thailand.

Getting Around
Malaysia has excellent domestic air links and a well developed and effective public transportation system served by buses, taxis and trains.

Accommodation
Malaysia has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. International standard hotels, medium and budgeet hotels, youth hostels and timeshare apartments are just some of the types of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available for rental.

Do's and Don'ts
When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows:

	Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home, places of worship such as Masjid and temples. Some Masjid provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask for permission first.
	The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or when giving and receiving objects.
	The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers, folded under is the preferred usage.

Last update: 06 Sep, 2008    l    Print this pag