COUNTRY INFORMATION

MAP:

BACKGROUND:

The Federation Of Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Several decades of sustained economic growth and political stability have made it one of the most buoyant and wealthy countries in the region, and although political power (Malay) and economic clout (Chinese) are still traditionally divided along racial lines, Malaysia has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs. Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km), Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in color and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region. Many visitors have discovered Malaysia's other attractions: a shopping haven, a versatile conference venue, an incentive destination, an adventure land and much more. 

STATES:

There are thirteen states in Malaysia. Each state in Malaysia is either headed by a Sultan, or a Governor. The states which are headed by Royal families are Kedah, Perlis, Selangor, Kelantan, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang and Terengganu. The states which are head by Governors are Melaka, Pulau Pinang (Penang), Sabah and Sarawak.

LANGUAGE:

Bahasa Melayu is the official language of Malaysia. Being a multi-ethnic country, other languages such as English, Chinese and Tamil are widely used throughout Malaysia.

BRIEF HISTORY:

Malaysia’s strategic position between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea has long been a meeting and transitional place for traders and travelers from West to East and vice versa. As a result of that, Malaysia’s history is one of continual interaction with foreign powers and influences. Hindu-Buddhist influence was strong in the centuries before the coming of Islam as evident in Kedah’s Bujang Valley. By 1400, when the Malacca Malay Kingdom was at the height of its power, Islam had become a major influence. By 1511, however, Malacca had fallen to the Portuguese. Meanwhile the Dutch had been establishing their influence and presence in Java. By 1641, the Dutch had also taken over Malacca but they in turn lost it to the British who had been slowly consolidating their hold on the Malay states, following Francis Light's arrival in Penang in 1786. By 1815 Malacca was in British hands and in 1819, Stamford Raffles founded Singapore. Thereafter, through treaties, relentless political pressure and diplomacy, the British slowly extended their control over all the states of the Malay peninsula. Sarawak, once part of the Sultan of Brunei’s Empire, had been ruled since 1841 by a British adventurer named James Brooke and his descendants. In 1888, Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah) became British protectorates. By the 1920s, all the states that eventually comprised Malaysia were under British control. The first stirrings of Malaysian nationalism were felt in the 1930s and following the end of World War II, the momentum of nationalism picked up again, culminating in independence for the Federation of Malaya in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963. For more on History.

GOVERNMENT:

Malaysian Parliamentary democracy is based on universal suffrage. Malaysia comprises 13 states, nine of which have hereditary Rulers. The Supreme Head of State is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) who is elected every five years from among the nine Rulers. The Head of government is the Prime Minister, who must be a member of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) or Parliament. Parliament itself comprises two Houses: The Dewan Rakyat, which is fully elective, and the Dewan Negara (Senate) to which members are nominated by H.M. the King from among citizens who have rendered distinguished public service or have achieved distinction in the professions or are representatives of racial minorities or are capable of representing the interests of the aborigines. As Head of Government, the Prime Minister heads the Cabinet, which is made up of the various Ministers of Government. Each of the 13 states of Malaysia also has its own Chief Minister or Mentri Besar, who is also elected to office. It has its own (elected) State Assembly.

   

ECONOMY:

Basically a developing free enterprise, the Malaysian economy is based on primary products but steadily undergoing industrialization. Malaysia is among the world's largest producers of tin, rubber and palm oil. Other major products: Petroleum (the exploration and production of which is carried under the supervision of the national oil corporation, Petronas) timber and pepper.

WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year with temperature that fluctuates little. The average temperature is between 70 to 90°F (22 to 33°C). Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia the rainy seasons is April to May and October to November. The average rate of annual rainfall is high: 100 inches (250cm). Much of the rainfall is concentrated in the late afternoons. Humidity in Malaysia is as high as 80% due to high temperature, high rate of evaporation and heavy rainfall. For details on the average weather conditions in various locations, by month, based on data accumulated during the past 8 years, please see our Weather Page.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE:
Malaysia has a combined population of over 20 million people. Because of its central location, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous peoples. Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business, and the English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. With such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of worship is practiced. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques and churches within the same area. Ethnic Groups:  59% Malay and other indigenous, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian. For more on Culture.
 

LANGUAGES:

Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language of Malaysia. Being a multi-ethnic country, other languages such as English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages are widely used throughout Malaysia.
 

RELIGION:

Muslim (primarily Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions. 

LOCAL CUSTOMS:

Malaysia's culture is vastly different to the west and it is much appreciated when foreigners respect both its laws and heritage. Most Malaysians are devout Muslims and Islam itself provides the social fabric of the country. Therefore it is advised that unless traveling in the main centers respectful attire should be worn, especially by women. Covered shoulders and NO high-cut shorts or skirts. Best to purchase a sarong to wrap up in if you feel you may expose a little too much flesh in ALL Muslim areas. Not only will you feel more comfortable, the locals will appreciate it when they see you have made an effort. When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Everyday etiquette is relaxed and straightforward. Visitors behaving courteously are unlikely to unintentionally give offense. Some common courtesies and customs are as follow:- 

Seniority is greatly respected within Malay households. The eldest male of a family should be greeted first and frequently sits in the best or highest seat.

Pointing with a finger is considered to be extremely rude. Instead, the entire hand should be used to indicate a direction, but not a person.

Do not dress in any manner that may give the impression that you are a "hippie," as "hippies " are banned from the country.

For formal occasions or evening wear, formal attire is expected. Men should wear a suit and tie or a long-sleeved batik shirt. Evening dresses or cocktail dresses are recommended for women.

Business:
Comfortable and informal clothing is suitable during the day and recommended all year round because of the tropical climate. However, as Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, conservative dress is most appropriate. Women should not wear dresses, skirts or shorts that are too short. In cities, towns and villages, shorts are considered highly inappropriate.

Although handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction with a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile. A handshake is only to be reciprocated if the lady offers her hand first. The traditional greeting of "salaam" resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, then brings his hands to his chest to mean, " I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the "salaam". 

It is polite to call before visiting a home 

Shoes must be removed when entering a Malaysian home. It is also customary to do so upon entering a mosque or an Indian temple. 

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 preferred usage. 

Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcoholic beverages. 
 

Malaysians tend to be late for appointments yet expect others to be on time. Your contact will meet you at your hotel or at his or her office. 

Meetings are often held during lunch or dinner. 
 

A firm handshake and a "hello" are suitable as a greeting. Muslims bring their hand to their chest after shaking hands, and you should follow suit.

Business cards are always exchanged and should be both given and received with both hands at all times. Study the card for a few moments before placing it in your pocket.

Malaysians are usually called by their given names preceded by Mr., Mrs., or Miss. The Chinese use their family names preceded by Mr., Mrs., or Miss. 

Business cards are always exchanged and should be both given and received with both hands at all times. Study the card for a few moments before placing it in your pocket. 

A suit and tie is suitable business attire for men, with the jacket removed on warmer days. Long-sleeved batik shirts are always acceptable. For women, a suit or blouse and skirt are best for daytime appointments. 

The many cultures and religions of Malaysia may make giving a suitable gift a complicated issue. Never give liquor to a Muslim (alcoholic beverages are forbidden in the Muslim religion), or clocks, watches, knives or white flowers to a Chinese person (white flowers are associated with death in Chinese culture, and so are clocks, knives and watches - the word for time and death sound similar). A pen or a similar object having a company logo is probably the safest kind of gift. 

 
CURRENCY:
The unit of the Malaysian currency is the Ringgit. The Malaysian Ringgit is comprised of 100 sen. Currency notes are in the denominations of Ringgit Malaysia, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100, RM500 and RM1,000. The RM1 note once used to be issued in currency notes are currently being phased out with the introduction of RM1.00 coins. The issuance of the Malaysia currency is regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Central Bank of Malaysia, under the Finance Ministry. Coins are issued in 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and M$1 denominations. 1US$ is about RM 3.80. The country's regulation requires all travelers to declare the amount of local and foreign currencies in their possession on arrival into and departure from Malaysia. Traveler's Declaration Form (TDF) for this purpose can be obtained from any Malaysian Embassies/High Commission, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Office and all entry/exit points in Malaysia. Non-resident travelers entering Malaysia are permitted to import up to a maximum amount of RM 1000 only and any amount of foreign currencies. Conversely, they are permitted to export up to a maximum amount of RM 1000 only and foreign currencies not more then what was originally brought into the country. Most currencies can be exchanged at the banks or local moneychangers. Travelers checks denominated in most countries can also be exchanged. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments and the transfer of funds into the country through one of the banking systems, though generally slow by western standards, can be achieved.
 

THINGS TO KNOW:
Population: 20 million 
Capital: Kuala Lumpur 
Flag: Fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the U.S. flag. 
Shop Hours: Department stores and supermarkets are usually open from 10am to 10pm and shops from 9:30am to 7pm. In Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major towns, there are several 24-hour stores. 
Bank Hours: (Most states)
    Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4.00pm; Sat : 9:30am-11:30am; Sun : Closed 
Kelantan and Terengganu: 
    Sat-Wed: 9:30am-4.00pm; Thur : 9:30am-11.30am; Fri : Closed 
Holidays: Weekly holidays vary from region to region. In Selangor, Melaka, Penang, Perak, Pahang and Negri Sembilan, there is a half-day holiday on Saturday and a full-day holiday on Sunday. In the states of Johor, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu and Kelantan a traditional half-day holiday is observed on Thursday and full-day holiday on Friday; Saturday and Sunday are treated as weekdays. 
Major Holidays: 
New Year's Day- 1st January* 
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri- January* 
Chinese New Year- January/February* 
Labour Day- 1st May 
Vesak Day- May* 
The King's Birthday- June 
August 31 - National Day* 
Deepavali- October/November# 
Christmas Day- 25th December*
*National Holidays
#Except Sarawak and Labuan 
Note: If a holiday falls on a weekend or Friday, the following day becomes a holiday. 
Time: Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time. 
Tipping:  Tipping is usually not necessary, unless service is excellent. Most hotels and large restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge in addition to the 5% government tax to the bill (indicated by a ++ sign on menus and rate cards). 
Restaurants: 10% service charge added automatically. Additional tipping is unnecessary, unless service is excellent. 
Porters: Tip porters about M$1 per bag. Any tip less than 50 sen would be considered insulting. 
Hotel maids: Service charge added automatically. Additional tipping is unnecessary, unless to acknowledge excellent service. 
Taxis: Most taxis are fitted with meters. Taxi rates are currently RM 2 for the first 2km and 10 sen for every 200 m thereon. A surcharge of 50% is levied between midnight and 6.00am. 

VISAS AND PASSPORT:
isitors must be in possession of a current passport or other internationally recognized travel document. They must be endorsed for traveling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. No visas are required for citizens of British Commonwealth countries (except India), British Protected persons, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland and the United States (for social, business or academic purposes only). No visas are required for stays not exceeding three months for citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Tunisia, U.S.A. France and Germany (except for local employment). For International flights from Kuala Lumpur, the tax is RM 40 while for domestic departures the tax is RM 5. We recommend that you check the latest Governmental Travel Alerts prior to any trip.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
Duty-Free Items: Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure - usually 50% of the value (carry receipt of purchase and obtain an official receipt for any tax or deposit paid). 
 
TRAVEL TO MALAYSIA:
Airports:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) - Tel:(03)87874212 
Langkawi International Airport - Tel (04)9557155
Kuching International Airport - Tel (082)246575
Penang International Airport - Tel (04)6430510
Terengganu International Airport - Tel (09)6221433
Airlines:
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) - MAS Building, Jalan Sultan Ismail - Tel (03)261-0555 ~ 24 Hour reservation: Tel (03)774-7000
British Airways: Tel (03)242-6177
Northwest Orient: Tel (03)238-4355
Qantas: Tel (03)238-9133
Royal Brunei: Tel(03)242-6511
Singapore Airlines: (03)292-3122
Thai Airways International: Tel (03)293-7100

For your easy reference, we have complied a listing of Internet sites that offer special and discounted international airfares.
Trains:
From Butterworth and Singapore to the main railway station at Kuala Lumpur: Tel (03)274-7435
From Butterworth to Penang, tickets may be purchased at the Butterworth Station: Tel (04)347-962 or at a booking station at the ferry terminal, Weld Quay, Tel (04)610290. 
Buses:
To Kuala Lumpur: Regional buses travel to the main Pudu Raya Terminal on Jalan Pudu. 
Ships and Ferries:
Feri Malaysia, Menara Utama UMBC, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, 5000 Kuala Lumpur, Tel (03)238-8899. 

TRAVEL WITHIN MALAYSIA:
Travel within Malaysia is relatively cheap and convenient. When traveling from one center to the other, unless connected by an air-route can be negotiated by rail, road or boat. Car and motorbike rental is also easy on the purse strings. Your home country’s driving license or an International one is required for all vehicle hire. Malaysian law requires car drivers and front passengers to wear seat belts. If renting a motorbike, helmets are required. Ask for a second helmet if carrying a pillion passenger. When opting for public transport, such as taxis, it is recommended that you agree on a price before you set off or you may end up paying more than you should.

Airlines:  Malaysia Airlines flies to 35 towns and cities in Malaysia. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive and often fully booked. Confirm reservations at least a day in advance. The Discover Malaysia Pass is offered by the airline. This enables international visitors to travel on domestic routes for about half the normal fare. 
Cars: It is advisable to obtain an international driver's license in addition to a valid permit from home. Laws regarding seat belts are stringent. They are required for drivers and front seat passengers. Driving is on the left side of the road. 
Car Rentals:    Avis stands as the largest car rental service in Malaysia Main office (Kuala Lumpur) - Tel (03)242-3500
Budget: Tel (03) 255-1044
Hertz: (03) 261-1136
Mayflower: Popular one-way rentals for a reasonable surcharge, Tel (03) 261-1136. 
Thrifty: Best one-way rates K.L.: Tel (03) 293-2388 ~ Kuantan: Tel (09) 528-400 ~ Penang: Tel (04) 830-958 
Trains:
Malayan Railways (KTM) offers an inexpensive yet comfortable service on the peninsula. Foreign tourists may purchase at main railway stations a KTM Railpass, which grants unlimited travel for ten days (M$85) or thirty days (M$175). For information about service from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom (East Malaysia, Sabah), contact Sabah State Railways at (088) 54611. 
Buses:  Both extensive and inexpensive, but frequently are not air-conditioned. Local buses are often slow, noisy and full. 
Ships and Ferries: Feri Malaysia, Menara Utama UMBC, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, 5000 Kuala Lumpur, Tel (03) 238-8899 
Feri Malaysia offers cruises on the ship "Muhibah" from Port Klang and Kuantan to the eastern states. The Muhibah is equipped with air-conditioned cabins and suites, restaurants, a cinema, a disco, a gym and a swimming pool. Feri Malaysia also offers a regular ferry service to various outlying islands. 
 

DINING AND DRINKING:
Because Malaysia is a country of diverse cultures and traditions, it is not surprising that its cuisine is just as varied. As one might expect, each state has its own specialized dishes as well as different means of preparation and variations in taste. Generally, the Indians and Malays use spices liberally in their food. The Chinese, on the other hand, are more subtle, while the Peranakan have developed their own style of cooking. Even the Eurasians, although small in number, have perfected their own blend of Eastern- and Western-style cooking. "Authentic" Malay food is not as widely available in Malaysian restaurants as Chinese style or American fast food. Restaurants in large hotels offer international cuisine from such countries as Japan, Korea, France and Italy. Street food is widely available throughout Malaysia. 

Alcohol is fairly expensive in Malaysia. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol, so it may be necessary to head to the hotels or Chinese liquor stores for beverages. Wine, although expensive, even by the glass, may not have a good flavor, due to the tropical heat. Beer is fairly common, yet is often served unchilled. Prices and varieties range from state to state, but Anchor Draught is most likely the cheapest, at M$3.90 for a small bottle (M$5.50 for a large bottle). Tiger and Guinness Stout are also among the most popular and least expensive beers. Carlsburg, Heineken and Tsing Tao (Chinese lager) are also available at a higher cost. 
 

ENTERTAINMENT:
At dusk, a new facet of Malaysia reveals itself. Hotel lounges and clubs, frequently found within the larger hotels, are active at night. Although somewhat expensive, these clubs usually have entertainment on a nightly basis, excluding Sunday. Performances and styles range from jazz, to piano/singer acts, to popular music and singers. Pubs and bars can also be found. Locating these may require some effort, even for taxi drivers, as the pubs and bars are usually situated in the suburbs. Major hotels also have pubs, but these are more expensive than their suburban counterparts. Music, often live, is played on a nightly basis. Pubs close around 11pm, however, so late-night action seekers must look elsewhere. Discos begin to warm up just as the pubs start closing their doors. Discos often stay open until 2am. Some have live bands and light shows but often require cover charges or drink minimums. Consult with the locals for the current hot spots. Nightclubs and cabarets, or "kelab malam" as the locals call them, offer Fifties-style atmosphere, often with variety acts, floor shows and bands. 
 
COMMUNICATIONS:

Telephone:  IDD service is available. Country code: 60. Outgoing international code: 00. Public coin-operated phones can be found in many areas, such as supermarkets and post offices. Local calls cost 10 sen. City Codes: Ipoh: 05, Johor Bharu: 07, Kota Bharu: 09, Kota Kinabalu: 088, Kuala Lumpur: 03, Kuala Terengganu: 09, Kuantan: 09, Kuching: 082, Melaka: 06, Penang: 04, Seremban: 06, Sungai Pentai: 04, Taiping: 05, When calling a telephone number from within the same city, delete the area code from the number. When calling from within another city in Malaysia, use the entire area code. When calling from another country, delete the first digit (0) from the area code. Telephone Card public phones can be found throughout the country. Cards can be purchased at airports, petrol stations and some shops for amounts ranging from R3-50. There are presently two types – Kadfon and Unicard – and these can only be used in their appropriate marked phonebooths. Fax: Centres for public use are located in the main post offices of all large towns. Most main hotels also have facilities. Telegram: Telegrams can be sent from any telegraph office. Post: There are post offices in the commercial centre of all towns, open 0800-1700 Monday to Saturday. Press: The English-language dailies printed in Peninsular Malaysia are the Business Times, Malay Mail, New Straits Times, The Sun and The Star. There are also several English-language Sunday newspapers and periodicals. The Borneo Bulletin, published in Brunei, also circulates. There are many printed in other languages and several in two or three languages. BBC World Service frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC:  MHz 15.57 15.36 11.96 9.410  Voice of America:  MHz 15.43 11.76 9.770 7.215. Emergency Numbers:  Police: 999, Tourist Police: - Johor Bahru: Tel (07) 232-222, Kuala Lumpur: Tel (03) 241-5522 or (03) 243-5522, Melaka: Tel (06) 222-222, Fire and Ambulance: 999

Travelers alerts, warnings and information from various governmental sources: