Malaysia was formed in 1963 when
the former British colonies of Singapore and the
East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the
northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation.
The first several years of the country's history
were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia,
Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession
from the Federation in 1965.
The capital of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, commonly
referred to locally as KL, and the climate is generally
hot and humid in all regions but can vary. Unemployment
is estimated at 3% and approximately 8% of the population
falls below the poverty line.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 23,953,136 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 1.8% (2005
est.).
ETHNIC GROUPS
Indigenous peoples (Bumiputera – Malay and
Tribal people) 61.4%, Chinese 23.7%, Indian 7.1%,
others 7.8% (2004 est.)
LANGUAGE
Bahasa Melayu is the national and official language,
but English, Mandarin, Chinese dialects (Cantonese,
Hokkien, Hakka), Tamil and Hindi are also widely
spoken.
RELIGION
Muslim (58%) and Buddhist (21.59%) are majorities.
The remainders are Christian (9.21%), Hindu (5%),
Traditional ethnic (1.2%), Sikh (0.1%) and others
(animist, Taoism, Confucianism, non-religious) (4.9%).
CURRENCY
The local currency used is ringgit (MYR).
Foreign currencies and travelers’
cheques can be converted to Malaysian Ringgit at
banks or authorised money changers. To avoid additional
exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to
take travelers’ cheques in US Dollars or Pounds
Sterling. Hotels and many department stores will
also cash travelers’ cheques. All credit cards
are generally accepted in cities and large towns.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All visitors to Malaysia need a visa to enter the
country, except the citizens of the countries who
have a visa exemption agreement with Malaysia. Visit
website http://www.kln.gov.my/english/Fr-visainfo1.html for the list of countries that are granted exemptions.
Citizens of Israel, Serbia and Montenegro are not
allowed to enter Malaysia for any purpose without
prior approval from the Malaysian Government.
Visitors can obtain their visa at
the Malaysian High Commission located in their country.
In countries where the Malaysian High Commission
is not present, application should be made at the
British High Commission or Embassy. Visit website http://www.kln.gov.my/english/Fr-missionworldwide.html for the list of Malaysian High Commission in foreign
countries.
Tourist visas are valid for 30 days
starting from the date day you enter the country,
and it is valid for three months. Tourist visas
can be extended upon your arrival in Malaysia. Submit
your visa application form, along with three standard
passport photos, your passport and visa fee of US$14
(single entry). All visitors must also have proof
of adequate funds and an onward or return sea or
air ticket. Visas processing time varies by nationality
from 3 days – 2 weeks
For more information
on visa application and procedures, visit website http://www.kln.gov.my/english/Fr-visainfo1.html or inquire with the Malaysian High Commission located
in/ near your country.
AIRPORT TAX
Any passengers departing Malaysia on international
flights will need to pay a departure tax of RM45.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Malaysia is 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square
three-pin plugs are generally used
TAP WATER
It is generally safe to drink water from the tap.
It is however advisable that water should be boiled
before consumption. Bottled mineral water is easily
available in shops.
VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area
(e.g yellow fever vaccination certificate is required
from travelers aged one year and over who have visited
infected or endemic areas within the previous six
days). It is advisable to check for updated health
recommendations before your departure to Malaysia.
CLIMATE
Tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days
are very warm, while nights are fairly cool. The
main rainy season in the east runs between November
and February, while August is the wettest period
on the west coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains
(November to February) in Sabah and in Sarawak.
However, it is difficult to generalise about the
country’s climate, as rainfall differs on
the east and west coasts according to the prevailing
monsoon winds (northeast or southwest).
TIME
GMT +8
CLOTHING
Light, casual clothes are for the climate. Tourists
are required to observe the local dress code and
should understand that revealing clothes are considered
immodest and therefore socially unacceptable.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
Malaysia
Country Guide
Malaysia
Home page
Virtual
Malaysia Tourism Portal
Operation World, 21st Century Edition (2001) by
Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk
