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Country
The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the
states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
Geographical Location
Located between 2º and 7º north of the Equator, Peninsula
Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by
the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is
Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and
Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo while Sarawak also
shares a border with Brunei.
Area
329,758 sq km
Population
26 million
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
People
Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the
predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups
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
freely practised.
Government
Malaysia is governed by a Parliamentary democracy with a
bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang
Di-Pertuan Agong, a position that is awarded to a different
State Monarch every five years and the Head of Government is the
Prime Minister.
Climate
Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures
in the lowlands range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). The
highlands are cooler, where temperatures range between 15°C (59°
F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to
2,500mm.
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 other major
contributors to the economy.
Currency
The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. USD1
is roughly equivalent to RM3.50. Foreign currency can be
converted at banks and money changers.
Banking Hours
Most states: Mon - Fri: 9.15am to 4.30pm. Sat & Sun: Closed
(Selected banks and branches are open on Sat). Kelantan &
Terengganu: Sun - Wed :9.15am to 4.30pm. Thurs :9.15am to
4.00pm. Friday/Saturday*/Public Holiday: Closed
Post Offices
Open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily except the first Saturday of
each month, Sundays and public holidays. In Kelantan and
Terengganu post offices operate during the same hours but are
closed on Fridays and public holidays.
Time
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific
Standard Time.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
Weights and 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 office. |
