Overview
Malaysia is one of the rising stars of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the past. Centuries of trade have resulted in a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions that makes it a deeply intriguing place to visit.
Tropical island resorts and endless white, sandy beaches offer a taste of paradise, while beneath warm coral seas, world-class dive sites await exploration. Orang-utans, the oldest rainforest in the world, city skyscrapers and majestic mosques and temples plus a gorgeous coastline are enough to tempt even the most jaded visitor.
The region now known as Malaysia was first mentioned in Chinese and Sanskrit records of the seventh and eighth centuries. In subsequent centuries the area was under the influence and loose control of various Thai and Indonesian empires, including the great Sumatra-based civilisation of Sri Vijaya.
The British were relatively late arrivals to the region in the late 18th century, but they played a key role following the European wars of the 1790s and, in particular, the defeat of The Netherlands by France in 1795. The Federated Malay States were created in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 1942.
After Japanese defeat in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948, became the Federation of Malaya. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah (North Borneo) to form Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form.
Such history highlights why Malaysia is so ethnically and culturally diverse. Even better, the magnificent landscape is no less diverse - dense jungles, soaring peaks and lush tropical rainforests harbour an abundant flora and fauna.
Author
Lucy Moss
General Information
Area
329,758 sq km (127,320 sq miles).
Population
26 million (2006 estimate).
Population Density
78.8 per sq km.
Capital
Kuala Lumpur. Population: 1.5 million (2006 estimate).
Government
Constitutional monarchy since 1963. Gained independence from the UK in 1957.
Language
Bahasa Melayu is the national and official language, but English is widely spoken. Other languages such as Chinese (Cantonese and Hokkien), Iban and Tamil are spoken by minorities.
Religion
Malaysia’s official religion is Islam. The country also has a large Buddhist community. Other religions, including Christian, Taoist, Confucianist, Hindu and animist, are also practised.
Time
GMT + 8.
Social Conventions
Malaysia’s population is ethnically and culturally diverse. Malays account for more than half the population and lead a calm life governed by the authority of elders and a strong sense of respect and etiquette. The Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan members of the population originally came to Malaysia to take up positions in the civil service, police and local government departments, as well as in the new rubber plantations, but many are now among the professional classes. European influences (British, Dutch and Portuguese in particular) are also very marked in Malaysia, although the European section of the population is now small. The Malaysian equivalent of ‘hello’ is the Muslim ‘peace be with you’. Malay men are addressed Encik (pronounced Enchik) with or without the name; single Malay women should be called Cik (pronounced Che) and married women Puan. Touching the hand to the chest is a sign of respect and a relaxed wrist and gentle touch should be adopted when shaking hands. Chinese and Indians usually use Western forms of address. Hospitality is always warm, lavish and informal. When eating food by hand, only the right hand should be used. Visitors should respect religious beliefs and follow the Malaysian example, such as wearing appropriate clothing. Footwear should be taken off at the door when entering a house or temple. Dress should be informal, but not over-casual.
Electricity
220-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are generally used.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Pejabat Perdana Menteri
Passport/Visa
Passport/Visa
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes No/1 Yes
Passports
A valid passport or other travel documents recognised by the Malaysian government are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. The former must have enough pages for the embarkation stamp upon arrival and be valid for at least six months at date of entry. The latter should be endorsed with a valid re-entry permit.
Visas
Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months; (1) nationals of Bulgaria may stay visa-free for up to one month.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals may still require a pass upon arrival, even if they are permitted to enter Malaysia visa-free. (b) All visitors must have proof of adequate funds and an onward or return sea or air ticket. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Contact Addresses
Malaysian High Commission in the UK
45 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QT, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 8033.
Website: www.kln.gov.my/mission/london
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0915-1215 (consular section).
Tourism Malaysia in the UK
Malaysia House, 57 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DU, UK
Tel: (020) 7930 7932.
Website: www.malaysiatrulyasia.co.uk
Embassy of Malaysia in the USA
3516 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 572 9700.
Website: www.kln.gov.my/mission/washington
Tourism Malaysia in the USA
120 East 56th Street, Suite 810, New York, NY 10022, USA
Tel: (212) 754 1114/5.
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Health
Health
Sometimes
Yes
Sometimes*
Sometimes
Yes
Yes
No**
Health Care
Health insurance is recommended. Hospitals are found in all the main cities and can deal with all major needs. Private hospitals provide a high standard of medical care. In an emergency, dial 999.
Note
* Malaria risk exists only in certain regions. Urban and coastal areas are usually safe.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas.
Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.
2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Jan Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
1 Feb* Federal Territory Day.
18 Feb Chinese New Year.
31 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad).
1 May Labour Day.
2 May Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha).
3 Jun King’s Birthday.
31 Aug National Day.
13 Oct Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan).
9 Nov** Deepvali.
20 Dec Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas.
2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Jan Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
1 Feb* Federal Territory Day.
7 Feb Chinese New Year.
20 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad).
1 May Labour Day.
20 May Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha).
3 Jun King’s Birthday.
31 Aug National Day.
1 Oct Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan).
28 Oct** Deepvali.
9 Dec Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas.
29 Dec Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
* Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan only.
**Except Labuan and Sarawak.
Note
(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Hari Raya Puasa itself and Hari Raja Haji may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. (b) Buddhist festivals are also timed according to phases of the moon and variations may occur.
