INFORMATION ON MALAYSIA

THE LAND
Located in the tropics, Malaysia straddles the South China Sea – Peninsular Malaysia is at the tip of mainland Southeast A s i a , while the states of Sabah and Sarawak are on the island of Borneo. The nation’s natural diversity offers visitors a range of attractions including beautiful beaches, idyllic islands, cool hill stations, historic towns, a dynamic capital and the world’s oldest rainforests with an astounding diversity of flora and fauna.

THE PEOPLE
Malaysia is truly multicultural and one of its greatest resources is its rich cultural diversity. Malays number around half of the total population of over 25 million, while the other half comprises Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and other ethnic groups.

LANGUAGE
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national and official language of the country. English is widely used all over the country. Other languages are Mandarin and Tamil.

RELIGION
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam. However, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are widely practised by the various races.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with uniform temperatures throughout the year.
Temperatures range from 32°C during the day to 22°C during the night. It is slightly cooler in the hill country. Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging 200 – 250 cm a year. Light comfortable clothing is the norm with lightweight woolens required for visits to highland areas.

CURRENCY AND BANKING
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes from RM 100 to RM 1, and coins from
RM 1 to one sen (cents). The current exchange rate is USD 1 = RM 3.40 (subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations). Major credit cards are accepted in cities and large towns.

COMMUNICATION
Malaysia has efficient telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex, email and airmail communications, both internally and internationally.

TIME
Standard Malaysian Time is eight hours ahead of GMT.

UTILITIES
Electricity supply in Malaysia is 240-volt, 50 hz.