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Fast Facts

Country

The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia (or "West Malaysia") and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, namely "East Malaysia".

Geographical Location

Located between 2 and 7 degrees north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsular Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.

Area

329,758 sq km

Capital

Kuala Lumpur (KL)

Language

Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. Malaysians also speak various languages and dialects.

Religion

Islam is the official religion but all other religions are freely practiced.

Government

A parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system, the Head of Country is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Climate

Malaysia has a tropical climate and the weather is warm all year round. Temperatures range from 21℃to 32℃ and the annual rainfall varies from 2000 mm to 2500 mm.

History and Culture

Apart from local Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed to the multi-racial composition of its population. Its interesting cultural diversity can be largely attributed to the country’s long and ongoing interaction with the outside world and colonial rule by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The evolution of the country into a cultural melting pot is evident in the unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities, traditions, languages and food.

The country achieved independence on August 31, 1957 as the Federation of Malaya and subsequently with the entry of Sabah and Sarawak in 1963, Malaysia was formed.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit, which is indicated as RM. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money exchange outlets.

Banking Hours

Most states:
Mon-Fri:	9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sat:	9:30 am -11:30 am

Closed on the first and the third Saturday of each month, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Kedah, Kelantan & Terrengganu:
Sat-Wed:	9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thur:	9:30 am -11:30 am

Closed on Fridays and Public holidays.

Post Offices

Most states:
Mon-Fri:	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat:	8:00 am -1:00 pm

Closed on the first and the third Saturday of each month, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Kedah, Kelantan & Terrengganu:
Sat-Wed:	8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thur:	8:00 am -1:00 pm

Closed on Fridays and Public holidays.

Time

GMT(+8). There is no time difference between Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Electricity

Voltage: 220-240 volts. Three-leg plug is mostly used.

Getting There

The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang, which is located approximately 50 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur. Other major international airports that serve as entry points are located in Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.