Country The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Geographical Location Located 7 degrees north of the Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. Located in the north of the Peninsula is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore.

Area 329,758 sq km

Population 22 million

Capital Kuala Lumpur

People Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with the Chinese, Indians and other ethnic 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 practised freely.

Government Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Climate Tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21 degree celsius to 32 degree celsius.

History and Culture There is a strong interlink between the country's multi-racial and multicultural makeup with its history. Besides the local Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed to the multiracial composition of its population. Its interesting cultural diversity can be largely attributed to the country's long and on-going interaction with the outside world and colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Consequently, the evolution of the country into a cultural melting pot is evident in the unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities and traditions, dressing, language and food. The country achieved independence on August 31, 1957 as the federation of Malaysia and subsequently with the entry of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia was formed.

Tourism Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB)

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 major contributors to its economy.

Entry Requirements Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, please check with the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia Office.

Residents are only required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount is in excess of RM1,000. They are also required to declare in detail the exact amount in foreign currency, including traveller's cheque carried, when they leave the country only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of RM10,000. Residents do not have to declare any amount of foreign currency, including traveller's cheques, carried with them when they re-enter the country.

Non-residents are only required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount is in excess of RM1,000. As for foreign currency, including traveller's cheques, declaration in detail is required only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of USD2,500. Residents are required to keep the TDF in their passport when they leave the country and surrender the TDF on their return journey. Non-residents are required to keep the TDF with their passport and surrender the TDF on leaving the country.

Banking Hours
Most States:
Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 4.00pm.
Sat: 9.30am - 11.30am
Sun: closed

Closed first Saturday of the month.

Post Offices Open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily except Sundays and public holidays. In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu post offices are closed on Fridays, public holidays and on first Saturday of the month.

Time Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

Electricity Voltage is 220 - 240 volts A C at 50 cycles per second.

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 offices.

Getting There The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new KL International Airport at Sepang located approximatley 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur. The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang serves a few domestic and regional airlines. Other major international airports which serve as entry points are Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. The main entry point by sea to KL is at Port Klang, about 50km away from KL. Malaysia is also accessible by rail and road from Singapore and Thailand.

Getting Around Malaysia has excellent domestic air links and a well developed and effective public transportation system served by buses, taxis and trains.

Accommodation Malaysia has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. International standard hotels, medium and budget hotels, youth hostels and timeshare apartments are just some of the types of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available for rental.

Do's & Don'ts

When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows:- • Although handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction with a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile. A handshake is only to be reciprocated if the lady offers her hand first. The traditional greeting or "salam" resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart'. The visitor should reciprocate the "salam".

• It is polite to call before visiting a home.

• Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home.

• Drinks is generally offered to guests. It would be polite to accept.

• The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or when giving and receiving objects. The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers, folded under is the preferred usage.

• Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask for permission first.

• Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcoholic beverages.