Malaysia Travel Information
Malaysia | Visa's
and Passport | Custom Regulations |
Money | Local Customs
| Weather and Climate | Map
of Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, slightly north
of the Equator. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km).
Malaysia consists of 13 states and the two federal territories
of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan. Malaysia has a complex federal political
system, with extensive local power still in the hands of nine hereditary
sultans, who elect the head of state (entitled HM the Yang di-Pertuan
Agong) every five years from among their number. There are 13 states
plus two 'Federal Territories' (Kuala Lumpur and the island of Labuan).
Legislative power in the hands of the bicameral parliament comprising
the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives), with 192 members directly
elected for a five year term, and the 70-strong Dewan Negara, or
Senate, of whom 40 members are appointed by the Head of State and
30 members elected by the country's 13 regional assemblies. Executive
power is held by the Prime Minister, who is formally appointed by
the head of state but in practice the leader of the largest party
in the Dewan Rakyat. The Prime Minister governs with the assistance
of an appointed ministerial cabinet.
Malaysia is divided into two main regions:
Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East
Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of
Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal
territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion
of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped
land and jungles. Approximately 80% of the nation's total population
occupies the main peninsula.
The terrain is certain to remain etched in the memories of all
visitors for life. It is extremely diverse and consists of some
of the world's finest coral reefs, vast stretches of white sandy
beaches, green hills, towering mountains, limestone formations,
networks of white-water rivers perfect for rafting, lakes and vast
expanses of jungle and tropical rain forest.
The territories that comprise of Malaysia were British protectorates
in the 1920s. Malaysian nationalism reached its peak during the
1930s an d again in the Post-World War II Era, culminating in the
formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, which became Malaysia
in 1963.
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Visa's and Passport
Visitors must be in possession of a current passport or other
internationally recognized travel document. They must be endorsed
for traveling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least
six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. No visas
are required for citizens of British Commonwealth countries (except
India), British Protected persons, and citizens of the Republic
of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland
and the United States (for social, business or academic purposes
only). No visas are required for stays not exceeding three months
for citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy,
Japan, Luxemburg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Tunesia, U.S.A. ,
France and Germany (except for local employment).
Upon departure, an airport tax is collected. For domestic flights,
the tax is M$3, for flights to Brunei and Singapore, M$5, for international
flights, M$15.
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Custom Regulations
Duty-Free Items:
Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players,
perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors
bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary
importation, refundable on departure - usually 50% of the value
(carry receipt of purchase and obtain an official receipt for any
tax or deposit paid).
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Money
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM), the standard unit is worth 100 sen
(cents). Currency notes are in denominations of RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10,
RM20, RM50,and RM100, while the denomination of RM500 and RM1000
will no longer be valid as of July 1st 1999. Coins are in denominations
of 1 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50sen and RM1.
Money Changing
Foreign currency and traveller's cheques may be changed at all commercial
banks during normal banking hours. Licensed money changers at the
airport and within the city, sometimes offer better rates. Traveller's
cheques are also accepted by hotels and major department stores
but banks give the best rates.
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Local Customs
General:
Everyday etiquette is relaxed and straightfor ward. Visitors behaving
courteously are unlikely to unintentionally give offense.
Seniority is greatly respected within Malay households. The eldest
male of a family should be greeted first and frequently sits in
the best or highest seat.
Pointing with a finger is considered to be extremely rude. Instead,
the entire hand should be used to indicate a direction, but not
a person.
Although no host will insist upon it, it is polite to remove one's
shoes at the door of a house upon entering. It is also customary
to do so upon entering a mosque or an Indian temple.
Comfortable and informal clothing is suitable during the day and
recommended all year round because of the tropical climate. However,
as Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, conservative dress
is most appropriate. Women should not wear dresses, skirts or shorts
that are too short. In cities, towns and villages, shorts are considered
highly inappropriate.
Do not dress in any manner that may give the impression that you
are a "hippie," as "hippies" are banned from
the country.
For formal occasions or evening wear, formal attire is expected.
Men should wear a suit and tie or a long-sleeved batik shirt. Evening
dresses or cocktail dresses are recommended for women.
Business:
Malaysians tend to be late for appointments yet expect others to
be on time. Your contact will meet you at your hotel or at his or
her office.
Meetings are often held during lunch or dinner.
Malaysians are usually called by their given names preceded by
Mr., Mrs., or Miss. The Chinese use their family names preceded
by Mr., Mrs., or Miss.
A firm handshake and a "hello" are suitable as a greeting.
Muslims bring their hand to their chest after shaking hands, and
you should follow suit.
Business cards are always exchanged and should be both given and
received with both hands at all times. Study the card for a few
moments before placing it in your pocket.
A suit a nd tie is suitable business attire for men, with the jacket
removed on warmer days.
Long-sleeved batik shirts are always acceptable. For women, a suit
or blouse and skirt are best for daytime appointments.
The many cultures and religions of Malaysia may make giving a suitable
gift a complicated issue.
Never give liquor to a Muslim (alcoholic beverages are forbidden
in the Muslim religion), or clocks, watches, knives or white flowers
to a Chinese person (white flowers are associated with death in
Chinese culture, and so are clocks, knives and watches - the word
for time and death sound similar).
A pen or a similar object having a company logo is probably the
safest kind of gift.
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Weather and Climate
Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout
the year. Temperatures typically range from 70 to 90ºF
(22 to 33ºC) and cooler in the highlands. With the occurrence
of the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October
to February) monsoons, the average rate of annual rainfall is high:
100 inches (250cm). Much of the rainfall is concentrated in the
late afternoons. Humidity is high throughout the year.
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