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| General Information |
| This modern nation-state is a relatively
recent creation - formed in 1963 when the Federation of Malaya (independent
since 1957) merged with Sabah, Sarawak and (for a while) Singapore to
form a larger federation. This is a unique nation-state with a Malay-Muslim sovereign ensconced within a parliamentary democracy made very functional through the multi-racial co-existence based on mutual tolerance incomparable anywhere else in the world Malaysia is that veritable melting pot of Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous Orang Asli . With this multi-ethnic make-up, the country affords a very wide spectrum of colours and excitement in the myriad cultures and traditions. This amalgamation of thrilling attributes is the true-to-life manifestation of Malaysia being truly Asia. Country The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Geographical Location Located 7 degrees north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. In the north of the Peninsular is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Area : 329,758 sq. km Capital : Kuala Lumpur Population Current population is estimated at around 23.3 million of whom 83 percent live in the Peninsula, eight percent in Sabah and nine percent in Sarawak. The Malays (the country's original inhabitants), make up 52%, Chinese 29%, Indians 8% and the indigenous communities 11%. The Malays and the indigenous people are called 'Bumiputeras'(sons of the soil) owing to the entrenched ancestral roots that go back thousands of years. Together, the Malays and the indigenous groups make up 63%of the population. 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. Currency The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money changers. Banking Hours Most states : Mon-Fri : 09:30 am - 4:00 pm, Sat : 09:30 am - 11:30 am, Sun : closed Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu : Sat-Wed : 09:30 am - 4:00 pm, Thur : 09:30 am - 11:30 am, Fri : closed *Closed first Saturday of the month* Post Offices Open from 08:00 am - 5:00 pm daily except first Saturday of the month, Sundays and public holidays. In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu post offices are closed on Fridays, first Saturday of the month and public holidays. Time 8 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. Climate Tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21 degree celcius to 32 degree celcius. Annual rainfall varies from 2000mm to 2500 mm. Emergency Calls Police : 999 Fire : 994 |
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