A LITTLE ABOUT MALAYSIAMalaysia is found in rapidly developing South East Asia and is a member of the trading group known as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia is a country in transition from a developing nation to a first world country. Its ambitious Vision 2020 is intended to attain developed status by the year 2020. Although many parts of Malaysia are still experiencing the growth pangs of development, the cities, especially the capital Kuala Lumpur, have many of the amenities and appearances of a first world country.
Malaysia is actually divided into two separate regions :
Geography Malaysia has an equatorial climate with an average daily temperature between 21oC to 32oC throughout the year. Relative humidity is high and averages between 80 and 90%. Do not be alarmed by this as most buildings are air-conditioned and even a ceiling fan can do much to keep you comfortable. Rainfall tends to be heavy, averaging about 254 cm/year. The year is separated into “dry” and “wet” seasons. The “wet” seasons are characterized by the monsoon seasons - the South-West monsoon, from mid-May to September, normally brings heavy rain to the West Coast while the North-East monsoon normally brings heavy rain the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak from October to February. Kuala Lumpur experiences most of its heavy rains from October to December as well as some cooler temperatures. Recent climatic changes as well as deforestation in the region has disrupted these patterns somewhat but you can still expect to experience many spectacular rain storms during your stay in Malaysia.
Population Malaysia has a multi-ethnic population consisting of many racial groups. The Malays form the majority followed by the Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indians and others. In East Malaysia, the many cultural groups form a rich tapestry of fascinating people and traditions. The dominant groups in East Malaysia are the Iban and Bidayuh peoples in Sarawak and the Kadazans in Sabah as well as over a dozen other groups.
Language and Religion The official religion of Malaysia is Islam but the country allows for freedom of worship and the different ethnic groups are allowed to follow their own religions. You will notice that the gap between religion and state is not as wide as it is in the West. The Government strongly encourages its people to have strong religious convictions. The practice of Islam here is quite moderate and freedom of worship is guaranteed by the constitution and there are many followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Christianity found in Malaysia. It will, therefore, be easy to find places to practice your faith and your fellow staff members will be more than happy to direct you to the nearest mosque, temple or church of any denomination.
Government The Head of State is the King (known as the Yang DiPertuan Agung). The King and the deputy Head of State are elected every five years by the Conference of Rulers from the heredity rulers of the Malay States. The Conference of Rulers consists of the nine Malay states of Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan together with the Governors of the States of Penang, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak. The government is headed by the Prime Minister. This position is currently held by Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The number of women holding seats in the parliament, although still small, has been growing over the past few years as more and more women are participating in the political process.
Currency All costs listed here will be quoted in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). The exchange rate will not be quoted, at this point, as like all currencies, the Malaysian Ringgit will fluctuate. You are best advised to check the exchange rate at your local bank or money changer.
Travelling Within Malaysia
For those who prefer the sea, Penang Island, Port Dickson, and the east coast may be for you. Other places to consider:
Some recommended locations:
|