About Malaysia

1:32 AM | Labels: intro, malaysia

The Federation of Malaysia comprises of Peninsular Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Situated between 2º and 7º to the North of the Equator line, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. In the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia lies Thailand, and in the south, neighbouring Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares borders with Brunei.

People & Language

Malays comprise 57% of the population, while the Chinese, Indian and Bumiputeras and other races make up the rest of the country's population.

Malay is the national language in use, but English is widely spoken.
The ethnic groups also converse in the various languages and dialects.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the country,but other religions
are widely practised.

Currency

The monetary unit of the
country is Ringgit Malaysia
and is written as RM or MYR.

The exchange rate is valued at
USD1 = RM3.15.

Foreign currencies can be
exchanged at banks and
money changers.

Weather

The country experiences tropical weather
year-round.

Temperatures are from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Higher
elevations are much colder with temperatures between 15°C
(59° F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to
2,500mm.

Government

Malaysia follows the bicameral legislative system, adopting a democratic parliamentary.

The head of the country is the King or the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, a position which is changed every five years among the Malay Sultanates. The head of government is the Prime Minister.

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 the economy.

Banking Hours

Mon - Fri: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed (Some banks branches are open on Saturdays)

Kelantan & Terengganu:
Sun - Wed: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Thu: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm
Fri/Sat/Public Holiday: Closed

Post Office

Opening hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily, except for the first Saturdays of the month, Sundays, and public holidays. In Kelantan and Terengganu the post office operates at the same time, but is closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Time