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MALAYSIA INFORMATION
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History Background |
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There is a strong
interlink between the country's multi-racial and
multicultural make-up and 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, languages and food. The
country achieved independence on August 31, 1957 as
The Federation of Malaya and with the subsequent
entry of Sabah and Sarawak in 1963, Malaysia was
formed |
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People |
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Malaysia is a nation of
diversity in unity where Malays, Chinese, Indians
and the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak live
in cultural harmony. Once you have overcome
your jet-lag fatigue, step into the heart of
Malaysia-the citizens of the country. You would be
pleasantly surprised at the warmth of Malaysians.
For deeply entrenched within each of the different
race is the engaging charm and traditional
hospitality which the country is renowned for.
Malaysians enjoy meeting people from other lands.
So, do go right ahead and strike up a conversation.
After all, the whole point of traveling is to know
other cultures. |
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Economy |
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Malaysia is one of the
most developed countries in the ASEAN region. Its
economy is largely dependent on manufacturing
products such as electrical and electronic products,
textiles, as well as rubber-based products, followed
by the agricultural and mining sectors. Malaysia is
also one of the world's largest exporters of palm
oil, natural rubber, tropical timber, cocoa beans
and pepper. Tourism is also a leading revenue
earner.
Since Independence in 1957, it has moved away from
its reliance on tin and rubber and diversified its
economy by aggressively attracting investment, both
foreign and domestic. After Singapore and Brunei, it
is the most developed country in South-East Asia,
with the highest standard of living. Malaysia's
rapid increase in manufacturing has been achieved by
modernising the country's transport, communications
and energy infrastructure, developing industrial
zones and offering substantial tax breaks for
investors in export-oriented industries.
The Government has promoted a relatively open,
market-oriented economy and has instituted
significant reforms by dismantling many state-run
enterprises and encouraging private enterprise to
undertake many of the country's development
projects. Through promoting a free market in some
areas, the Government is also an investor in the
economy (usually as a minority partner) and controls
prices on some key commodities such as fuel and
rice. |
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Language |
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The National Language,
Bahasa Malaysia is established as such under Article
152 of the Constitution, which also safeguards other
languages by stipulating that no person may be
prohibited or prevented from using (except for
official purposes) or from teaching or learning any
other language. As the national language, Bahasa
Malaysia has to be used for official purposes
which includes its use by federal and state
governments, and as defined by the constitutional
amendment of 1971 by all authorities (including
local authorities) and statutory bodies. By the same
constitutional amendment the status of Bahasa
Malaysia may not be questioned, and any amendment to
Article 152 can only be made with the consent of the
Conference of Rulers. |
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Geography |
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Malaysia is situated
right in the heart of South East Asia and is divided
into two geographical sections: Peninsular Malaysia
and the East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and
Sarawak in North Borneo. The two parts are separated
650km (403 miles) apart by the South China Sea.
Peninsular Malaysia's neighbors are Thailand and
Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak border Kalimantan (the
Indonesian part of Borneo) and Sarawak surrounds the
tiny enclave of Brunei. The Andaman Sea is on the
West Coast of the peninsula. The East Coast of the
peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak all adjoin the South
China Sea.
Peninsular Malaysia accounts for 40% of the
country's landmass. There are several mountain
ranges running north- south along the backbone of
the peninsula. A wide, fertile plain trails the West
Coast, while a narrow coastal plain runs along the
east. Sabah and Sarawak are covered by dense jungles
and have large river networks. These rivers are
still the main means of transportation to the
natives of these two states. Over 60% of the country
is still rainforest, and there are 8000 species of
flowering plants (in Peninsular Malaysia alone)
which includes 2000 tree species, 800 different
orchids and 200 types of palm, not forgetting a
myriad of wildlife animals. There are also an
abundance and variety of bird populations from all
over the world that can be found in East
Malaysia |
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Climate |
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Malaysia is hot and
humid all year round. With temperatures
usually between 20-30°C (68-86°F); and humidity
level at 90%. The wettest season on the
West Coast of the peninsula is between September and
December; on the East Coast and in Sabah and
Sarawak, it's between October and February. Rain
often comes in short, strong bursts and hides
the sun but on temporarily. |
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