Malaysia : Country overview

Geography

• Full country name: Malaysia
• Population: 28.7 million
• Border countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore.
• Climate: tropical.
• Terrain: beaches and coastal areas that rise to mountains and dense rainforest.
• Natural hazards: flooding, forest fires and landslides.

Living in Malaysia

• Cost of living: compared to the UK and other Asian countries, the cost of living is low.
• Utilities: piped gas is only available in Kuala Lumpur and some major towns. Water utilities are managed by state authorities and homes are charged for their individual use. The cost of water is very cheap compared to the UK. Electricity is managed by different companies depending on the area and bills are sent monthly. In remote areas, it is not uncommon to experience power failure.
• Internet domain: .my
• Health: serious illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria exist in Malaysia. A range of other mosquito-borne illnesses also occur. It is important to receive the appropriate vaccinations before travelling to Malaysia. The air quality can reach hazardous levels due to pollution.
• Laws and customs: Malaysia is an Islamic country, and it is important to be respectful of this. All Muslims in the country are subject to local Shari'a law. Homosexual acts are illegal. There are severe penalties for drug possession, and those suspected of having used drugs prior to entering the country will be tested. If the results are positive, you can be deported.

Economy and finance

• Currency: Ringgit (RM)
• Type of economy: capitalist
• Health of economy: regulations have limited the effects of the recent global financial crisis, but weak demand for consumer goods is expected to negatively impact the economy.
• Unemployment rate: 3.5%
• Main exports: palm oil and associated products, crude petroleum, timber, liquefied natural gas, tin, rubber and electronic goods.

Culture

• People: Malays (50%), Chinese (24%), indigenous (11%), Indian (7%), others (8%)..
• Major religion: Islam. Other races are free to practise their religions (i.e. Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism).
• History: see BBC Timeline: Malaysia .
• Local etiquette: when greeting Malays, use the Muslim ‘salam’. With Chinese, a nod or firm handshake are acceptable. With Indians, use either the ‘Namaste’ greeting or a handshake. If invited to someone’s home, it is the norm to take a gift (which you should offer with your right hand). If you are visiting a Muslim house, do not take alcohol. When visiting a home in Malaysia, remove your shoes before entering. Non-verbal communication is a big part of the culture of Malaysia as is ‘saving face’ - doing things so as not to lose status or appear less respectable to others. Expressions of anger are not appropriate, and disagreements should be resolved through calm discussion.

Politics

• Type of government: constitutional monarchy.
• Major political parties: Barisan Nasional (BN) (national front) is the ruling coalition, Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance) is the opposition coalition, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (Malaysian People's Party), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (Socialist Party of Malaysia), Parti Demokratik Malaysia (Malaysian Democratic Party) and Parti Maju Sabah (Sabah Progressive Party).

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)  website.