Malaysia is
located in the heart of Southeast Asia, slightly north of the
Equator. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km),
Malaysia is divided into two main regions:
Peninsular
Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East
Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island
of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states
and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the
larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily
comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Approximately 80%
of the nation's total population occupies the main
peninsula.
The
terrain is certain to remain etched in the memories of all
visitors for life. It is extremely diverse and consists of
some of the world's finest coral reefs, vast stretches of
white sandy beaches, green hills, towering mountains,
limestone formations, networks of white- water rivers perfect
for rafting, lakes and vast expanses of jungle and tropical
rain forest.
The territories that comprise of Malaysia
were British protectorates in the 1920s. Malaysian nationalism
reached its peak during the 1930s and again in the Post-World
War II Era, culminating in the formation of the Federation of
Malaya in 1957, which became Malaysia in 1963.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Malaysia enjoys a
tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
Temperatures typically range from 70 to 90°F (22 to 33°C) and
cooler in the highlands. With the occurrence of the annual
southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to
February) monsoons, the average rate of annual rainfall is
high: 100 inches (250cm). Much of the rainfall is concentrated
in the late afternoons. Humidity is high throughout the
year.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Malaysia has a combined population of
over 20 million people. Because of its central location,
between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has
traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers
from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a
multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays,
Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous
peoples.
Although Malay is the official language,
English is widely spoken, especially in business, and the
English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. With
such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a
great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia.
Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of worship is
practiced. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques
and churches within the same area.
Ethnic
Groups: 59% Malay and other indigenous, 32% Chinese and
9% Indian.
Languages: Malay (official),
English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects,
Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal
languages.
Religion: Muslim (primarily
Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity,
Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
General: Everyday etiquette is relaxed and
straightforward. Visitors behaving courteously are unlikely to
unintentionally give offense.
Seniority is greatly
respected within Malay households. The eldest male of a family
should be greeted first and frequently sits in the best or
highest seat.
Pointing with a finger is considered to
be extremely rude. Instead, the entire hand should be used to
indicate a direction, but not a person.
It is important
to remove one's shoes at the door of a house upon entering. It
is also customary to do so upon entering a mosque or an Indian
temple.
Comfortable and informal clothing is suitable
during the day and recommended all year round because of the
tropical climate. However, as Malaysia is a predominantly
Muslim country, conservative dress is most appropriate. Women
should not wear dresses, skirts or shorts that are too short.
In cities, towns and villages, shorts are considered highly
inappropriate.
Do not dress in any manner that may give
the impression that you are a "hippie," as
"hippies " are banned from the country.
For
formal occasions or evening wear, formal attire is expected.
Men should wear a suit and tie or a long-sleeved batik shirt.
Evening dresses or cocktail dresses are recommended for
women.
Business: Malaysians tend to be late
for appointments yet expect others to be on time. Your contact
will meet you at your hotel or at his or her
office.
Meetings are often held during lunch or
dinner.
Malaysians are usually called by their
given names preceded by Mr., Mrs., or Miss. The Chinese use
their family names preceded by Mr., Mrs., or Miss.
A
firm handshake and a "hello" are suitable as a greeting.
Muslims bring their hand to their chest after shaking hands,
and you should follow suit.
Business cards are always
exchanged and should be both given and received with both
hands at all times. Study the card for a few moments before
placing it in your pocket.
A suit and tie is suitable
business attire for men, with the jacket removed on warmer
days.
Long-sleeved batik shirts are always acceptable.
For women, a suit or blouse and skirt are best for daytime
appointments.
The many cultures and religions of
Malaysia may make giving a suitable gift a complicated
issue.
Never give liquor to a Muslim (alcoholic
beverages are forbidden in the Muslim religion), or clocks,
watches, knives or white flowers to a Chinese person (white
flowers are associated with death in Chinese culture, and so
are clocks, knives and watches - the word for time and death
sound similar).
A pen or a similar object having a
company logo is probably the safest kind of gift.
Malaysia Travel & Hotel Guide 
The
terrain is certain to remain etched in the memories of all
visitors for life. It is extremely diverse and consists of
some of the world's finest coral reefs, vast stretches of
white sandy beaches, green hills, towering mountains,
limestone formations, networks of white- water rivers perfect
for rafting, lakes and vast expanses of jungle and tropical
rain forest.
Malaysia has a combined population of
over 20 million people. Because of its central location,
between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has
traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers
from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a
multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays,
Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous
peoples.
