About Malaysia
General Information
The Land
Located in the tropics, Malaysia straddles the South China Sea – Peninsular Malaysia is at the tip of mainland Southeast Asia, while the states of Sabah and Sarawak are on the island of Borneo.
The nation’s natural diversity offers visitors a range of attractions including
beautiful beaches, idyllic islands, cool hill stations, historic towns, a dynamic
capital and the world’s oldest rainforests with an astounding diversity of flora
and fauna.
The People
Malaysia is truly multicultural and one of its greatest resources is its
rich cultural diversity. Malays number around half of the total population
of over 26 million, while the other half comprises Chinese, Indians, Ibans,
Kadazans and other ethnic groups.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national and official language of
the country. English is widely used all over the country. Other languages
are Mandarin and Tamil.
Religion
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam. However, Buddhism,
Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are widely practiced by the various races.
Climate and Clothing
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with uniform temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 32ºC during the day to 22ºC during the night. It is slightly cooler in the hill country. Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging 200 – 250 cm a year. Light comfortable clothing is the norm with lightweight woolens required for visits to highland areas.
Currency and Banking
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes from RM 100 to RM 1, and coins from fifty to one sen (cents). Major credit cards are accepted in cities and large towns.
Permitted currency limits are as follows:
- A resident and non-resident is permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, ringgit notes not exceeding RM 1000 per person.
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency notes and travellers cheques that can be brought into the country.
A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency notes including travellers cheques not exceeding RM 10,000 equivalent per person.
A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency notes including travellers cheques not exceeding the amount brought in.
Banking hours (except for the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) are from 09.30 am to 16.00 pm, Monday to Friday. ATMs are widely available.
All commercial banks are authorised foreign exchange dealers, and licensed money changers are found in urban centres, key entry/exit points and shopping complexes. Foreign currency and travellers’ cheques can also be exchanged at major hotels.
Communication
Malaysia has efficient telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex, email and airmail communications, both internally and internationally.
Time
Standard Malaysian Time is eight hours ahead of GMT.
Utilities
Electricity supply in Malaysia is 240-volt, 50 hz.
Immigration Formalities
Entry
A valid passport (and visa if applicable) with a minimum of 6 months validity is required for all persons entering Malaysia. A valid passport is also necessary for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian States of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as between Sabah and Sarawak.
Visa
- No visa is required for nationals of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding three months for nationals of: Algeria, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Rep., Denmark, Eqypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, North Yemen, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovak, Korea Rep., Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, U.A.E., U.S.A. No visa is required for stay of not more than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries.
For stay exceeding one month, visas will be required, except for nationals of Brunei and Singapore.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding one month for nationals of: Argentina, Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Corsica, Costa Rica, Croatia, Djibouti, Dominica Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Gabon, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Laos, Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Zaire.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding 14 days for nationals of: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, S. Yemen, Syria.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding 7 days for nationals of: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Byelorussia, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirghisztan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Romania, Russian Fed., Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
Note: Nationals of Bangladesh, Bhutan, People’s Republic of China, Cuba, India, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.
Immigration
A disembarkation card and a quarantine declaration card will be given out on all inbound flights. All visitors are required to complete the disembarkation card. The Quarantine Declaration Card must be completed by Malaysian citizens and all visitors. In addition, a Travellers Declaration Form (TDF) must be filled in by all arrival and departing travellers (including children) regardless of the amount of currency carried. It should be handed to the Immigration Officer together with disembarkation card, quarantine declaration card and passport.
|
