General and cultural information

The Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur, has prepared this information to help you to plan for your visit to Malaysia, to assist you to maximise enjoyment of your time and to help you to deal with any difficulties you might encounter.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. However, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of the Australia's consular staff abroad can accept liability for injury, loss or damage in respect of any statement contained herein.

Travellers should check personally to ensure that information of particular importance to them is correct. Employees or agents of the Australian High Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Government are not responsible for decisions taken by travellers based on this information.

Introduction

Malaysia is situated 7 degrees north of the Equator in the heart of Southeast Asia. It comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Both West, or Peninsular Malaysia (area 131,794 sq km) and East Malaysia (198, 000 sq km) consist of rugged forested mountainous interiors descending to coastal plains. Of political significance are land boundaries with Thailand (504km) and Indonesian Kalimantan (1440km), sea boundaries with Sumatra (Straits of Melaka) and Singapore (Straits of Johor) and complex boundaries in the South China Sea.

Kuala Lumpur, a city covering 243.6 sq km with a population of 1.3 million people, is situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just about midway between the north and south and approximately 35 kilometres from the coast.

Administration and Government

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, its head being the Yang di-Pertua Agong, one of the Malay rulers elected for a term of five years by his fellow rulers. It has a bicameral parliament consisting of an elected House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) of 192 seats and an appointed Senate (Dewan Negara) . Elections to the Lower House are held at least every five years on the basis of universal adult suffrage, each constituency electing one member. The Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister consists only of members of the legislature and is collectively responsible to Parliament. In the Malay states, the Rulers have retained their pre-eminent status but they can no longer act contrary to the advice of the State Executive Council.

The non-royal states are each headed by a Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) federally appointed for four years who also acts upon the advice of the respective state governments. Each state has a unicameral legislature, elections to which are held at least every five years.

The judiciary (except for Muslim courts in Sabah and Sarawak native courts) is wholly federal and judges are independent and may not be removed from office before the compulsory retiring age of 65, except on the recommendation of a special tribunal convened for the purpose. Federal judges have the power to interpret the constitution and they have the power to declare laws invalid and executive unlawful.

Banking and currency

The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) equivalent to 100 sen. Coins are issued in denominations of 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and RM 1.00. Currency notes are in RM2, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100, RM500, and RM1,000. There are about 40 commercial banks, both local and foreign, in Kuala Lumpur. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be converted to Malaysian Ringgit at banks or authorised money changers throughout the country. Generally, shops and department stores are not authorised to accept travellers cheques. There are many bank auto tellers with Cirrus/Visa facilities. Banking Hours are open Monday to Friday: l0am-4pm. Most banks are closed on Saturdays.

Business hours

Malaysia is run on an eight hour day system with Saturday as half day and Sunday a rest day. In the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, Friday is a day of rest with Thursday as half day.

Government offices are opened from 8.00am-4.15pm on weekdays and 8.00am-12.45pm on Thursdays (Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah) and Saturdays (remaining states). Department stores and shopping centres are open daily from l0.00am-8.00pm.

Climate

Kuala Lumpur has an annual average rainfall of 2,774mm with the heaviest rainfall coming from the north-east monsoon in December. There is another, shorter wet season in April. The annual mean temperature is 26.7C, with November and December being the coolest months at a mean of 26.4C, and May the hottest at a mean of 27.2C. Daily temperature range is between a minimum in the low twenties and the maximum in the low to mid thirties all year round. Humidity is high (85-95%) and the absence of cooling sea breezes in Kuala Lumpur tends to heighten this effect. At hill stations in the highlands, (Frasers Hill and Cameron Highlands), temperatures generally are 9 degrees lower than in Kuala Lumpur.

Customs and Quarantine

For detailed information on Customs and Quarantine, consult the Malaysian High Commission or nearest Malaysian Consulate or your travel agent.

Please visit the Royal Malaysian Customs & Excise Department

Dress

Bear in mind that Malaysia is an Islamic state and that dress is more conservative than in Australia, especially for women. The wearing of very short, tight clothing or clothing which exposes parts of the torso in public places may be considered offensive or attract unwanted attention. Loose clothing made from natural fibres is more comfortable in a tropical climate.

Drugs

The trafficking or use of illegal drugs is a serious offence in Malaysia and the penalty for such an offence is death.

Economy

Malaysia is a medium-sized, export-oriented economy which has developed rapidly from an agriculture-based economy to one dominated by intermediate manufacturing over the past twenty years. Guided by the then Prime Minister YB Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad's "Vision 2020" supplemented by the 10-year national development policy and the five year "Malaysia Plans", Malaysia aims to achieve developed country status by the year 2020.

Malaysia is now widely considered to be a second tier newly industrialising country. The composition of Malaysia's exports and imports has changed significantly over the past twenty years reflecting Malaysia's growing industrial sophistication. In the early 1970's about 80% of Malaysia's exports were commodities, primarily rubber and tin. This share declined to about 74% by 1980 and under 20% by 1994.

Malaysia has now one of the largest microchip industries outside Silicon Valley and is the world's largest exporter of air conditioners. Tourism, too, is emerging as a major revenue earner.

Electricity

Malaysia's voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC. British style plugs are widely used however, older style hotels/fittings may use the European style of plug.

Etiquette

Malaysians of all cultures have complicated systems of etiquette but most have had extensive contacts with the West and would find it odd for us to make great attempts to follow their ways. However, the following points of behaviour would be appreciated:

• Try to dress appropriately. If in doubt, err on the conservative side.

• If sitting in an easy chair, keep both feet flat on the floor, as soles of the shoes must not point at an individual.

• It is impolite to point at people with an extended finger or with the foot.

• ointing is done with the thumb of the right hand with the fingers folded under. Beckoning is done with the fingers of the right hand together with the palm downward. Never use the index finger for this.

• Avoid using the left hand to give or receive articles. Do not use the left hand for eating, except with a fork.

• Avoid touching the opposite sex, except to shake hands. Some Muslim women will avoid shaking hands with a man.

• Accept at least a little of whatever refreshment is offered.

• In conversation, don't place hands on hips or cross your arms.

Health

Health risks that you may be exposed to in Malaysia include dengue fever and malaria, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Travellers' diarrohea and hepatitis A & B are also prevalent. Hepatitis A is transmitted via contaminated food and water while hepatitis B is spread by contact with blood and bodily fluids.

Prevention of malaria and dengue fever relies on making sure you minimise the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. The use of anti-malarial medications is recommended for some rural areas although it is not required if travel is restricted only to Kuala Lumpur. You should use a good quality repellent, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, avoid places with standing or stagnant water, wear light coloured clothing, long sleeves and trousers, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms where possible. Use a ceiling fan and mosquito net if necessary.

The risk of contracting cholera in Malaysia is extremely low. Malaysia is not on the list of "infected countries" posted by the Centre for Disease Control in the U.S.A.

If visiting places with doubtful hygiene standards, avoid milk and dairy products, cold-cuts of meat, salads, mayonnaise-based salad dressings and seafood. Peel fruit and avoid precooked/reheated food.

Ice at street stalls should be avoided. Drink boiled or bottled water only. It is important to replace fluid loss in Malaysia's high humidity. Medical advisers recommend consuming at least two litres a day.

Consult your doctor about immunisations and medications that may be useful to bring to a tropical environment.

If you become ill during your visit to Malaysia, your hotel should have a list of medical practitioners in the vicinity or will be able to arrange for a doctor to visit your room. If you require further assistance, please contact the Australian High Commission or nearest Consulate.

Health and travel insurance

You should arrange adequate health and travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Insurance should cover medical and hospital expenses, including medical evacuation, and if possible other costs or penalities associated with travel problems such as cancelled or delayed flights, change of itinerary, loss of deposit, loss of baggage and money, etc. There are a number of reputable insurance companies which provide health and travel insurance. Shop around to find the package and price to suit you.

Language

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the official language. Whilst there are differences with Bahasa Indonesia, the root language is the same and speakers of either language communicate freely. However, English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur, particularly in the tourism and service sectors.

Population

The estimated population in 2003 is 23.5 million. The communal breakdown on the peninsula is approximately: Malays and other indigenous peoples 65.1%, Chinese 26.1%, Indians 7.7% and others 1.2%. Malays and other indigenous peoples are termed Bumiputra ("sons of the soil").

Post offices

Post offices are open from Monday to Saturday 8.00am-5.00pm and are closed on Sundays and public holidays (for Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, closed on Fridays and public holidays). The General Post Office in Kuala Lumpur is open from 8.00am-6.00pm Monday to Saturday and l0.00am-12.45pm on Sundays. Most international hotels provide postal services at their front desks.

Religion

Freedom of religion exists in Malaysia, with the official religion being Islam. Religion, with communalism, is a fundamental aspect of Malaysian life. A Malay is defined as one whose religion is Islam, habitually speaks Bahasa Malaysia, and lives according to Malay custom. As relatively few Indians and Chinese are Muslims, the Malay/non-Malay political and economic divisions are generally identified with the Islamic/non-Islamic grouping.

The Chinese population are largely Buddhist with Taoism also represented and the India Tamils are usually Hindus. Sikhism and Islam are also represented amongst the Indian population. Christianity is practised by a smaller group comprising mainly members from the Chinese, Indian and expatriate communities.

Taxis (General)

A coupon system applies for transfers from the airport to destinations within the city and suburbs. Vouchers at fixed prices, depending on destinations, can be purchased at the limousine (airport taxi) counter located at the airport concourse. Hand the voucher to the taxi driver at the start of the journey. The journey generally takes one hour.

Train - KLIA Express (Airport)

The KLIA Express is a direct service between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station. The journey rakes twenty eight minutes and costs RM35 per adult one way. KLIA Express offer a safe and clean connection between the airport and the city.

Taxis (Airport)

Taxis can be hailed from designated taxi stands, largely located in the front of hotels, shopping centres and office blocks. The hotel concierge will hail a taxi for you. Taxi drivers should turn on the meter at the commencement of your journey, however, often this is not the case and the driver will attempt to fix a price at your destination. To avoid confusion, tell the driver you would like the meter turned on as soon as you enter the taxi.

Visitors who require transport for a series of calls are best advised to book a limousine and driver for the duration of their stay. This can be arranged through the hotel sales/reservations department.

Travel

Travel times to destinations by road in Kuala Lumpur may be interrupted by infrastructure and building works. Leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, in particular at peak times when traffic jams are commonplace.

Telephone

Local calls can be made from public phones, which are card or coin operated. International calls can be made from phone booths with card phone facilities or at any Telekom office.

Telephones - Australian Country Code Australia 61 Telephones - Australian State and Territory Codes Australian Capital Territory 02 New South Wales 02 Northern Territory 08 Queensland 07 South Australia 08 Tasmania 03 Victoria 03 Western Australia 08 Telephones - International Direct Dialing For example,
to make an IDD call from Malaysia to Canberra
number 02 6241 3231 dial: 00 61 2 6241 3231 To make a call to a mobile phone
number 0416 213 278 dial: 00 61 416 213 278

Tourist information

Information about places of interest is available from most international hotels and also from the Malaysia Tourist Information Complex (MATIC)

Water supply

It is advisable to drink only bottled or boiled water, but cleaning teeth in water direct from the tap is safe. A large selection of bottled still and mineral water is available.