01. Country
Malaysia is a Federation of 13 states and three Federal Territories. Two of the states, Sabah and Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan are in the island of Borneo. The other states and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are in Peninsular Malaysia (or West Malaysia). The country has an area of nearly 330,000sq. km.
02. Population
Malaysia has a population of 27 million made up of many races, The Malays, Chinese and Indians who make up the bulk of the population are found mostly in West Malaysia while the Kadazandusun, Bajau, Iban and Bidayuh are mostly in East Malaysia.
03. Religions
Islam is the country's official religion. Other religions such as Hinduism, Christianity, Budhhism, Taoism and Sikhism are freely practiced.
04. Language
Malay is the national language and English is widely used. All ethnic groups have their own languages and dialects like Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Tamil and Hindi.
05. Currency
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM, which is equivalent to 100 sen. Sens come in coins of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen denominations. Currency notes are in RM1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Foreign currency and traveler's cheques can be converted to Malaysian Ringgit at banks or authorized money changers throughout the country.
All major credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Most hotels accept traveller's cheques.
06. Communication
Telephone, facsimiles, postal and e-mail facilities are available for local and international communication. Most hotels are equipped with IDD service with minimal service charge. Cyber cafe with internet services are easily found in urban centres.
07. Business Hours
the country runs on a normal eight-hour/day system with Saturday and Sunday as weekends except in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Johor where Friday and Saturday are the day of rest. Department stores and supermarkets are open daily from 10am to 10pm. All commercial banks are open from 9.30am to 4.00pm on weekdays. Most banks are closed on weekends and public holidays.
08. Water & Food
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. However, boiled water or bottled beverages are recommended for visitors to the country.
Vegan and vegetarian food is available in every town and city.
09. Electricity
Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets are used. Voltage is 220 - 240 volts A/C at 50 cycles per second. Most hotels supply 110 - 120v adapters.
10. Medical Services
Medical services are available in most towns at government and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies, as well as supermarkets, hotels and shopping centres.
11. Greetings
Handshakes are generally used by men and women. However, if you are a man being introduced to a Muslim lady, just nod your head upon introduction. In such cases, you reciprocate with handshake only if the lady extends her hand first.
12. Social Visits
In visiting a home it is normal to call and inform of one's arrival. It is customary to remove your shoes when stepping into the house.
13. Tipping
Most restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge and a 6% government sales tax to your bills. So tipping is not customary. However should you want to show your appreciation for the service, a small tip will do.
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