SELAMAT DATANG ( WELCOME ).
Malaysia is a beautiful country along the Equator, comprised of a peninsula that is the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, and two states on northern island of Borneo, known as East Malaysia. The Federation of Malaya, formerly part of the British Empire, achieved independence on the 31st of August 1957, and joined with Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo to form the nation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963.
Malaysia is blessed with many fine beaches along her coastlines: sandy shores lapped by cool blue waters where turtles and barracuda swim. In the cities and towns, some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world stretch as far and high as the ambitions of the smartly-dressed people within them. The rainforest jungles in the interior are lush, humid, and home to all manner of unique creatures from diminutive mousedeer to Malayan tigers, pygmy elephants to rare plants such as the giant red Rafflesia blossoms. This incredible biodiversity is partly due to the mountain ranges, as the cold air of the summits (Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, is also the highest in Southeast Asia at 4101m) provides an ecological contrast with the balmy climate of the lowlands.
The people of Malaysia are as warm as the tropical sun, often throwing open their doors to welcome guests into their homes, a practice known as rumah terbuka. Comprised of ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indians, as well as indigenous tribes and a thriving expatriate community, Malaysians are always in the mood to get together to eat food of all cultures and celebrate the festivals of different religions and beliefs. Malaysians are friendly and most speak English, though their rapid accents and local slang might take some getting used to!
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The head of government is the Prime Minister, Malaysia is unique in her elected monarch, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or Supreme Head of State. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected by secret ballot every five years, chosen from and by a council of nine Malay rulers.
Islam is the official religion in Malaysia, with a significant number of Christians, Buddhists and Hindus. Because of this Malaysian social conventions, business ethics, as well as legal statutes are proud to abide by a strong code of conduct and morality.
The abundant natural resources in Malaysia have traditionally been the source of its wealth, but nation’s economy has rapidly expanded into science and technology, commerce, and tourism thanks to its world-class infrastructure and industries. So whether you’re a traveller, entrepreneur, or foodie, Malaysia has endless potentials to offer.
