My Beautiful Malaysia - The Profile

My Beautiful Malaysia

Malaysia is a fascinating nation and a tropical paradise situated 7 degrees north of the Equator in the heart of South-East Asia. Not too big a country in the world map with lands of approximately 329,758 sq. km, Malaysia, with Peninsular Malaysia on the tip of mainland South-East Asia, and Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo has lots to offer. Malaysia is indeed, the heaven for nature lovers. The National Park of Malaysia, also known as the oldest rainforest in world, is a must visit for adventurers. Other than the National Park, there are many other reserved parks in Malaysia which house the variety of flora, fauna and distinctive species of wildlife. Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Sipadan and many other islands are another attraction in Malaysia. Nature lovers from all over the world have been to these islands and many are coming back for the second time, perhaps many more times with their loved ones and friends.The climate is warm and humid throughout the year. Temperatures are around 30°C during the day and 22°C at night. Light, cotton, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round.

Multi Cultural Society

Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a population of approximately 27million which consists of Malay, Chinese and Indian as well as other races, all coexisting in harmony. There are also people of other nationalities studying, working and doing business in Malaysia. Bahasa Melayu or Malay is the national language but English, Mandarin and Tamil are widely used too. Islam is the official religion but Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and other major religions are freely practised.

Malaysia’s Economy

Malaysia today is an advanced nation with first class infrastructures and facilities. The nation is progressive, peaceful and is being led by a ruling party which is represented by all races. The unique blend of ruling formula formulated by the National Front Collision Party has ensured the continued growth of the nation. As a result, the people of Malaysia receive high quality of education and good health care services. Combining the success factors above, Malaysia has become a heaven destination for investment. Local businesses, ranging from the simplest sole proprietorship to multinationals, alongside international multinationals have been prosperous in their business ventures in Malaysia. This is evident from the resilience of the economy in the aftermath of the financial crisis in 1997. Despite the fact that Malaysia is a developing country, the sound financial management and swift action taken by the Government have directed the nation towards a seamless recovery without international aids.

Malaysia is a leading exporter of manufactured products such as semiconductors, audio-visual products, electrical goods, rubber-dipped products and oleo-chemicals. Malaysia is also one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil, natural rubber, tropical timber, cocoa bean, pepper and petroleum. Malaysia is spearheading the Information Age by promoting information technology aggressively. It has embarked on telemarketing, on-line information services, electronic commerce and digital broadcasting through the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) vision. The nation also has embarked on the development of heavy industries and is now producing its own national cars, which has penetrated nearly 80% of the domestic market.

Today, Malaysia is the 17th largest trading nation in the world and based on the 2003 World Competitiveness Yearbook, Malaysia is ranked as the 4th most competitive nation among countries with a population of 27 million and above after United States, Australia and Canada respectively.

Food & Accommodation

Malaysia is a food paradise with a great variety of food ranging from Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Indonesian to Western Cuisine. There are also international fast-food chains operating side by side with thousands of roadside stalls and food bazaars. Accommodation such as college hostels, apartments, residential houses and condominiums, is readily available at affordable rates and is within the vicinity of the institutions. Places of Interest and Shopping Malls make Malaysia is a fascinating country. Situated in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, are the Petronas Twin Towers, currently the world’s tallest twin building, and the Kuala Lumpur Tower which is Asia’s tallest concrete tower with a height of 421m. Beyond the capital city, one can also experience traditional village life and enjoy pristine beaches and tropical jungles. Sports wear or equipment, casual clothes, stationeries, groceries and other items can be bought at great discounts from night markets, mini markets, shopping arcades and hypermarkets.

The latest feat accomplished by the nation is the Berjaya Times Square shopping complex, standing majestically as the largest architectural structure in both Asia and the world that was simultaneously built and completed within one phase.

Being a safe and visitor friendly country, Malaysia is the best destination for shoppers. Some of the biggest shopping malls in the world are found in Malaysia, for example, besides Berjaya Times Square we have Mid Valley Megamall, the KLCC, Bintang Walk and many others.

Well Connected Services

Malaysia is well-connected in terms of transportation and communication within the country and the rest of the world. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) provides world class facilities and services. It also hosts airlines from and to every corner of the world. KLIA was voted as the World's Best Airport (15-25 million passengers per annum) for two consecutive years, in the 2005 AETRA awards and 2006 ACI-ASQ awards.

An efficient internal public transport such as the light rail transport (LRT), public buses, and taxis are available for students. There are also medical, banking, telecommunication (fix and mobile telephone, internet cafes) and postal services easily available at towns and cities.

The latest addition to these facilities is the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). The Low Cost Carrier Terminal is specifically built at KL International Airport to cater to the growing passengers of the Low Cost Airlines, especially the passengers of Malaysia's first 'no-frills' airline, Air Asia. It is located 20km away from the KLIA Main Terminal Building (MTB). Construction of the LCC Terminal was on a fast track basis beginning June 2005 at an approximate cost of RM 108 million. With this latest addition of facility, it makes travel to and fro and within Malaysia becoming cheaper without compromising the quality of service. The passengers have more alternatives to choose from, either normal conventional service or ‘no-frills’ service.