-MaLaYsIa-

Malaysia is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate. This country consists of thirteen states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia with a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometers. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. Refer to appendix (1). The country is separated into two regions – Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo which is Sabah and Sarawak- by the South China Sea. Malaysia is the federal constitutional elective monarchy. Malaysia head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the government is headed by a Prime Minister. Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected to a five-year term among the nine hereditary Sultans of the Malay states; the other four states, which have titular Government, do not participate in the selection. The government is clearly modeled after the Westminster Parliamentary System, a legacy of British colonial rule. Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has been governed by a multi-party coalition known as the Barisan National which is formerly known as the Alliance.

Most Malaysian is granted citizenship by lex soli. All Malaysians are federal citizens with no formal citizenships within the individual states, except for the Sabah and Sarawak and the federal territory of Labuan in East Malaysia, where state citizenship is a privilege and distinguishable from the Peninsula. Malays who make up about 65% of the population followed by Chinese descent with 27% and Indians descent 8%. Non-Malay bumiputra groups make up more than half of the state of Sarawak’s population of which 30% are Ibans, and close to 60% of Sabah’s population of which 18% are Kadazan-Dusuns, and 17% are Bajaus. There also exist aboriginal groups in much smaller number of Orang Asli. The majority of the Indian communities are Tamils but various other groups are also present including Malayis, Punjabis and Gurantis. Therefore the overall population stands at over 27 million. Bahasa Melayu is the official language, but still English is widely spoken. Ethnic groups also have their own languages and dialects. Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds colorful of festivals.

Malaysia is also rich in natural resources in terms of agriculture, forestry and minerals. In agriculture, Malaysian the also known as the top exporter of natural rubber, palm oil, sawn log, sawn timber cocoa, pepper, pineapple and tobacco dominate the growth of the sector. Palm oil is also a main generator of foreign exchange. Concerning forestry resources, it is noted that logging only begins to make a substantial contribution to the economy during the 19th century. Estimated 59% of Malaysia today still remains forested. After 1960s, the rapid growth of timber industry has brought about a solemn erosion problem in the country’s forest resources. However, in the line with the government’s commitment to protect the environment and the ecological system, forestry resources are being managed on a sustainable basis and therefore the rate of tree felling has been on the decline. The Malaysian government provide plans for the enrichment of some of the land with rattan under natural forest circumstances and in rubber plantations as an inter crop. Fast-growing timber species for example meranti tembaga, merawan and sesenduk are also being planted to further the enhancement of the forest resources. At the same time, the cultivation of high-value trees such as teak and other trees for pulp and paper are also encouraged. Rubber, once the mainstay of the Malaysian economy, has been largely replaced by oil palm as Malaysia’s most important agriculture export.

Tin and petroleum are the two main mineral resources that are of major significance in the Malaysian economy. Malaysia was once the world’s largest producer of tin and it played a predominant role in the Malaysian economy. Petroleum and natural gas replaced tin as the basis of the mineral extraction sector. In the meantime, the contribution by tin has declined. Other minerals of some significance including copper, bauxite, iron-ore and coal together with industrial minerals such as clay, kaolin, silica, limestone, barite, phosphate and dimension stones for instance granite as well as marble blocks and slabs. Small quantities of gold are also produced.

Other than that, Malaysia also offers a prime tropical paradise that presents the angler with an opportunity to discover a truly Asian experience. Malaysia is rich with a fascinating diversity of cultures, captivating islands and beaches, striking heritage buildings as well as ancient rainforests abundant with enthralling flora and fauna. Therefore it is known as high diverse destination with nature at the door step. Beside that, tourists can shop for local handicraft or contemporary fashion, see the marine life at some of the world’s best dive sites, and dine on luscious Malaysian food. Moreover, Malaysia provides wide range of accommodation such as five star hotels, mid range, budget hotels, motels, apartments, resorts or ‘homestay’ which is staying with the local people to experience the taste of village life.