Introduction to Malaysia
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia.Malaysia, a country in southeastern Asia. It consists of Peninsular Malaysia, an 11-state mainland section on the Malay Peninsula, and the states of Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo. Thus Malaysia is a divided country, its parts separated by roughly 400 to 1,000 miles (640 to 1,600 km) of the South China Sea.
On the Malay Peninsula, Malaysia is bordered by Thailand; on Borneo, by Indonesia and Brunei. The island nation of Singapore is at the peninsula's tip. Elsewhere Malaysia is bounded by water, including the South China, Sulu, and Celebes seas, and the Strait of Malacca.
Facts in brief about MalaysiaCapital: Kuala Lumpur (legislative), Putrajaya (administrative).Official language: Bahasa Malaysia.Area: 127,355 mi2 (329,847 km2).Elevation:Highest~{!*~}Mount Kinabalu, 13,431 ft (4,094 m) above sea level. Lowest~{!*~}sea level, along the coast.Population:Current estimate~{!*~}27,526,000; density, 216 per mi2 (83 per km2); distribution, 65 percent urban, 35 percent rural. 2000 census~{!*~}23,274,690.Chief products:Agriculture~{!*~}cacao, coconuts, palm oil, pepper, pineapples, rice, rubber, timber. Manufacturing~{!*~}air conditioners, cement, processed foods, rubber goods, semiconductors, textiles. Mining~{!*~}bauxite, copper, gold, iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, tin.National anthem: "Negara Ku" ("My Country").Flag and national crest: Malaysia's flag dates from 1963. Its 14 horizontal red-and-white stripes and 14-pointed gold star in the upper-left corner symbolize Malaysia's original 14 states. The crescent to the left of the star represents Islam. The national crest shows two tigers and the 14-pointed star with crescent.Money:Basic unit~{!*~}ringgit (sometimes called Malaysian dollar). One hundred sen equal one ringgit.Physical Geography
Peninsular Malaysia is composed mainly of jungle-covered hills and mountains. In general the ranges increase in height toward the north, reaching a maximum elevation of 7,241 feet (2,207 m). Along the coasts are lowlands, dotted by mangrove swamps, tidal marshes, tropical forests, and cleared agricultural land. On Borneo the terrain consists of hills, mountains, and coastal lowlands similar to those of Peninsular Malaysia. Lofty peaks in the Crocker Range of Sabah include Mount Kinabalu, at 13,455 feet (4,101 m) the highest point in Malaysia. Among the many rivers are the Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia, the Rajang in Sarawak, and the Kinabatangan in Sabah.
Malaysia lies close to the Equator and has a tropical rainy climate, with high temperatures, abundant rain, and high humidity all year. In the lowlands, temperatures hover around 80° F. (27° C.); rainfall totals about 80 to 120 inches (2,000 to 3,000 mm) or more a year. Only in the mountains is there relief from the sultry heat. Monsoons also cause a variation in the climate. They bring increased rain and diminished sunshine to coastal areas and mountain slopes directly in their path.
Tropical forests cover most of the country. Trees include ebony, sandalwood, teak, and palm. They are usually found in mixed forests rather than in single stands. In the high mountains the trees and other plants are similar to those in temperate lands.
In Malaysia's forests live elephants, rhinoceroses, wild oxen, tigers, leopards, tapirs, wild pigs, monkeys, and other mammals. Reptiles include crocodiles and many species of snakes and lizards. There is also an abundance of birds and insects.
Economy
Malaysia has a more prosperous economy and a higher standard of living than any other country in Southeast Asia except Singapore. Virtually all the development has occurred in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly on the west coast. In general, a free enterprise system prevails, although the Malaysian government, through developmental plans, has had an active role in improving the economy. Large investments by companies from foreign countries, especially the United States, Japan, and Singapore, have greatly aided development.
Agriculture employs a large portion of the population, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. Small holdings and plantations supply some of the nation's chief exports, including rubber and palm oil. Malaysia is a world leader in the production and export of these commodities. Rice, grown for local consumption, is the principal food crop. Other crops include bananas, cacao, coconuts, pineapples, sugarcane, and tea. Poultry and hogs are the most numerous farm animals. Fish are a staple food.
Petroleum and natural gas, produced from offshore wells, account for the largest share of export earnings from minerals. Other minerals produced include bauxite, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, and tin.
Lumbering has grown rapidly and deforestation is a growing concern. Sarawak accounts for nearly half of Malaysia's timber production. Tropical hardwoods are the chief species harvested.
Manufacturing accounts for the largest share of the country's gross domestic product. A variety of consumer and industrial products are manufactured, the most important of which are electric and electronic items. Malaysia is a leading producer of air conditioners and video cassette recorders.
Many manufacturing industries have been fostered by the government as a means of providing jobs, particularly in the cities, and to lessen the country's dependence on agriculture and mining. Kuala Lumpur, the capital and largest city, is the chief manufacturing center.
Malaysia's best transportation facilities are in Peninsular Malaysia. Virtually all the railway trackage is there. In general, roads are best developed in coastal areas. The chief airports and seaports are in the Kuala Lumpur and George Town areas. International and domestic air service is provided by the government-owned Malaysian Airlines.
The People
Malays make up about 50 per cent of the population and Chinese about 24 per cent. The rest are largely people of Indian descent and indigenous peoples.
Malay, called Bahasa Malaysia by the Malaysian government, is the official language of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah; Malay and English are official languages of Sarawak. English, Chinese, and Tamil (a language of India) are widely spoken. The principal religions are Islam (the official religion of Peninsular Malaysia), Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism.
Primary education is free and compulsory and lasts six years. Secondary education lasts five years. A school may use one of three approved languages—Malay, Chinese, or Tamil. Leading institutions of higher learning are the National University of Malaysia (established in 1972) and the University of Malaya (1962).
Government
Malaysia is a federation consisting of 13 states—Sarawak, Sabah, and the 11 states of Peninsular Malaysia—and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy headed by a paramount ruler (king), who is elected for a five-year term by the nine sultans of Malaya from their own number. Executive power is held by a premier and cabinet responsible to a two-house federal legislature. In the Senate, the majority of members are selected by the paramount ruler; the rest are chosen (two each) by the 13 state legislatures. The House of Representatives is popularly elected.