Located in the tropics, Malaysia straddles the South China Sea -
Peninsular Malaysia is at the tip of mainland Southeast Asia, while
the states of Sabah and Sarawak are on the island of Borneo. The
nation’s natural diversity offers visitors a range of attractions
including beautiful beaches, idyllic islands, cool hill stations,
historic towns, a dynamic capital and the world’s oldest
rainforests with an astounding diversity of flora and fauna.
THE PEOPLE
Malaysia is truly multiculture and one of its greatest
resources is its rich cultural diversity. Malays number around half
of the total population of over 21 million, while the other half
comprises Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and other ethnic groups.
LANGUAGE
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national and official language of the
country. English is widely used all over the country. Other
languages are Mandarin and Tamil.
RELIGION
The official religion of Malaysia is Islam. However,
Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are widely
practiced by the various races.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with uniform temperatures
throughout the year. Temperatures range from 32ºC during the day to
22ºC during the night. It is slightly cooler in the hill country.
Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging 200 - 250 cm a
year. Light comfortable clothing is the norm with lightweight
woolens required for visits to highland areas.
CURRENCY AND BANKING
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes from RM 100 to RM 1,
and coins from RM 1 to one sen (cents). Major credit cards are
accepted in cities and large towns. Permitted currency limits are as
follows:
A resident and non-resident is
permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, ringgit notes not
exceeding RM 1000 per person.
There is no limit on the amount
of foreign currency notes and travellers’ cheques that can
be brought into the country.
A resident is permitted to carry
out of Malaysia foreign currency notes including travellers’
cheques not exceeding RM 10,000 equivalent per person.
A non-resident is permitted to
carry out of Malaysia foreign currency notes including
travellers’ cheques not exceeding the amount brought in.
Banking hours
(except for the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) are from
1000 to 1600, Monday to Friday, and 0930 to 1130 on Saturday except
for the first and third Saturday of each month when banks are
closed.
All commercial banks are authorized foreign exchange dealers, and
licensed money changers are found in urban centres, key entry/exit
points and shopping complexes. Foreign currency and travellers’
cheques can also be exchanged at major hotels.
GETTING AROUND
Most international airlines fly in and out of Kuala Lumpur, with
some also calling at Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Malaysia Airlines operates numerous domestic services providing easy
connections to destinations throughout to country. The centre of
Kuala Lumpur is about 60 minutes by express bus or taxi from KLIA.
Peninsular Malaysia can be entered by road or rail from Singapore
and Thailand. Driving is on the left. Most major car rental
companies operate counters at KLIA, other airports and urban centres.
Internal transport is efficient and cheap and includes
air-conditioned express buses and long-distance taxi services.
COMMUNICATION
Malaysia has efficient telephone, facsimile, telegraph, telex,
email and airmail communications, both internally and
internationally.
TIME
Standard Malaysian Time is eight hours ahead of GMT.
UTILITIES
Electricity supply in Malaysia is 240-volt, 50 hz.
Immigration Formalities
ENTRY
A valid passport (and visa if applicable) with a minimum of
6 months validity is required for all persons entering Malaysia. A
valid passport is also necessary for travel between Peninsular
Malaysia and the East Malaysian States of Sabah and Sarawak, as well
as between Sabah and Sarawak.
VISA
No visa is required for nationals of Commonwealth countries (except
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), Republic of Ireland,
Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding three months for
nationals of: Algeria, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Rep.,
Denmark, Eqypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan,
Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, North Yemen, Norway,
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovak, Korea Rep., Sweden, Tunisia, Tu
rkey, U.A.E., U.S.A. No visa is required for stay of not more than
one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries. For stay exceeding
one month, visas will be required, except for nationals of Brunei
and Singapore.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding one month for nationals
of:
Argentina, Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil,
Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Chile,
Colombia, Congo, Corsica, Costa Rica, Croatia, Djibouti, Dominica
Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Gabon, Greece, Greenland, Guam,
Guatemala, Guinea, Laos, Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa,
Zaire.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding 14 days for nationals of:
Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, S. Yemen, Syria.
No visa is required for stay not exceeding 7 days for nationals of:
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Byelorussia, Estonia,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirghisztan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia,
Romania, Russian Fed., Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,
Uzbekistan.
Note: Nationals of Bangladesh, Bhutan, People’s Republic of China,
Cuba, India, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Taiwan, Vietnam, and Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must
obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.
The need for a
professional organisation to assure the maintenance of a high standard of professional and
ethical practice had been recognised since the late 1950s. Thus, a more appropriate
specialist organisation embracing all specialities was formed: The Academy of Medicine. Click for more...
Malaysian Medical
Association, the National Association for Medical Doctors was formed in
1959. "JASA UTAMA" is the MMA's motto. Click for more...
Private hospitals form a
part of the service industry of the country and addresses in particular, the medical needs
of the country and dedication to the Science of Human Health.
About 35 member private hospitals are engaged in the promotion of
Malaysia as a "HEALTH TOURISM" Destination. Click for
more...
MCPHIE
is an abbreviation of Mass Customised Personalised Health Information and
Education. It is an application of Telehealth that comprises a wide variety of
Health Information and aims to increase the Malaysian public's knowledge in health to empower them
to make informed decisions. Click for
more...
The National
Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB) was set up in October 1978 under the quality control
activity of Pharmacy and Supply Programme. This institution was established to implement
quality control on pharmaceutical products. The infrastructure and facilities were
designed to meet the requirements for testing and quality control activities.
Click for more...
Pharmaceutical Services
Division is a division under Research and Technical Support within the Ministry of Health
Malaysia. The objective is to provide the best service for health and well-being of the
nation in leading a service emphasizing on the highest level of integrity, professionalism
and excellence. Click for more...
