Details

Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and 3 federal territories in Southeast Asia. It consists of two regions separated by South China Sea and is bordered by Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.

Climate

Malaysia has a tropical climate. Malaysia’s mean annual temperature is 25.4°C. There is relatively little seasonal variability in average monthly temperature, ranging one degree Celsius between a minimum of 24.9°C in January and maximum of 25.9°C in May.

Total Population

34.67 million with 1.06% growth rate.

Official languages

The official and national language in Malaysia is Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, and is “the basis for national integration.” Others: English, Mandarin and Tamil.

Ethnic Groups

Religion
Approximately 63.7% of the population practice Islam, 17.7% practice Buddhism, 9.4% Christianity, 6.0% Hinduism and 1.2% practice Confucianism, Taoism and other traditional Chinese religions.

Tipping
The standard service tax rate for the provision of food and beverages is 6%. However, effective March 1, 2024, services other than food, beverages, telecommunications, parking, and logistics have been increased to 8%. Tipping is not necessary.

Currency
The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency unit of the Malaysian currency with the code MYR. Ringgit have banknotes worth RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5, RM1 and 50 sen (cent) coins, as well as 20 sen, 10 sen, and 5 sen coins.

Smoking Areas
Smoking is prohibited on public transportation. Smoking is prohibited in specified public places and workplaces listed in the regulations including, among others, in restaurants, workplaces with a centralized air-conditioning system; health, education, government and cultural facilities; and indoor stadiums. Smoking is permitted in pubs, discotheques, nightclubs, casinos, and non-air-conditioned public transport terminals.

Electrical Power Socket
The standard electrical current used in Malaysia is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) and you can use power plugs with three square prongs here (plug type G). It is the same utilized in the UK.

Useful Numbers

• Police / Ambulance Tel: 999 / 112
• Fire and Rescue Department Tel: 994 / 112
• Civil Defence Tel: 991
• Tourist Police Hotline Tel: 03 2149 6590
• Tourist Police Enquiries Tel: 03-2149 6593

Wearing of Mask
Mask-wearing is no longer required in Malaysia. But this is required in ALL hospitals and medical centres. Some establishments may require you to put this on.

Overview of Public Transportation System

Malaysia boasts an extensive public transportation network that includes various modes of transport, such as:

• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system: A high-capacity rail network with three lines covering key areas of the city and its suburbs.
• LRT (Light Rail Transit) system: Comprises three lines (Ampang, Sri Petaling, and Kelana Jaya) providing connections to many popular destinations in the city.
• Monorail Lines: Two lines serving the city center, offering an alternative to the LRT system.
• KTM Komuter train services: Connecting the suburbs and outskirts of Kuala Lumpur to the city center.
• BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system: A bus-based transit system providing fast and efficient services in dedicated lanes.
• ERL (Express Rail Link) stations: A high-speed rail connection between Kuala Lumpur city center and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
• You may also use E-Hailing like Grab, Airasia ride, Maxim, EzCab in Malaysia.

With so many options at your disposal, you’ll have no trouble getting around the city!

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