Malaysia
Malaysia comprises of two regions: the Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious federation of 13 states and 3 federal territories.
Malaysia comprises of two regions: the Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious federation of 13 states and 3 federal territories.
Overview
Official Name
Federation of Malaysia
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Independence Day
31 August 1963
Population, Territory and Currency
31,949,777 (2019)
329,847 square km
Ringgit (RM)
Price per meal: ~RM26 (SGD$8.70)
Demographics
75.3 Life expectancy
Source: World Health Organisation (2019)
77.2% Urban population
Source: United Nations (2019)
51.4% Of the population are male
Source: World Bank (2019)
17.1% Are youths aged 15-24
Source: United Nations (2019)
The Flag
The Malaysian flag composes of a field of 14 alternating red and white stripes representing the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states. The blue section symbolises the unity of the Malaysian people, the crescent represents Islam while the 14 points of the star represent the unity of the 14 entities.
Key Historical Events
1826
British colonial rule as British colony of Straits Settlement.
1942-45
Japanese Occupation.
1957
Federation of Malaya becomes independent under Tunku Abdul Rahman as Prime Minister.
1963
British colonies of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore join the Federation of Malaya, forming Federation of Malaysia.
1965
Singapore's withdrawal from Malaysia, which is then reduced to 13 states.
Economic Profile
Malaysian is an upper middle-income country and has transformed itself from a producer of raw materials into a multi-sector economy. The economy achieved a commendable growth of 4.2 percent in 2016, when it attained a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM1,108.2 billion.
SGP X MYS: In 2017, Malaysia was Singapore’s second largest trading partner and vice versa. Singapore’s total trade with Malaysia was S$108.2 billion in 2017, which accounted for 11% of Singapore’s total trade and 13% of Malaysia’s total trade.
Industry
Agriculture
An important sector in Malaysia’s economic development. It provides rural employment, uplifts incomes and ensures national food security.
Trade
With a close proximity to the Strait of Malacca, international trade remains a key sector to the country’s economy.
Manufacturing
Recording a 4.4% growth in 2016, leading Malaysia’s manufacturing industry is the electrical and electronics sector.
Places of Interest
Petronas Twin Towers
Landmark of Kuala Lumpur
Twin skyscrapers, they remain the tallest twin towers in the world. The towers feature an Islamic-inspired architecture.
Resorts World Genting
Genting Highlands
An integrated hill resort development comprising of hotels, shopping malls, theme parks and casinos perched on the peak of Mount Ulu Kali remains a popular tourist destination.
Local Food
Bak Kuh Teh
It’s name means ‘meat bone tea’. This dish comprises of broth made from pork ribs with herbs, garlic and spices.
Nasi Lemak
A national dish consisting of rice soaked in coconut cream then steamed with pandan leaves, served with cucumbers, peanuts, egg, anchovies and sambal sauce.
Assam Laksa
Considered one of Penang’s main dishes. The broth is tamarind based and filled with noodles, cucumber, pineapple and lemongrass.
