Home » Malaysia - Friendly Host

Introduction

Malaysia attained its independence
from Britain on 31st August 1957.

Multi - Racial Co-existence

This is a unique nation-state with a Malay-Muslim sovereign ensconced within a parliamentary democracy made very functional through the multi-racial co-existence based on mutual tolerance incomparable anywhere else in the world. Malaysia is the veritable melting pot of Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous Orang Asli .With this multi-ethnic make-up, the country affords a very wide spectrum of colours and excitement in the myriad cultures and traditions. This amalgamation of thrilling attributes is the true-to-life manifestation of Malaysia being truly Asia.

Malaysia is made up by 13 states and 3 Federal Territories. The States are: Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak. Others are Terengganu, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Perlis and Selangor. The 3 Federal Territories are Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan. Because of its strategic position between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has long been the meeting place for the traders and travelers from west and east. Hence its history is one of continual interaction with foreign powers and influences.

Weather & Clothing

Malaysia has an equtorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 32'C during the day to 22'C at night. It can be slightly cooler in the hill country. (Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging 200-250cm a year.) Lightweight or mixed-fibre clothing is normal with only medium-weight woollens being required for visits to the cooler highland areas.

Immigration Requirements

A valid passport and visa are required for Nigerians visiting Malaysia. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months. A 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.

Health Requirements

It is also mandatory for visitors coming to Malaysia from some countries, including Nigeria, to be vaccinated against yellow fever, at least 10 days before arrival in the country. They are therefore expected to carry along with them International Certificate of Vaccination, otherwise known as Yellow Card, duly signed, dated and stamped by the appropriate medical officer. Failure to do so will lead to the offender quarantined for 2 weeks at the airport.

Currency

The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes of denominations of RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5, RM2 and RM1. There are coins of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen (cents). Major credit cards are accepted in almost all major merchant establishments in urban and suburban centres. Many commercial banks throughout the country, except for the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, operate Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Some, however, close at 3pm on weekdays. In the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, commercial banks are closed on Friday and operate from 9.30am to 11.30am on Thursday. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. All commercial banks are authorized foreigh exchange dealers. Most of these banks, through their branches, buy and sell major foreign currency notes. Licensed foreign money changers are found in urban centres, key entry exit points and shopping complexes. All major hotels are licensed to buy, but not sell, foreign currencies in the form of notes and travellers cheques.

Local Time

Standard Malaysian Time is eight hours ahead of GMT.

Population

The outstanding characteristic of Malaysia's population today is its highly variegated ethnic mix makers. It is one of the prime examples of a multiracial society in the whole world. The multi-ethnic character of Malaysia's population has come into being over the course of the last 150 years. Broadly speaking, Malaysia's ethnic groups fall into two main categories: those with culture affinities indigenous to the region and to one another, who are classified as Bumiputra; and those whose cultural affinities lie outside. Malaysia is a multicultural nation of friendly, warm hearted people. It has population of about 26 million people.

Information on Malaysia can be obtained through the following website: