Malaysia

General Information

Location: Asia
Local Time: GMT+8
Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
Population: 25.56 million
Area: 329,758357,021 square km, 127,317 square miles.

Language(s): Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Tamil
Dialling Code: 60
Emergency: Police & Ambulance: 999. Fire: 994

TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit or UK licence (valid for 90 days) endorsed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Malaysia required
Electricity: 220/240V AC 50Hz

Business & Currency

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR 7 = 100 Sen)
Notes: MYR: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Coins: MYR: 1. Sen: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted in major hotels & shopping centres
Opening Hours

Bank: 0930-1600 Mon-Fri, 0930-1130 Sat
Office: 0730-1645 Mon-Thur, 0730-1215 & 1445-1645 Fri, 0730-1315 Sat (times can vary throughout country)
Shops: 1000-2200 (times vary throughout the country)

Public Holidays

2012

01 Jan : New Year’s Day
23 Jan : Chinese New Year
01 Feb : Federal Territory Day*
04 Feb : Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad)
28 Apr : Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha)
01 May : Labour Day
02 Jun : King’s Birthday
19 Aug : Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan)
31 Aug : Merdeka Day (National Day)
26 Oct : Hari Raya Qurban (Feast of the Sacrifice)
13 Nov : Deepavali**
15 Nov : Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year)
25 Dec : Christmas Day
*Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan only
**Except Labuan and Sarawak

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon (Lunar calendar) and dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region. Buddhist festivals are also timed according to phases of the moon and variations may occur.
Business/Social Hints: The business community generally speaks English. Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear. In many public buildings there are restrictions on smoking. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: A service charge is normally added to the bill, therefore tips are not necessary. Tips for taxis are not customary