|
With a population of over 1.5 million, the capital of Malaysia
is one of the most colorful and dynamic cities of the world.
'KL', as it is most popularly known, is a unique mixture of old
and new..where graceful Mosques, elaborately designed Chinese
and Indian temples merge with modern skyscrapers and office blocks.
You'll find shops selling traditional Chinese medicine, wizened
fortune tellers setting up on pavements, little hole in the wall
shops with signs in Arabic, Chinese and Roman..selling everything
from incense sticks to deodorants...and all of this amidst supermarkets
and malls stocking the latest designer luxury items.
There'll be the ever popular open air stalls (or hawkers, as
they're known) serving up all kinds of local cuisine, from South
Indian dosas, idlis, wadas to Malay Nonya food to Chinese dumplings
and yaung tau foo. And if you fancy Western, try out the plentiful
coffee shops, pizzerias and restaurants scattered all over the
city.
It's a dazzling blend of cultures and people...all of which
contribute to form a colorful milieu..and give an introduction
to the country of Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur - Fast Facts
Currency
The unit of currency is the Malaysian ringgit (RM), which is divided into 100
sen. It comes in RM1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 notes. There are no RM500 or RM1000
notes, both of which were withdrawn in 1998 and ceased to be legal tender in
July 1999. Bank Negara reintroduced the RM1 banknote into circulation in November
2000, the sixth and last denomination to be issued in the current local currency
note series. With the reissuance of the RM1 note, RM2 notes will be gradually
withdrawn from circulation (although the RM1 coins will still be accepted).
Click here for currency conversion.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels, restaurants. and shops.
If you have a credit card with a personal identification number (PIN) attached,
you can obtain cash advances from ATMs. Banks in Malaysia are linking up
with international banking networks, which will allow you to withdraw money
from overseas savings accounts through ATMs. Before your trip, check with
your bank to see if you can withdraw money from your home account while in
Malaysia.
Tipping
Tipping is usually not necessary, unless service is excellent. Most hotels
and large restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge in addition
to the 5% government tax to the bill.
Useful Numbers
Police/Fire/Ambulance: 999
Tourist Police: 241-5522; 243-5522; 249-6590
Visa Card Hotline: 1-800-800-159
MasterCard Hotline: 1-800-804-594
Electricity
240-volt, 50-cycle system
Health Risks
Major Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur are generally safe from most sanitation-related
diseases. However, it is still wise to take extra precautions, like making
sure meat is cooked very well, avoiding local dairy products and peeling
fresh fruit and raw vegetables. Tap water in the cities is considered safe,
but bottled water is a safer bet when traveling to rural areas. Malaria is
present in Sabah, Sarawak and some remote areas in peninsular Malaysia. Use
insect repellant when visiting the countryside. Ask your doctor about vaccinations.
Time Zone
GMT + 8, same as Hong Kong and Singapore
Business Hours
Department stores and supermarkets: From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Shops: From 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (in Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major
towns, there are several 24-hour stores)
Banks: From 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.); 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Sat.);
closed on Sundays in most states. For more information on doing business in
Kuala Lumpur, click here.
Holidays
Jan. 1, New Year's Day; Jan. 24-26, Chinese New Year; March 8, Hari Raya Haji
(Feast of the Sacrifice); April 8, Maal Hijrah; May 1, Labor Day; May 7,
Vesak Day (Birth of the Buddha); June 2, Official Birthday of HM the Yang
di-Pertuan Agong; June 6, Birth of the Prophet Muhammad; Aug. 31, National
Day; Nov. 14, Deepavali Festival; Dec. 20-21, Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan);
Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Click here for more information on Malaysian customs
and culture.
Climate
Tropical, with annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to
February) monsoons. Average temperature is between 21°C and 32°C.
Humidity is high. Click here for 3-day weather forecast for Kuala Lumpur
Clothing
As Malaysia's climate is sunny almost year-round, light clothing is ideal.
However, this is a predominantly Muslim country and modest dress is advisable.
For men, a long-sleeved white or plain-colored shirt and a tie is the norm
for business meetings. A jacket can be added when meeting senior officials.
A long-sleeved batik shirt and long trousers are often worn for evening events.
Shorts and casual shirts should be avoided. Women should dress for business
as in Western countries, remembering to cover the shoulders and avoid very
short skirts and shorts.
GDP Growth Rate
5.2% (1999 est.), up from -7% (1998)
5% (forecast for 2000)
Per Capita GDP
US$11,100
Inflation
1.9% (ave. % change Sept.-Nov. 1999 yoy)
Major Exports
Electronic equipment, petroleum and petroleum products, palm oil, wood and
wood products, rubber, textiles
Major Imports
Manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment
Major Trading Partners
United States, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, UK, Thailand, Germany, Taiwan,
South Korea
Major Industries
Rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing; light manufacturing industry;
electronics; tin mining and smelting; logging and processing timber; petroleum
production; agriculture processing
Teledensity
5.1 persons per telephone
Government
Federal constitutional monarchy; nominally headed by the paramount ruler (king)
and a bicameral Parliament consisting of a non-elected upper house and an
elected lower house
Geography
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, along the Strait of Malacca and the
southern South China Sea. The country is divided into two main regions --
Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia,
which is north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are
divided into 13 states and federal territories. Total land area is 328,550
square kilometers.
Population
21,376,066 (July 1999 est.)
Ethnic Groups
59% Malay and other indigenous people; 32% Chinese and 9% Indian
Language
Malay is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in business,
and is a compulsory subject in all schools. Chinese dialects (Cantonese,
Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malalalam, Panjabi
and Thai are spoken in some areas. In East Malaysia, several indigenous dialects
are spoken, the major ones being Iban and Kadazan
Literacy
83.5% (total population); 89.1% (among males); 78.1% (among females)
Religion
Islam is the official religion, which is practiced primarily by Malays. Other
religions in the country include: Buddhism (mainly among Chinese), Hinduism
(among Indians), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions.
|
