The population of Malaysia is about 26 million people, with a uniquely diverse group of people from different race and ethnic background. The earliest inhabitants recorded are the “orange Azalea” in the Peninsula. There are still a number of tribes in Sabah and Sarawak who still pursue a nomadic way of life. Immigrants such as the Proto-Malays and the Deutero-Malays then began to inhibit the land. Other indigenous peoples of Malaysia are collectively called “Bumiputra”, or “sons of the soil”. They make up 59% of the population. Later, the Chinese and Indian migrated in from China and India respectively. Today, the population of Chinese is 32% while the Indians make up 9% of the population of Malaysia.

Malaysia’s history has been one of continual interaction with foreign powers and influences because of its strategic position between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. Its location has made it the meeting place for both traders and travelers alike. Hindu-Buddhist influence was strong in the northwest before the coming of Islam. Archaeological findings in Kedah provided evidence of a Hindu-Buddhist civilization that dated back to 300AD. Kedah flourished as an important center of trade and commerce until the 13th century when Malacca, abundant in spices, attracted colonial powers. By 1511, Malacca fell into the hands of the Portuguese, then in 1641 the Dutch took over, and finally the British in 1815. The British consolidated their hold on the Malay states following Francis Light’s arrival in Penang in 1786.

Across the seas, on the island of Borneo, Sarawak was ruled by a British adventurer, James Brooke, and his descendants since 1841 to 1888. Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah) thus became the British protectorates. In the 1930’s, the first stirring of Malayan nationalism against colonization was felt. Following the end of World War II, there was a resurface of the nationalistic movement culminating to the independence for the Federation of Malaya on August 31, 1957. In 1963, Malaysia was thus formed. Today, Malaysia is a prominent member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Malaysia’s economy was once exclusively based on agricultural commodities. However, while it is still one of the world’s largest producers of rubber, tin, palm oil, timber, and pepper, the current government had aspired to shift the economy to manufacturing and service providing. Today, manufacturing forms the largest single component of Malaysia’s economy. Revenue from oil and natural gas reserves together with increasing foreign investments have helped the economy diversify into car production and the manufacturing of computers. Tourism is also emerging as a major source of revenue. Malaysia has become one of the greatest economic success stories of Asia.

Malaysia declared independence on the August 31, 1957 from the United Kingdom. The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia comprises 13 states and two federal territories – Kuala Lumpur and Labuan (an island off the coast of Sabah). Nine of the states have a hereditary ruler from which the Supreme Head of State, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (King), is elected every five years. The government is based on parliamentary democracy. The head of the government, the Prime Minister, heads the cabinet of Ministers.

The Federation of Malaysia comprises of Peninsular Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Situated between 2º and 7º to the North of the Equator line, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. In the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia lies Thailand, and in the south, neighbouring Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares borders with Brunei.

Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-cultural melting pot with a cosmopolitan population made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous ethnic groups. Here, one can experience a wealth of cultural and racial diversity that is both colourful and unique.

Situated in the heart of South-East Asia, Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with no natural calamities. It is sunny all year round with occasional rain and temperatures ranging from 28°C to 36°C at night. Lightweight clothing is advised. The time zone here is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

The national language is Bahasa Melayu, but English is widely spoken and understood, and taught as a second language. The people of Malaysia also converse in a range of Chinese and Indian dialects.

Malaysia is rich in culture and a haven for food. It comes as no surprise that our country is well known for its variety of food. Diverse cuisine from gourmet to hawker food easily available at affordable prices The unique and authentic cooking styles and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian and the other ethnic communities is a very fulfilling experience. Apart from local cuisine, Western, Japanese, Middle-Eastern, Korean and many other types of cuisine can also be easily obtained.