Find Out About Malaysia

Malaysia at a glance
Geographically, Malaysia is situated between the South of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, and north of Singapore and Indonesia. Its population exceeded 24 million as at July 2007 and is truly a harmonious cultural and racial melting pot.

Every race observes sensitivity and a deep respect for each other’s cultures. As the fastest growing tourist destination in South East Asia, Malaysia offers a fascinating mix of colourful festivals, unique arts and crafts, architecture, food and a rich array of dance forms.

Since its independence in 1948, the structural transformation of Malaysia's economy has been nothing short of spectacular. The last decade has seen a deepening and widening of Malaysia's industrial base as well as the further development of its services sector. In the coming decade, an important policy component – Vision 2020 - in Malaysia's development plans will further enhance the knowledge content of the economy.

The Malaysian Government has also initiated major educational reforms by formulating new legislations on education, in addition to affirming the English language as the second language. The official local language is Bahasa Melayu, but the English language is widely spoken, as are a number of Chinese dialects

Capital City Kuala Lumpur
Population Forecast to exceed 27 million by end 2007
Timezone GMT/UTC +8 ()
Currency Malaysian Ringgit (RM)
Area 329,750 sq km
127,316 sq miles
Religion 52% Muslim
17% Buddhist
12% Taoist
8% Christian
8% Hindu
2% Tribal
Languages - Malay (official),
also known as Bahasa Malayu
- English
- Chinese
- Tamil

Investing in Malaysia
Multinational corporations from more than 60 countries have invested in over 3,000 companies in Malaysia's manufacturing sector, attracted by the conducive business environment which has made the country one of the world's top locations for manufacturing and service-based operations.

Investors are positive on the investment outlook in Malaysia, with all sectors looking attractive to invest in. Malaysia is committed to free trade and investors stand to gain much, business-wise.

Harmonious industrial relations with minimal trade disputes
Modern infrastructure
Developed facilities and amenities
A booming local economy
Ready marketability to the hinterlands
Multi-model transferability
Proximity to world class ports
Global and regional connectivity
Educated workforce
Wide use of English, especially in business
Well-equipped seaports and airports
Price competitiveness
100% foreign equity
Extensive trade links - total trade accounts for 134% of GNP
Quality of Life
Large foreign business community in all business sectors
High quality telecommunications network and services
Various tax free zone benefits
Unrestricted repatriation of profits
Full commitment from the Malaysian Government

Key economic factors Population
27.17 million

GDP
RM293.99 billion
(US$84.6 billion)

GDP Growth
6.0%

Unemployment
3.5%

Total exports
RM653.85 billion
(US$188.17 billion)

Total imports
RM536.84 billion
(US$154.49 billion)

Major exports
Manufactured goods (electrical and electronic products, chemicals and chemical products, machinery, appliances and parts, wood products, manufacture of metal as well as optical and scientific equipment)

Major imports
Intermediate goods (thermionic valves and tubes, primary and processed industrial supplies, parts and accessories of capital goods, primary and processed fuel lubricants, and parts and accessories for transport equipment)