Malaysia
Time
GMT plus eight hours
Climate
Malaysia has a tropical climate, which is hot and humid, with relative humidity ranging from 80-90 percent, except in the highlands. The temperature ranges from 20-33°C (70-90°F) throughout the year, with rainy seasons varying on the coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.
Entry requirements
Passports / Visas
British visitors do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. They may stay up to three months as a visitor. They are not permitted to take paid employment in Malaysia. For periods over three months or to undertake paid employment a work permit is required from the Malaysian Immigration Department.
Prohibited entry
Holders of Israeli passports.
Customs
Personal items and a limited amount of tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars) and alcoholic beverages (one litre of wine, spirits or whisky) may be imported duty-free.
Prohibited imports
Items include firearms and ammunition, daggers and knives and pornographic materials.
Currency advice/regulations
All visitors must declare amounts over M$1,000, or equivalent, on a Travellers Declaration Form (TDF), which can be obtained at the airport. On departure, the TDF must be filled in prior to immigration clearance.
The import and export of local currency is limited to M$1,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported on arrival.
Travelling to and in Malaysia
Travel to Malaysia
Malaysia has five international airports and Malaysia Airlines run a frequent direct service to/from the UK. Several other airlines service the market.
How to get to & from the airport
Kuala Lumpur's international airport (KLIA) is located at Sepang, 65km south of the capital. The journey from the airport to Kuala Lumpur city centre is approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxis (budget or deluxe) can be obtained from the taxi information desks inside the airport, close to the exit. The fare from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur City Centre is approximately RM 70 (£10) for a budget taxi and RM 100 - RM 150 (£15 - £22) for a deluxe taxi.
A new express rail system, the KLIA Expres, linking the centre of Kuala Lumpur to the airport began operations in 2002. The high speed railway operates at a 15-minute interval. Journey time is 30 minutes. A single journey costs RM 35 (£5) and a return journey costs RM 70 (£10).
Travelling in Malaysia
Domestic air travel is relatively cheap with frequent departures to all major cities in Peninsular and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) through Malaysia Airlines and, increasingly, Air Asia. The country also has an extensive network of motorways and there are frequent coach departures for travel between cities by road. It is easy to hire and drive a car on a UK licence, though it is perhaps better to rely on taxis in Kuala Lumpur. Taxis are metered and do not expect to be tipped. It can be difficult to find taxis during rush hours or when it is raining.
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Health (for visitors)
Medical services are good in Malaysia and there is an extensive network of public and private hospitals. Visitors should consult their GP before travelling for advice on vaccinations. Malaria is present in some areas of East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). Tap water is generally safe, but many visitors prefer to drink filtered or bottled water. Visitors should always carry health/medical insurance. Dress codes
Lightweight clothing is worn all year. The dress code tends to be conservative and although jackets are not usually worn in offices, a tie and long-sleeved shirt are normal. For formal meetings, a full suit is required. Government officials often wear a safari-style short-sleeved suit. In deference to the Islamic culture, western business women should dress modestly at all times.
Social customs/useful tips
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Appointments must be made in advance and punctuality is important. It is customary to shake hands on meeting and taking leave, although Muslim women avoid shaking hands with men and vice versa. Business cards are exchanged after introduction. By tradition, Malaysians are hospitable, open people and prefer to avoid arguments, which are seen as distasteful. Avoiding loss of face is an important consideration in business negotiations.
Malaysians place great importance on the correct use of titles. Tunku or Tengku indicates hereditary royalty; Tun denotes membership of a high order of chivalry. Tan Sri an Datuk (or Datuk Seri or Dato) indicate knighthood. Tuan or Encik is the equivalent of Mr, Puan of Mrs, Cik of Miss.
Visitors should be aware of the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus, and other religious and ethnic groups. Muslims are not permitted to drink alcohol or eat pork. The fasting month of Ramadan is strictly observed. Use right hand only for receiving anything (food, drink, money etc) and for eating. Refusal of offered refreshment is considered discourteous. It is customary to bargain when shopping, except in department stores. Tipping is officially discouraged but is seen in the capital.
The authorities have a very strict attitude to drug abuse and there can be a mandatory death sentence for anyone, including foreigners, who is convicted of possession of even a very small amount of narcotics. Other punishments include whipping, in addition to any custodial sentence. Warning notices about dadah (drugs) are prominently displayed at the airport.
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Security
Street crime is low compared with European cities, but is increasing. Bag snatching is becoming common generally, as is passport theft on aircraft and in airport buildings. Possessions should not be left unattended, even in vehicles with a locked boot. Credit card fraud is becoming more common, and care should be taken when paying by this method.
Visitors are advised to avoid street gatherings and demonstrations which could place them at risk, especially if gatherings lack police permission.
The UK Foreign Office advises extreme caution if visiting north-east
Public holidays
Fixed dates
1 Jan (New Year's Day), 1 May (Labour Day), 31 Aug (National Day), 25 Dec (Christmas Day).
Holidays falling on Sunday are celebrated on the following Monday.
In addition to federal holidays, each state has 3–4 additional holidays, one of which is the birthday of its ruler.
1 Feb (City Day) is a holiday in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Variable dates
Chinese New Year (two days), Birth of Buddha, The King's Birthday (first Sat in Jun), Divali (Hindu), Eid al Adha, Islamic New Year, Birth of the Prophet Mohammed, Eid al Fitr (two days).
In general, Hindu and Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations.
The Islamic year contains 354 or 355 days, with the result that Muslim feasts advance by 10–12 days against the Gregorian calendar. Dates of feasts vary according to the sighting of the new moon, so cannot be forecast exactly.
Islamic year 1426: 10 February 2005 to 30 January 2006.
Working hours
Friday is prayer day for Muslims. The states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have Friday and Saturday as their weekend and their working work from Sunday to Thursday. For all other states in Malaysia, the normal working week is Monday to Friday. Companies working with government will wish to note that Wednesday is Cabinet meeting day. There is a growing trend towards a 40 hour, five day working week.
Business
Mon–Fri: 0830–1730 Sat: 0830–1300; some variation in Sabah and
Government
Mon–Fri: 0800–1700; Sat: 0800–1245.
Shops
Usually 1000–2200 (department stores and supermarkets), 0930–1900 (shops) in Peninsular Malaysia; Mon–Sat: 0800–1830 in Sabah; Mon–Fri: 0900–1800, Sat: 0900–1300 in
Electricity supply
The electricity supply is the same as the UK at 230 volts AC/50 cycles. The majority of plugs are also the same as the UK's three square-pin type, though the Continental round two pin can be found. Appliances such as hairdryers, laptops and mobile telephone chargers can be used as in the UK without the need for adaptors.
Weights and measures
Metric system
