MALAYSIA

BY:
Christer joy Mansayon
Amira Alya Cawaling

Malaysia, a land of instant smiles and incredible

contrast beckons the visitor with a rich diversity of
experiences. A charming fascinating land of warm,
friendly people and, here you get the taste of Asia at
its most, whatever your tour preferences are.

A land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in

color and contrast, her multi-faceted charm provides
intriguing, images that leave visitors in awe.

The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary.

Wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of
the people be a very special experience. Malaysia is
paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting
islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and
magnificent mountains are among the best in this
region.

Geography
Malaysia is on the Malay Peninsula in
southeast Asia. The nation also includes
Sabah and Sarawak on the island of
Borneo to the east. Its area slightly
exceeds that of New Mexico.
Most of Malaysia is covered by forest,
with a mountain range running the
length of the peninsula. Extensive
forests provide ebony, sandalwood,
teak, and other wood.
Formerly known as "Malaya".

Government

Constitutional monarchy.
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious
country in Southeast Asia and one of the
wealthiest and most developed countries,
outranked in GNP only by Singapore and oilrich Brunei. The Federation of Malaya became
an independent country on 31 August 1957.
On 16 September 1963 the federation was
enlarged by the accession of the states of
Singapore, Sabah (formerly British North
Borneo) and Sarawak. The name "Malaysia"
was adopted from that date. Singapore left the
federation on 9 August 1965.


Economy

Malaysia is one of the most developed

countries in the ASEAN region. Its economy is
largely dependent on manufacturing products
such as electrical and electronic products,
textiles, as well as rubber-based products,
followed by the agricultural and mining sectors.
Malaysia is also one of the world's largest
exporters of palm oil, natural rubber, tropical
timber, cocoa beans and pepper. Tourism is
also a leading revenue earner.

Since Independence in 1957, it has moved away

from its reliance on tin and rubber and
diversified its economy by aggressively
attracting investment, both foreign and
domestic. After Singapore and Brunei, it is the
most developed country in South-East Asia,
with the highest standard of living. Malaysia's
rapid increase in manufacturing has been
achieved by modernising the country's
transport, communications and energy
infrastructure, developing industrial zones and
offering substantial tax breaks for investors in
export-oriented industries.

The Government has promoted a relatively

open, market-oriented economy and has
instituted significant reforms by
dismantling many state-run enterprises
and encouraging private enterprise to
undertake many of the country's
development projects. Through promoting
a free market in some areas, the
Government is also an investor in the
economy (usually as a minority partner)
and controls prices on some key
commodities such as fuel and rice.

Natural

resources:Tin, petroleum, timber,

copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite.
Agriculture products:Peninsular Malaysia rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconuts,
rice; Sarawak - rubber, pepper; timber.
Industries:
Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm
processing and manufacturing, light
manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining
and smelting, logging and processing timber.
Sabah - logging, petroleum production.
Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum
production and refining, logging.

Currency:Malaysian

(MYR)

Ringgit

Mortality rate - infant (per 1;000 live births) in Malaysia