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Location
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The country comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The island of Borneo is located to the west of Peninsular Malaysia and is separated by South China Sea.
North of Peninsular Malaysia is Thailand and on the South is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak shares the border with Indonesia and Brunei.
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Land Area
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Malaysia covers 329,758 kilometres of space.
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Population
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The population is estimated to be in the region of 23 million people.
It is a multi-racial and cultural society with the Malays making up 57% of the population. The other ethnic groups, the Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and the indigenous communities make up the rest of the population. The indigenous groups comprise the Iban, Kadazan, Dusun, Dayak, Bidayuh and Murut.
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Language
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Malay is the national language but English is very widely spoken across the country.
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Religion
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Islam is the official religion but all other religions are practiced freely.
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Capital City
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Malaysia's capital city is Kuala Lumpur ("KL"). KL is a bustling metropolis, and the principal centre of commerce, politics, entertainment and international activities.
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Government & Legislative System
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Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system is practiced. The Head of State is the Yang Di Pertuan Agong while the Head of Government is the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Doktor Mahatir Mohammad.
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Climate
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The temperature usually ranges between 20 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. It is hot and humid whole year round. The months from May to September are usually dry and the months of November to March see rainfall.
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Currency
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Ringgit Malaysia (RM) is the official currency. It can be exchanged for US$, British pounds, Deutchmarks and other major currencies at local banks and moneychangers.
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Foreign Currency Control
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A resident and a non-resident is permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, Ringgit Malaysia notes not exceeding RM1,000 per person.
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency note and traveller's cheques that can be carried into Malaysia by resident and a non-resident.
A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia, foreign currency notes including traveller's cheques, not exceeding RM10,000 equivalent per person.
A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia, foreign currency notes including travellers' cheques, not exceeding the amount brought in.
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Banking Hours: -
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Most states
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Monday - Friday: 9.30 a.m - 4.00 p.m
Saturday: 9.30 a.m - 1.30 p.m
Sunday: Closed
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Kedah
Kelantan
Terengganu
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Saturday - Wednesday: 9.30 a.m - 4.00 p.m
Thursday: 9.30 a.m - 11.30 p.m
Sunday / Friday: Closed
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Post Offices
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Open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily except Sundays and public holidays. In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu post offices are closed on Fridays and public holidays.
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Time
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The Malaysian Standard Time (MST) is eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.
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Electricity
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Voltage is 220-240 volts while A/C is at 50 cycles per second.
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