About Malaysia

Malaysia was declared independent on the 31st of August 1957. Since then, Malaysia has fervently embraced modern technology and it boasts two of the world's tallest skyscrapers and a huge cyber centre for computer businesses. But it still has some of the world's most remote jungle in Sabah and Sarawak, one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant old ports Georgetown, Penang and an atmospheric colonial hill station the Cameron Highlands. Even in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, which bristles with ambitious new building projects, you can still find exotic markets and plenty of local colours. As a result, travellers to Malaysia can easily ratchet up or down the levels of adventure and comfort they want to experience.

Culture and people

Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a rich cultural heritage. The base of the national culture is Malay culture, which is native to this region. Islamic values are embedded in Malay Culture. The Malay culture emphasizes values on courtesy, moderation, tolerance, harmony and cordial relations among family members, neighbours and community. As Malaysian respect each other's beliefs and faiths, cultural and religious festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai Day and other auspicious occasions are given due importance. One of the unique features of Malaysia is its multi-racial population which practises various religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity. Each ethnic group has its own beliefs. Under the Federal Constitution, Islam is the official religion of Malaysia but there is freedom of worship.
The Malay Language is the national language of the country. However, the people are free to use their mother tongue and other languages. English as the second language is widely used in business.

Currency and living expenses

The average cost of living for a student living on campus depends on the amount the students uses including the cost of food, accommodation and personal expenditure. For an off- campus students, the cost of living ranges between RM6,000.00 to RM7,000.00 per year. The cost of accommodation and transportation constitute a substantial portion of the off-campus expenses but this is pending on the location in which the student chooses to reside in. For information on currency exchange, students can check their local currency bureau or an online website that does online currency exchange.

Accommodation

Prices of accommodations in Malaysia vary in the location in which you choose to stay. Staying in-campus may be cheaper than rental off-campus, however most universities and colleges only allow students to stay in for the first semester or the first year depending on the capacity of accommodating students.

When staying off-campus, room rentals single or shared can range from RM150-350 per month. A house may cost between RM650- RM1500 per month this again depending on location.

Food

Food is plentiful, cheap and a popular pastime for most Malaysians. The Malaysian famous dishes are Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Chicken Rice and Char Kuey Teow. As these foods are probably alien to you, do try them out when you get to Malaysia. As diversity is the name of the game, variety is the spice of life with foods from all over the world available within a stone's throw.

Roti Canai – RM0.80 – RM2.50
Chicken Rice – RM 3.00
Char Kuey Teow – RM 2.50
Bread – RM 2.00 per loaf
Fast foods – RM 10 – RM 15
Lunch in café / Restaurant – RM 5 – RM 20
Water bottled – RM 1 per litre

 
Getting around

Climate

Malaysia lies near the Equator between latitudes 1o and 7o North and longtitudes 100o and 119o East. The year is generally divided into the South-East and the North-East Monsoon seasons. The average daily temperature throughout Malaysia varies from 21oC to 32oC. Humidity is high that is 80%.

Shopping

There are many shopping malls in most city and town areas. Students can also do their shopping in local markets.

Transportation

The transportation system in Malaysia is very efficient. Students can get around using trains, taxis, busses and even own their own transport as second-hand cars are relatively cheap here.

Check out this website below for more information on transportation from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the many wonderful destinations in our country.

http://www.kuala-lumpur.ws/transportation/index.htm