Many Norfolk Mobility clients travel to Malaysia for short term or long term business assignments.

'Selamat Datang' is the traditional Malaysian greeting that welcomes visitors to this vibrant and exotic country. Ethnically diverse cultures share the same lush landscape and create a fusion of styles, food and religions that is distinctly Malaysian.

Travel Tips

Temperatures
The country is generally warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 21° to 32° Celsius in the lowlands. This can however be as low as 16° Celsius in the highlands. Annual rainfall is approximately 2,500 mm (100 inches). On a rainy day, thunder and lightning often accompany the heavy downpour which normally lasts for about an hour or two.

Seasons
Generally, Malaysia has two distinct seasons, a dry season and a rainy (monsoon) season.

Money
The national currency is the Ringgit Malaysia or RM. The ringgit is pegged at RM3.80 to US dollar. Throughout the country, you can change your money at banks, major hotels and money changers. There are ATMs in every city too. All the major credit cards are widely accepted at shopping malls, major hotels, tour agencies, entertainment outlets and so on.

Business hours
The country runs on a normal eight hours a day system with Saturday as half day and Sunday as a day of rest. In the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, Friday is a day of rest with Thursday as half days. Department Stores and supermarkets are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What to wear
Light, cool, and casual clothing is recommended all year round. For more formal occasions, men should wear jackets, ties, or long-sleeved batik shirts whereas women should wear dresses.

Water
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap, but it is safer to drink boiled water or bottled beverages.

Health
North Americans should seek the advice of their personal physician or travel clinic prior to international travel, regardless of destination, for an individual risk assessment to determine their individual health risks and their need for vaccination, preventative medication, and personal protective measures. Once in the country, medical services are available in most towns at government hospitals and private clinics, although hospital care outside of main centres is not as sophisticated as in North America. Medicines can be bought directly over the counter, and are available at pharmacies, as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers.

Health insurance
Health insurance appropriate to your travel situation is very important. It is important to discuss your needs with your Norfolk representative and make whatever adjustments are required to provide coverage that includes medical evacuation. If you take prescription drugs, better to bring a supply of any medication you may require with you than to assume you will be readily able to find it there. It is also a good idea to carry a travel health kit containing basic first aid and medical supplies. Be sure to include a thermometer and anti-bacterial hand gel.

Staying out of trouble
Generally the rules that apply in your own country apply in Malaysia, but the visitor will soon find a few customs and regulations not encountered within their homelands.

• The main obvious custom, is the dress code. Cover up is the operative phrase. This means for women covered shoulders and thighs, no topless bathing on the beaches or in hotel pools. Bare male torsos are also not accepted in the villages and towns. Do not take your cue from fellow travelers but rather from the Malaysians themselves.
  
• It is very impolite to use the left hand to give or receive something, as the left hand is used for washing after going to the toilet.
  
• Pointing or beckoning is also considered rude. Malaysians indicate with their thumb atop a loose fist, while hailing someone is done with the palm of your hand facing down and waving your fingers (opening and closing them) downwards.
  
• Shoes should be taken off when entering a mosque or similarly, someone’s house.
  
• On arrival in Malaysia you will see notices everywhere telling you that ‘DRUGS MEAN DEATH’ or ‘ANTI-DADDA’ (Drugs). The use of or distribution of drugs in Malaysia carries a mandatory death penalty.

Facts and figures about Malaysia...

• Area: 329,749 sq. km. (127,316 sq. mi.); slightly larger than New Mexico.
• Capital: Kuala Lumpur.
• Terrain: Coastal plains and interior, jungle-covered mountains. The South China Sea separates peninsular Malaysia from East Malaysia on Borneo.
• Climate: Tropical.
• Population (2004): 25.6 million.
• Main religions: Islam (60.4%), Buddhism (19.2%).
• Per capita (GDP) income: $4,352.
• Natural resources: petroleum, liquefied natural gas (LNG), tin, minerals.
• Agriculture products: palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa, rice, tropical fruit, fish, coconut.
• Industry types: electronics, electrical products, chemicals, food and beverages, metal and machine products, apparel.
• Trade:
  Exports - $127.0 billion: electronics, electrical products, palm oil, petroleum, liquid natural gas, apparel, timber and logs, plywood and veneer, natural rubber.
  Imports - $99.2 billion: machinery, chemicals, manufactured goods, fuels, and lubricants.