Malaysia
Malaysia is a rapidly developing country with a beautiful blend of modern and traditional. You will find wonderful beaches, exotic islands, culinary delights, a welcoming multi-cultural society, the booming and modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, and so much more. Whether you’re migrating to Malaysia for a short or long-term stay, you will find an endless list of things to do in this part of the world.
History
Malaysia’s recorded history dates back to the first century BC. Located strategically at the crossroads between the East and the West, Peninsular Malaysia had attracted early travelers from different parts of the world. Fast forward to August 31, 1957, at 9:00am, Tunku Abdul Rahman (who became the first Prime Minister) read the Proclamation of Independence and declared that the Malay States of Malaya “with God’s blessing, shall forever be a sovereign democratic and independent state…” Freedom had been won peacefully. In 1963 Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak joined hands to form Malaysia (but Singapore seceded in 1965).
Political and economic stability is a primary consideration of the Malaysian government, which is why Malaysia has enjoyed a stable political and economic climate for decades. The rule of law prevails and it is not in the interests of government or private sector leaders to allow any disruption to the generally peaceful atmosphere that the country enjoys. Malaysia has had a good record of maintaining law and stability and is one of the safest countries in this part of the world to live and work.
Culture & Festivals
Malaysia enjoys a rich culture of diverse nationalities, communities, and groups with approximately 3.48 million immigrants (as of 2020). Malaysia also has several festivals and celebrations, most of which are either religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals.
National Day
HARI MERDEKA (Independence Day) is a National Day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from the British colonial rule in 1957, which is celebrated on 31st of August each year. On this day, Malaysians from all backgrounds, race and religion celebrate together in a harmonious way. Traditionally, a grand and colorful parade is held at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, where people can attend and celebrate. Various government agencies and private sectors join together to participate in the parade. There is a march in front of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King), ministers, special guests, and a sea of spectators. Similarly, other parades are also held in different states.
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Hari Raya Aidilfitri Eid
HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI Eid is more commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri which means 'Celebration Day', celebrated after fasting one entire month during Ramadhan. It is customary for Muslim workers in the city to return to their hometown to celebrate with their families and ask forgiveness from parents, in-laws, and other elders. In many parts Malaysia, especially in the rural areas, pelita or panjut (oil lamps) are lit up and placed outside and around homes. Special dishes like ketupat, randang, lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo) will be served among the families as well as guests. It is common to greet people, "Selamat Hari Raya" which means "Happy Eid". Apart from that, Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin", which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)"
Chinese New
Year
Chinese New Year is perhaps the biggest and most important annual festival for the Chinese communities. The event is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Each year is named after one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Prior to celebrations, homes are cleaned and decorated by members of the family. Debts are also settled while offerings and prayers are made. Apart from that, varieties of food are prepared, and new clothes are purchased and worn by all.
Diwali/Deepavali
The Hindu community of Malaysia constitutes about 8% of its total population. The community celebrates Diwali as a symbol of triumph of good over evil. The Malaysian people call Diwali as ‘Hari Diwali / Hari Deepavali’. Other than that, the celebration includes visits to temples and prayers at household altars. This festival is celebrated almost all over Malaysia except in Sarawak & Federal Territory of Labuan.
Christmas
In Malaysia, you may witness the practice of singing Christmas carols during the middle of December with the carolers going around from house to house one week before Christmas, in their respective zones. Along with the carolers, there is also a person dressed as Santa Claus who gives out sweets to the children. Most Christians will dress up in new clothes and visit the church to participate in midnight mass during the eve of Christmas.
Gawai and Kaamatan
Festival
The Kaamatan festival is an annual event in the cultural life of the Kadazandusuns of Sabah since time immemorial. In its deepest sense, Kaamatan festival is a manifestation of the relationship between the Creator and the Creation, as well as Inter-Creations relationship. It embodies the principal acts of invocation of divinities, appeasing, purification and restoration, re-union of benevolent spirits, and thanksgiving to the source of all. Kaamatan is celebrated around the final week of May every year peaking on the 30th and 31st which is a public holiday in Sabah. Gawai Dayak, is a festival celebrated by the Dayaks in Sarawak and West Kalimantan which considered public holidays every year on the 1st and 2nd of June in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is both a religious and social occasion.
Moving to Malaysia
The cost of living in Malaysia is far cheaper than most Western countries and some prominent Asian countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Housing, communication, transport (including taxis), local food, holiday accommodation, airfares, clothing, medical expenses, entertainment, and recreation are cheaper than what most expats experience in the other parts of the world.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value added tax in Malaysia. GST is levied on most transactions in the production process, but is refunded with exception of Blocked Input Tax, to all parties in the chain of production other than the final consumer. The existing standard rate for GST effective from 1 April 2015 is 6%.
The most expensive items in Malaysia compared to many western countries are motor vehicles and alcoholic beverages because of the heavy import duties on both items. A locally produced car starts about RM25,000 and imported cars start at around RM38,000.
Malaysia is a highly open, upper-middle income economy.
Lifestyle
Malaysia is a multi-racial country whose social integration has become a model for the rest of the world. There are three main races in the country: the Malays, the Chinese, and the Indians. Malaysia is such a melting pot of geographical, cultural, and social diversity that there is something for every lifestyle.
Your lifestyle in Malaysia can be extravagant or modest, as much as you want. In major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baharu and Penang, there are plenty of restaurants and entertainment venues that will keep you entertained night and day. Large cities also have large expat communities. You will therefore be able to enjoy many events and social gatherings.
The country also offers many affordable and even free activities. Parks, recreation centers, sports centers amongst other exciting spots are booming in Malaysia's urban areas. You can join a sports club or meet up with friends for a hike, bike riding or jogging. You can also dine at a street market or local cafe for a fraction of the price of a Western restaurant.
Transportation
Malaysia has a very convenient and affordable public transport system. You can use buses, cabs, taxis, or shuttles as per your convenience.
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Some other
Transport Options
Rapid KL Bus
KL Monorail
KTM Komuter
KLIA Express
LRT
Some Fun Activities
SUNWAY LAGOON
An amusement park in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. It was officially opened by the Prime Minister Tun Mahathir bin Mohamad on April 23, 1993. It features rides in both the water park and the adjacent dry park. Ticket price: RM170 *Does not include pay-per-ride activities.
ISTANA BUDAYA
The Palace of Culture, founded in September 1999, is Malaysia's main venue for all types of theatre including musical theatre, classical concerts and opera by local and international performances. Ticket price: Subject to concert.
GENTING HIGHLANDS
In 2013, Genting announced an additional 1,300 rooms to the existing First World Hotel and a new. 10,000 seats arena worth RM1 billion creating Twentieth Century Fox World theme park. Casino de Genting is owned by Genting Malaysia Berhad, a subsidiary of Genting Group. Ticket Price: RM 60