Malaysia

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, made up of 13 states and three federal territories. It is split into two parts by the South China Sea: Peninsular Malaysia on the Indochinese Peninsula and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. The country shares borders with Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines.

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital and largest city, while Putrajaya serves as the administrative center. With over 34 million people, Malaysia is the world’s 42nd-most populous country.

Malaysia has a rich history that dates back to ancient Malay kingdoms. It was part of the British Empire and was occupied by Japan during World War II. Malaysia gained independence in 1957 and later united with North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore in 1963, though Singapore left in 1965 to become independent.

The country is tropical and very biodiverse, home to many unique plants and animals. Malaysia is multiethnic and multicultural, with Malays making up about half the population, and significant minorities of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups. The official language is Malaysian Malay, and English is widely spoken as a second language.

Islam is the official religion, but the constitution allows freedom of religion for non-Muslims. Malaysia’s government follows a Westminster parliamentary system, with an elected monarch as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The economy has shifted from agriculture to services and manufacturing, making Malaysia a newly industrialised and peaceful nation. It is also a member of many international organisations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Etymology

The name Malaysia combines the word Malays with the suffix -ia/-ία, meaning "land of the Malays." Similar names appeared in ancient texts, like the Sanskrit Vayu Purana, which mentioned a place called 'Malayadvipa,' thought to be the Malay Peninsula. Over time, the term became linked to the people and culture of the region.

Later, the name Malaysia was suggested by a French navigator and gained use for the islands of Southeast Asia. In 1963, when several areas joined together to form a new country, the name Malaysia was chosen. Some believe the "si" in Malaysia represented the inclusion of new states.

History

Main article: History of Malaysia

People have lived in what we now call Malaysia for at least 40,000 years. Early traders from India and China arrived around the first century AD, bringing big changes to the local cultures. They brought new religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, and new ideas that shaped the area.

Later, many different groups ruled parts of Malaysia. The Malacca Sultanate became an important trading center in the 1400s. In the 1500s, European powers like Portugal and the British Empire took control. By the 1900s, Britain controlled most of the area.

After World War II, Malaysia moved toward independence. In 1957, Malaya became independent from Britain. In 1963, Malaysia was formed by joining Malaya with Sabah, Sarawak, and for a short time, Singapore. The country has seen many changes since then, including periods of fast growth and challenges like financial crises.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Malaysia and Government of Malaysia

Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy and the only federal country in Southeast Asia. The system of government is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system, a legacy of British rule. The head of state is the King, whose official title is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The King is elected to a five-year term by and from among the nine hereditary rulers of the Malay states.

Legislative power is divided between federal and state legislatures. The bicameral federal parliament consists of the lower house, the House of Representatives and the upper house, the Senate. Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years.

Executive power is vested in the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. The prime minister must be a member of the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister is both the head of cabinet and the head of government.

Malaysia's legal system is based on common law. The highest court in the judicial system is the Federal Court, followed by the Court of Appeal and two high courts, one for Peninsular Malaysia and one for East Malaysia.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: States and federal territories of Malaysia and Local government in Malaysia

Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. Out of these, 11 states and two federal territories are in Peninsular Malaysia, whereas the other two states and one federal territory comprise East Malaysia.

The country has three tiers of government—federal, state, and local. Each state has a unicameral State Legislative Assembly whose members are elected from single-member constituencies. State governments are led by Chief Ministers.

States

A list of 13 states and each state capital (in parentheses):

1. Johor (Johor Bahru)
2. Kedah (Alor Setar)
3. Kelantan (Kota Bharu)
4. Malacca (Malacca City)
5. Negeri Sembilan (Seremban)
6. Pahang (Kuantan)
7. Penang (George Town)
8. Perak (Ipoh)
9. Perlis (Kangar)
10. Selangor (Shah Alam)
11. Sabah (Kota Kinabalu)
12. Sarawak (Kuching)
13. Terengganu (Kuala Terengganu)

Federal territories

1. Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
2. Federal Territory of Labuan (Victoria)
3. Federal Territory of Putrajaya

Geography

Main article: Geography of Malaysia

Malaysia is the 66th largest country by total land area, covering 330,803 km². It has two main parts separated by the South China Sea: West Malaysia on the Asian mainland and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. West Malaysia shares land borders with Thailand, while East Malaysia shares land borders with Indonesia and Brunei. The country also has maritime borders with Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Both parts of Malaysia feature coastal plains that rise into hills and mountains. West Malaysia is divided by the Titiwangsa Mountains, which run down the center of the peninsula. East Malaysia, on Borneo, includes the Crocker Range and Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia. The country has many islands and experiences equatorial weather with regular monsoons.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Malaysia

Malaysia has a strong and growing economy. It is one of the larger economies in the world, ranked 36th by the value of all goods and services it produces. The country’s economy is built on three main parts: services like banking and tourism, industry such as making cars and electronics, and a smaller part from farming and natural resources like oil and palm oil.

Malaysia is also a popular place for visitors, being the fourteenth-most visited country in the world in 2019. The country has good roads, airports, and ports to help move people and goods. It has many technology parks and a strong telephone and internet network, especially in cities. Most people in Malaysia have clean water, though some countryside areas are still being developed.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Malaysia

Malaysia's population was about 32.4 million in 2020, making it the 42nd-most populated country in the world. The country has a steady population growth of about 1.5% each year. Most people live in Peninsular Malaysia, and about 70% live in urban areas. The population includes many different ethnic groups. About 70% are Malays and other native groups called bumiputera, while about 23% are Malaysian Chinese and 7% are Malaysian Indian.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country where Islam is the official religion, followed by about 64% of the people. Other major religions include Buddhism (19%), Christianity (9%), and Hinduism (6%). There are also smaller groups that follow Confucianism, Taoism, and other Chinese traditions. Each state has its own religious makeup, with some areas having non-Muslim majorities.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Malaysia

The official language of Malaysia is Malaysian Malay, which is used in government and education. English is also widely spoken, especially in business. Malaysia is home to many languages, including indigenous tribal languages, Chinese dialects like Mandarin and Hokkien, and Tamil, which is mainly spoken by the Indian community.

Health

Main articles: Health in Malaysia and Healthcare in Malaysia

Malaysia has a good healthcare system with both public and private options. The government provides healthcare through public hospitals and clinics, making it affordable for most people. The country spends about 4% of its economy on healthcare. Life expectancy is around 76 years, and common health issues include heart disease, pneumonia, and traffic accidents.

Education

Main article: Education in Malaysia

Children in Malaysia usually attend kindergarten before starting six years of primary school. Primary schools can teach in either Malay or in Chinese or Tamil. After primary school, students can choose to continue with five years of secondary education. At the end of secondary school, students take an important exam. Some students may also choose to attend special colleges that prepare them for university.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Malaysia

Malaysia has a rich and varied culture shaped by its many different ethnic groups. Influences from Chinese, Indian cultures, Persian, Arabic, and British cultures have all contributed to its unique traditions. Because of the government's structure and social policies, there has been little mixing of these cultures, but each group keeps its own traditions alive.

Traditional Malaysian art includes carving, weaving, and silversmithing. Common artworks are ornamental kris, beetle nut sets, and fabrics like batik and songket. Music in Malaysia often uses drums and is played for storytelling, celebrations, and special events. Each ethnic group has its own performing arts, though some styles share similarities due to historical influences from India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Malaysia's cuisine is equally diverse, reflecting the country's many cultures. Dishes blend Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other influences, creating unique flavors and styles. Rice is a staple food, and chili is commonly used, though not always to make food spicy. The country's many cultures also celebrate a variety of holidays and festivals throughout the year. Major national holidays include Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) and Malaysia Day. Other celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Muslim holidays are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds through a tradition called "open house."

Popular sports in Malaysia include association football, badminton, and field hockey. Badminton is especially loved, and Malaysia has been a strong competitor in international tournaments. The country also enjoys sports like squash, martial arts, and sailing. Malaysia has taken part in the Olympic Games since 1956 and has hosted major international sporting events.