Malaysia Southeast

Asia

Malaysia

• Malaysia is home to a multi-cultural society, where several ethnic groups live together peacefully

• Most of the population comprises aboriginal Malays (55%), Chinese (25%), and Indian (10%) people

Where in the World?

Pacific Ocean

Where in the World?

Population and Size• Two land masses separated by the South

China Sea – Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia

• Area: 127,355 sq mi (California is 158,706 sq mi)

• Approximately 27.5 million people (California has 37.7 million people)

Other Info

• 2/3 of country covered by forest

• Capital City: Kuala Lumpur

• One of the worlds largest producers of Palm Oil

Government• Federal constitutional elective monarchy

– The king is an elected monarch chosen from the hereditary rulers of the 9 Malay States every 5 years, but PM is really head of government

– Federal Parliament consists of House of Representatives and Senate

King: Abdul Halim

Prime Minister: Najib Tun Razak

History• Humans have inhabited

Malaysia for at least 40,000 years

• Traders and settlers from China and India started arriving about 2000 years ago

• Malaysia has been a territory of Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain before gaining its independence in 1957

Language and Religion

• Main Language: Malaysian – Hello: Selamat pagi

• Other Languages: English and various dialects of Chinese

• Main Religion: Malaysia guarantees freedom of religion but Islam is the State religion (61%)

• Other Religions: Buddism (20%)

Popular Dishes

• Satay: Made from marinated meat or chicken and burnt on a charcoal grill and dipped in special peanut sauce

• Rendang: A spicy meat stew traditionally prepared by the Malay community during festive occasions

Traditional Clothing - Men

• Baju Melayu: a loose tunic that is worn over trousers and usually accompanied with a sampin (sarong) wrapped around a man’s hips along with a religious hat

• Most of the clothing is made up of bright and bold colors

Traditional Clothing - Women

• Baju kurung: Knee- length blouse worn over a long skirt with a scarf or shawl

• Most of the clothing is made up of bright and bold colors

Unique Customs or Traditions

• Shoes are not permitted inside homes and it is considered extremely disrespectful to wear them

• Must use your right hand to eat food and when taking or receiving anything

• Never use index finger to point at things,point with thumb

Sports• Badminton matches attract thousands of

spectators– The Malaysian athletes have won a total of six

Olympic medals, all but one are in Badminton• The country has its own Formula One track –

The Sepang International Circuit

World’s Largest Flower

• Rafflesia• Looks and smells like

rotting flesh• The vile smell

attracts insects such as flies, which transport pollen

• Has no stems, leaves or true roots

• 39 inches, 22 lbs

Interesting Facts

• They drive on the left side of the road

• The Bintagor trees found only in a part of Malaysia, is believed to contain properties that could help fight the virus that causes AIDS

• The longest King Cobra (5.71 meters/ 18.7 feet) in the world was captured alive in Malaysia