Tuesday 14 April 2015

Doing Business in Malaysia



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Malaysia, the Country
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Location

Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, slightly north of the Equator. It is separated into two regions, i.e. Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia), which consists of 11 states, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and the Federal Territory of Putrajaya; and East Malaysia, which has two states in addition to the Federal Territory of Labuan. The West Malaysian states in the peninsular are Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu. The East Malaysian states are Sabah and Sarawak.



Population

Malaysia is a multi-racial country, which is made up predominantly by the Malays whilst the rest of the population is made up of Chinese, Indians and others that include indigenous people and Eurasians.



Language

The official language is Bahasa Malaysia although English is widely used. Apart from English, local dialects such as Mandarin and Tamil are also commonly used.



Religion

Islam is the national religion although the Federal Constitution provides for the freedom of worship for other religious groups.



Currency

The local currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM).


Tuesday 22 July 2014

10 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia



10 of the best places to visit and things to do on holiday in Malaysia, from shopping and skyscrapers in KL to beaches in Langkawi.

1. Kuala Lumpur – The capital city of Malaysia. The heaven for entertainment, shopping, drinking, and people watching. Travelers need at least 3 days to visit tourists spots such as the Petronas Twin Tower, Batu Caves, Tasek Perdana with Birds Park, Orchid Garden, museum, zoo, royal palace, chinese temples etc. The best way to explore the city is by utilising its Integrated Railway System to connect to most travel sites. Commonly called KL by locals, this vibrant city is a cultural melting pot, noted for its impressive skyscrapers and buzzing scenes of shopping, dining and nightlife.

2. Langkawi - A tax-free heaven, Langkawi is a beautiful island in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia; many people describe the island as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The island is not (yet) spoiled by tourists, which makes it a perfect holiday destination for travelers. The island is especially renowned for the many great attractions. Besides that you can shop at some of the shopping malls, you can have splendid dinners at one of the many hawkers, or you can rent a motorcycle (moped) to explore the island.

3. Penang Island - Penang is a beautiful island in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. While Langkawi is well known for the pristine jungles and beaches, Penang is more renowned for the authentic (Chinese influenced) Asian atmosphere and the great food at the numerous hawkers. Should you ask Penangites to describe the island, many would probably tell you the great food is the main reason why tourists should visit Penang.

4. A Famosa - (Portuguese for 'The Famous') is a historical fortress found in Malacca, the capital city of the Malaysian Malacca state. Built in the early 1500s and continually expanded over the course of that century, today all that is left of the originally four-towered fortress is the entrance gatehouse. Still, A Famosa will sparkle the interest of the most curious and history-savvy, as it stands as an emblematic symbol of the city's past. The fortress, built by the Portuguese, later fell into the hands of the Dutch and the British, thus becoming a possession of all the Europeans who colonised the city. Malacca City also offers other interesting sights, such as the Stadthuys, the 17th century residence of the Dutch governor, and Jonker Street, very popular among locals and tourists alike for its many shops and eateries.

5. Ipoh - Now nicknamed as the 'Bougainvillea City', is the perfect spot to experience life in British Colonial Malaysia. Walk along the banks of the Kinta River in the city’s old town and take in the Edwardian railway station and town hall. For bigger thrills, try your hand at white water rafting, jungle trekking and caving in and around Malaysia’s fourth-largest city.

6. Sipadan Island - Sipadan is probably one of the best diving spots in the world. Every diving enthusiast knows that the underwater world 'beneath' the island is simply stunning. Sipadan Island used to be open to public, but after the government concluded that the island and its surroundings were quickly deteriorating the island became a protected marine park. Fortunately, diving is still possible, but visitors stay overnight at the neighboring islands of Mabul or Kapalai. Sipadan is a very exclusive diving spot, so you'll pay pretty high prices for a diving trip to the island. Diving conditions are usually excellent, though it is best to be an advanced diver due to strong currents (and depth of diving).


7. Taman Negara - With an extension of over 4,000 square kilometres, the national park of Taman Negara straddles three Malaysian states, and is under close protection, being the home to many species of endangered animals, such as the Malayan tiger, the crab-eating macaque and the Asian elephant. The area is so vast, however, that it’s rare to catch the sight of any of the big animals; but this should not discourage anyone from visiting the park, as many other surprises await. Bird watching, excursions through the dense jungles of the park, and the night walks – where the lack of light brings out the sounds of buzzing insects and sweeping trees – are particularly thrilling. The rainforest can also be viewed from above the treetops while trekking down the 530-metre-long suspended Canopy Walkway.

8. Genting Highland – Founded in the late 1960s, Genting Highland is the hub of entertainment with outdoor and indoor theme parks, shopping malls, Karaoke, restaurants, bars and most importantly, it is the home of the only legal land-based casino in Malaysia. Located on top of the 1700m above sea level mountain and on the border of Pahang and Selangor States, it is sometimes referred as the Las Vegas of South East Asia. The highlands are very popular with people that want to escape the hot and humid weather in Kuala Lumpur. Temperatures vary often around 16/24 degrees, which is quite cold for people from KL.

9. Cameron Highlands - Malaysia's green Cameron Highlands are one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you'll want a jacket -- particularly at night -- but after sweating across tropical climates, you may appreciate the change. You'll have plenty of lush scenery, beautiful tea plantations to tour, and access to decent trekking trails that weave through plantations and around volcanoes. Strawberry farms, butterfly gardens, and flower greenhouses are all enjoyable distractions in the Cameron Highlands.

10. Kota Kinabalu - formerly known as Jesselton, is the city capital of Sabah as well as the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. Strategically situated in the Northwest Coast of Borneo Island, facing the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on one side, and set against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu; this beautiful ‘Nature Resort City’ stretches for miles along the coast and towards the inland. Affectionately known as KK or Api Api by the locals, Kota Kinabalu is a popular tourism getaway and a major gateway into Sabah and Borneo Island. Apart from featuring a number of tourism attractions in and around the city, Kota Kinabalu is also one of the most thriving industrial and commercial centers in East Malaysia.




Thursday 10 July 2014

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)



What is MM2H?

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme is promoted by the Government of Malaysia to allow foreigners who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a multiple-entry social visit pass.

The Social Visit Pass is initially for a period of ten (10) years, and is renewable.

Eligibility
It is open to citizens of all countries recognised by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age. Applicants are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 as dependants.

Why Malaysia?

Malaysia has one of the highest standards of living in the region with modern infrastructure and all necessary facilities in place. Settling in Malaysia is relatively easy if you meet the requirements. People who stay in Malaysia under the MM2H program are allowed to buy freehold property in Malaysia based on a mortgage. There are beautiful terrace houses, semi-detached, bungalows, apartments and condominiums all over the country. There are also some of the finest residences available in tourism zones – along beaches, near jungles, recreational places and city centers.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
This programme is initiated, organised and launched by the Malaysian Government and is thus one that the Government will continuously seek to improve, to ensure its success.

CULTURE & LANGUAGE
The Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) is the national language of the country; English is the second language but other languages can be freely used and practised. Similarly the Malay culture is dominant in the country because the Malays are the dominant race in Malaysia and in the region. But other cultures can be practiced very freely and there is a free intermingling of different cultures.

RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT
The country has everything for the family,-theme parks, jungle trails,sports, water sports and one of the highest numbers of golf courses.

WEATHER
The country has everything for the family,-theme parks, jungle trails,sports, water sports and one of the highest numbers of golf courses.

FOOD & FRUITS
International cuisine is available here at very reasonable cost. With so many races and cultures living together in harmony, it is understandable that each race has picked up the best of each other’s food and made Malaysia into Asia’s Food Paradise.
Similarly the tropical fruits of Malaysia are unique, exotic and available in abundance practically throughout the year. It should be a real joy to savour these fruits.

SHOPPING

From high-end couture to ethnic handicrafts and the internationally acclaimed pewter ware, Malaysia has it all. Enjoy the comforts and convenience of shopping in air-conditioned malls and hypermarkets. Besides shopping, families have a choice of watching a movie, having fun at the bowling alley or enjoying the spread at the food court. Shoppers can also browse for interesting curios on display at the weekly flea markets. Join in the excitement of haggling at the night markets, an interesting feature of local life. The best time to enjoy fantastic discounts and special offers is during the annual Mega Sales.

MM2H Programme Statistics