Time:  GMT + 8

Climate: Equatorial/Tropical, with average temperature of 32 degrees Centigrade at lowlands and on the highlands 21 degree Centigrade throughout the year.

Customs:  There is no duty-free allowance for visitors arriving from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak or Singapore.  Weapons and walkie-talkies are prohibited, while possession of narcotics and other illegal drugs carries the death sentence.  Firearms are subject to licensing.

Visa:  Citizens from North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China are required to have a visa to visit Malaysia.  Nationals other than those stated are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.  However, it is recommended that visa enquiries are made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian consulate closest to you, as regulations are subject to change. 

Currency: Malaysian currency is in Ringgit (RM) and sen.

A resident/non-resident is permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, ringgit notes not exceeding RM1, 000.  A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency incuding travellers’s cheques not exceeding RM10, 000.  A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including travellers’s cheques not exceeding the amount brought in.  Should you need to carry currency in excess of the permitted limits, prior written permission must be obtained from The Director, Exchange Control Department, Bank Negara Malaysia.

Credit Cards: Hotel, department stores and other major establishments generally accept major credit and charge cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.

Language: Bahasa Malaysia is the national language but English is widely used. Mandarin and a number of other local dialects are also spoken.

Clothing: Light clothing is advisable, as the climate is generally warm and humid.

Religion:  Islam is the official religion but there is a freedom of worship

Electricity:  Malaysian electricity voltage is on a 240 volt 50 cycle system.

Health:  Yellow fever is the only vaccination requirements to those from infected areas.  Cholera, smallpox and malaria have largely been eliminated.  Those who are visiting the remote villages are advised to take malaria prophylactics, prior to their visit to Malaysia.