Malaysia – Some Facts
Language
The language spoken in Kuala Lumpur is Bahasa Melayu. Other than that, most people do speak and understand English language. It will not be a problem if you are asking the natives for information in English Language.
Currency
The currency is Ringgit Malaysia, Ringgit (RM) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of RM1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. The RM1000 and RM500 notes are now being phased out. Coins are in denominations of ¢50, ¢20, ¢10, ¢5 and ¢1. There are also a large number of commemorative coins in various denominations which are legal tender. The Ringgit is often referred to as the Malaysian Dollar.
Voltage
The voltage in Malaysia is 240 volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If the devices you are carrying do not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz, you are required to use a voltage converter. There are mainly three types of voltage converters which are adaptable to the Malaysian voltage and are easily available. In Malaysia, the outlets commonly accept 1 type of plug, the one having two parallel flat pins with ground pin. If your device's plug has a different shape, then you would be requiring a plug adapter. It is always better to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter, considering your future travel requirements.
Office Hours
Business office hours are generally Monday-Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. There are many food stall that are call (mamak) that will be open 24 hours. People in Kuala Lumpur like to hang out to this food stall because they can hang around there till late. In neighborhood shopping areas, the stores (particularly small ones) close at 10 pm during the week, close an hour or more at lunchtime and close Saturday at noon or 1 pm. Chain grocery stores operate weekdays 8 am-10 pm, Saturdays 8 am-5 pm. Shops at railway stations (groceries, florists, tobacconists, bookstalls) are normally open until approx. 10:30 pm.
Tax
The corporate rate of tax is now 32%. The system is based on the UK pre-1965 system, and includes the "remittance basis", so that a company's unremitted foreign income is not taxed. There is no tax on capital gains. But dividends paid out of untaxed income give rise to a tax charge at the corporate tax rate. There are a number of minor "nuisance" taxes. The airport tax is not that expensive and it’s marginal to other international airport.
Telephone
Telephone numbers in Malaysia are regulated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Malaysia is assigned country code 60 by ITU-T. When calling abroad from Malaysia, the international call prefix is 00.
For more information:
Click here
Time Zone
GMT+8
Weather and Climate
The climate in Malaysia is characterized by warm, sometimes hot summers and raining seasons. The weather is stable during the middle of the year. It is always advisable not to dress with sweater because usually the climate in the evening is very hot. The current weather situation in major cities can be viewed here
Tipping
The practice of tipping is not essentially followed in Malaysia. It depends utterly on your wish, whether you want to give a tip or not. In many countries, tipping is considered a significant part of social etiquette. For sure, there is nothing wrong if you grant a tip, in fact the person will be more than happy to accept it. People like waiters, porters, room-service boys, cabbies etc, are usually shown gratitude by giving a tip for their services. Though tipping is not necessary in Malaysia, you can bestow tip for the admirable services of service providers. Since tipping depends on your wish, its amount cannot be specified too.
Crime
Malaysia is one of the safest countries in the world, and most visitors shouldn't encounter problems. Even though the city is packed with people and pedestrians, they are all friendly and there also police patrol car on each side of the city to make sure crimes will not happen. The city centers are considered safe even at night because there are many food stall that are open 24 hours to cater people who like to have a late night snack.