Misplaced Pages

Malaysia: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 22:32, 6 November 2013 view sourceAlevero987 (talk | contribs)246 editsm In this way, the descriptions are easier and better well placed for any reader to read, this is safe to be agreed upon and I don't see why it shouldn't.← Previous edit Latest revision as of 15:54, 24 December 2024 view source Krishnpriya123 (talk | contribs)161 edits citation addedTags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Country in Southeast Asia}}
{{About|the country|the biogeographical region|Malesia}}
{{Distinguish|Malesia}}
{{padlock}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox country {{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Malaysia<!-- The name of the Federation (official name of the state) according to Art 1(1) of the Federal Constitution is, in Malay and English, Malaysia. Nothing more, nothing less. 'Federation of' was only used for the state that preceded Malaysia – Federation of Malaya. Please do not insert 'Federation of' or 'Persekutuan' for Malay name -->
|conventional_long_name = Malaysia
|common_name = Malaysia | common_name = Malaysia
|image_flag = Flag of Malaysia.svg | image_flag = Flag of Malaysia.svg
|alt_flag = A blue rectangle with a gold star and crescent in the canton, with 14 horizontal red and white lines on the rest of the flag | alt_flag = A blue rectangle with a gold star and crescent in the canton, with 14 horizontal red and white stripes on the rest of the flag
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Malaysia.svg | image_coat = Coat of arms of Malaysia.svg
| coa_size = 90
|symbol_type = Coat of arms
|alt_coat = Shield showing symbols of the Malaysian states with a star and crescent above it and a motto below it supported by two tigers | symbol_type = Coat of arms
| alt_coat = Shield showing the symbols of the Malaysian states with a star and crescent above and a motto below, supported by two tigers
|image_map = Malaysia (orthographic projection).svg | image_map = {{Switcher|]|Show globe|]|Show map of Southeast Asia|default=1}}
| map_caption = {{map caption |location_color=dark green |region=Asia |subregion= ]
|national_motto = "Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu"{{lower|0.2em|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/MsianFlagAndCrest/Pages/MsianFlagAndCrest.aspx |title=Malaysian Flag and Coat of Arms |publisher=Malaysian government |accessdate=9 September 2013}}</ref><!--end lower:-->}}<br />{{small|"Unity Is Strength"}}
| subregion_color = dark gray}}
|national_anthem = '']''<br />{{small|''My Country''}}
| national_motto = {{lang|ms|Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/MsianFlagAndCrest/Pages/MsianFlagAndCrest.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022191931/http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/MsianFlagAndCrest/Pages/MsianFlagAndCrest.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2013 |title=Malaysian Flag and Coat of Arms |publisher=Malaysian Government |access-date=9 September 2013}}</ref><br>{{Script/Arabic|برسکوتو برتمبه موتو}} (])<br />"]"
|capital = ]<br />{{nowrap|] {{small|(administrative)}}}}
| national_anthem = "{{lang|ms|]}}"<br />"My Country"{{parabr}}{{center|]}}
|latd=3 |latm=08 |latNS=N |longd=101 |longm=42 |longEW=E
| capital = ]{{refn|group=fn|Constitutional capital, ceremonial and legislative}}<br />{{coord|3|8|N|101|41|E|region:MY|display=inline}}
|largest_city = capital
| admin_center = ]{{refn|group=fn|Administrative and judicial}}<br />{{coord|2|56|N|101|42|E|region:MY|display=inline}}
|official_languages = ]
| largest_city = capital
|languages_type = ]
| languages_type = National languages (official)
|languages = ]
| languages = ] ''(])''
|languages2_type = Recognised
{{efn|Section 9 of the ] states that "The script of the national language shall be the Rumi script: provided that this shall not prohibit the use of the Malay script, more commonly known as the Jawi script, of the national language".}}{{efn|Section 2 of the ] states that "Save as provided in this Act and subject to the safeguards contained in Article 152(1) of the Constitution relating to any other language and the language of any other community in Malaysia the national language shall be used for official purposes".}}{{efn|name=Recognized|See Article 152 of the ] and ].}}
|languages2 = English
| languages2_type = Recognized languages
|official_religion = ]
| languages2 = ] ''(])''{{efn|name=Recognized}}
|demonym = Malaysian<ref name="state.gov"/>
|ethnic_groups = | ethnic_groups = {{tree list}}
* 70.5% ]
{{unbulleted list
| 50.4% ] ** 57.3% ]
** 13.2% indigenous groups of ], ], ] and ]
| 23.7% ]
| 11.0% ] * 22.9% ]
| &nbsp;7.1% ] * 6.6% ]
{{tree list/end}}
| &nbsp;7.8% other
| ethnic_groups_year = 2023
}}
| ethnic_groups_ref = <ref name="2021 pop">{{cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/01/17/minister-census-shows-malaysias-oldest-man-and-woman-aged-120-and-118-preli/2035636|title=Minister: Census shows Malaysia's oldest man and woman aged 120 and 118; preliminary census findings to be released in Feb 2022|date=17 January 2022|publisher=Malaymail|access-date=17 January 2022|archive-date=17 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117074901/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/01/17/minister-census-shows-malaysias-oldest-man-and-woman-aged-120-and-118-preli/2035636|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=155&bul_id=ZjJOSnpJR21sQWVUcUp6ODRudm5JZz09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09 |title=Current population and estimates, Malaysia 2021 Group |author=Department of Statistics Malaysia |access-date=1 February 2022 |year=2021 |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201080046/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=155&bul_id=ZjJOSnpJR21sQWVUcUp6ODRudm5JZz09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09
|ethnic_groups_year = {{lower|0.4em|<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/>}}
|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>MyGOV - The Government of Malaysia’s Official Portal. (n.d.). https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/30114</ref>
|government_type = ] ] ] and ] ]
| religion = {{ubl|63.5% ] (])<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.jac.gov.my/images/stories/akta/federalconstitution.pdf|title=The States, Religion and Law of the Federation|work=Constitution of Malaysia|publisher=Judicial Appointments Commission|access-date=29 October 2017|quote=Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614105535/http://www.jac.gov.my/images/stories/akta/federalconstitution.pdf|archive-date=14 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>|18.7% ]|9.1% ]|6.1% ]|0.9% other|1.8% unknown}}
|leader_title1 = ]
| religion_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=akliVWdIa2g3Y2VubTVSMkxmYXp1UT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09|title=Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic Report 2020|publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia|date=14 February 2020|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=22 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822014403/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=akliVWdIa2g3Y2VubTVSMkxmYXp1UT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09|url-status=live}}</ref>
|leader_name1 = ]
| religion_year = 2020
|leader_title2 = ]
| demonym = ]
|leader_name2 = {{nowrap|] (])}}
| government_type = Federal ] constitutional ]
|leader_title3 = ]
| leader_title1 = ]
|leader_name3 = {{nowrap|] (])}}
| leader_name1 = ]
|legislature = ]
| leader_title2 = ]
|upper_house = '']''
| leader_name2 = ]
|lower_house = '']''
| legislature = ]
|sovereignty_type = ]
| upper_house = ]
|sovereignty_note = from the ]
| lower_house = ]
|established_event1 = Independence of the ]
| sovereignty_type = ]
|established_date1 = 31 August 1957<ref>{{cite book|author=Derek Mackay|title=Eastern Customs: The Customs Service in British Malaya and the Opium Trade|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=QM5LImNbYusC&pg=PA240|accessdate=28 August 2013|date=11 June 2005|publisher=The Radcliffe Press|isbn=978-1-85043-844-1|pages=240–}}</ref>
| sovereignty_note = from the ]
|established_event2 = Independence of ]
| established_event1 = ]
|established_date2 = 22 July 1963<ref>{{cite book|author=Frans Welman|title=Borneo Trilogy Sarawak: Volume 2|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=A-H-O8pxUnMC&pg=PA134|accessdate=28 August 2013|publisher=Booksmango|isbn=978-616-245-089-1|pages=134–}}</ref>
| established_date1 = 31 August 1957<ref>{{cite book|author=Mackay, Derek|title=Eastern Customs: The Customs Service in British Malaya and the Opium Trade|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QM5LImNbYusC&pg=PA240|date=2005|publisher=The Radcliffe Press|isbn=978-1-85043-844-1|pages=240–|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=19 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119151920/https://books.google.com/books?id=QM5LImNbYusC&pg=PA240|url-status=live}}</ref>
|established_event3 = ] of ]
| established_event2 = ]
|established_date3 = 31 August 1963<ref>{{cite book|author=Frans Welman|title=Borneo Trilogy Volume 1: Sabah|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=glG-WBH8hkQC&pg=PA159|accessdate=28 May 2013|publisher=Booksmango|isbn=978-616-245-078-5|pages=159–}}</ref>
| established_date2 = 22 July 1963
|established_event4 = {{nowrap|Federation of<br />Malaya, North Borneo,<br />Sarawak, ]}}
| established_event3 = ]
|established_date4 = 16 September 1963
| established_date3 = 31 August 1963<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.astroawani.com/perspektif/kenapa-kita-takut-dengan-sejarah-22258|title=31 Ogos 1963, Hari kemerdekaan Sabah yang rasmi|publisher=AWANI|date=14 May 2021|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901062457/https://www.astroawani.com/perspektif/kenapa-kita-takut-dengan-sejarah-22258|url-status=live}}</ref>
|area_rank = 67th
| established_event4 = ]
|area_magnitude = 1_E+11
| established_date4 = 16 September 1963
|area_km2 = 329,847
| area_rank = 67th <!-- Area rank should match ] -->
|area_sq_mi = 127,355
| area_km2 = 330,803<ref name="2010 stats">{{cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/ccount12/click.php?id=2127 |title=Laporan Kiraan Permulaan 2010 |publisher=Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia |page=27 |access-date=2 August 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227065717/http://www.statistics.gov.my/ccount12/click.php?id=2127 |archive-date=27 December 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Malaysia country profile |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15356257 |website=BBC News |access-date=27 January 2021 |date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126030607/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15356257 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|percent_water = 0.3
| area_sq_mi = 127,720
|population_estimate =
| percent_water = 0.3
|population_estimate_year =
| population_estimate = 34,564,810<ref>{{Cite CIA World Factbook|country=Malaysia|access-date=24 September 2022}}</ref>
|population_estimate_rank =
| population_estimate_year = 2024
|population_census_year = 2010
| population_estimate_rank = 43rd
|population_census = 28,334,135<ref name="Population"/>
| population_census_year = 2020
|population_census_rank = 42nd
| population_census = 32,447,385<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cloud.stats.gov.my/index.php/s/ppMYkLC4kyUzHKn#pdfviewer |title=Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |page=48 |access-date=23 March 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228142122/https://cloud.stats.gov.my/index.php/s/ppMYkLC4kyUzHKn#pdfviewer |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|population_density_km2 = 86
| population_density_km2 = 101
|population_density_sq_mi = 216.45
| population_density_sq_mi = 263
|population_density_rank = 114th
| population_density_rank = 116th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2013
| GDP_PPP = {{increase}} $1.306 trillion<ref name="IMFWEO.MY">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/April/weo-report?c=548,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2024 Edition. (Malaysia) |publisher=] |website=www.imf.org |date=16 April 2024 |access-date=17 April 2024 |archive-date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416230123/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2024/April/weo-report?c=548,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2022&ey=2029&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|GDP_PPP = {{nowrap|$521.963 billion<ref name=imf3>{{cite web |title=Malaysia |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2012/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=43&pr.y=9&sy=2012&ey=2017&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=548&s=NGDP_RPCH%2CNGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= |publisher=International Monetary Fund |accessdate=23 January 2013}}</ref>}}
| GDP_PPP_year = 2024
|GDP_PPP_rank =
| GDP_PPP_rank = 30th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $17,675<ref name="imf3"/>
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = {{increase}} $39,030<ref name="IMFWEO.MY" />
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 53rd
|GDP_nominal_year = 2013
|GDP_nominal = {{nowrap|$340.002 billion<ref name="imf3"/>}} | GDP_nominal = {{increase}} $445.519 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.MY" />
| GDP_nominal_year = 2024
|GDP_nominal_rank =
| GDP_nominal_rank = 36th
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $11,513<ref name="imf3"/>
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $13,315<ref name="IMFWEO.MY" />
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 67th
|Gini_year = 2009
| Gini_year = 2021
|Gini_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_change = decrease<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|Gini = 46.2 <!--number only-->
| Gini = 40.7 <!--number only-->
|Gini_ref =<ref name="wb-gini">{{cite web |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI/ |title=Gini Index |publisher=World Bank |accessdate=2 March 2011}}</ref>
| Gini_ref = <ref name="wb-gini">{{cite web |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=MY | title=World Bank Open Data }}</ref>
|Gini_rank = 36th
| Gini_rank =
|HDI_year = 2013
| HDI_year = 2022<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
|HDI_change = increase <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| HDI_change = increase<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|HDI = 0.769 <!--number only-->
| HDI = 0.807<!--number only-->
|HDI_ref = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/profiles/MYS.html |title=National Human Development Reports for Malaysia |publisher=United Nations |accessdate=15 March 2013}}</ref>
| HDI_ref = <ref name="HDI">{{Cite web |date=13 March 2024 |title=Human Development Report 2023/2024 |url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313164319/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf |archive-date=13 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref>
|HDI_rank = 64th
| HDI_rank = 63rd
|currency = ] (RM)
| currency = ] (RM)
|currency_code = MYR
| currency_code = MYR
|date_format = dd-mm-yyyy
| date_format = dd-mm-yyyy
|time_zone = ]
| time_zone = ]
|utc_offset = +8
| utc_offset = ]
|time_zone_DST = {{nowrap|not observed}}
| calling_code = ]
|utc_offset_DST = +8
| cctld = ]
|drives_on = left
| footnotes =
|calling_code = ]
|ISO_3166-1_alpha2 = MY
|ISO_3166-1_alpha3 = MYS
|ISO_3166-1_numeric = 458
|sport_code = ]/]: MAS<br />]: MYS
|vehicle_code = MAL
|cctld = ], ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iana.org/reports/2012/malaysia-report-20120809.html|title=Delegation of the مليسيا domain representing Malaysia in Arabic|publisher=Internet Assigned Numbers Authority|date=|accessdate=16 June 2013}}</ref>
}} }}
'''Malaysia''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Malaysia.ogg|m|ə|ˈ|l|eɪ|ʒ|ə}} {{respell|mə|LAY|zhə}} or {{IPAc-en|audio=Malaysia (4 syllable).ogg|m|ə|ˈ|l|eɪ|s|i|ə}} {{respell|mə|LAY|see-ə}}) is a ] ] in ]. It consists of ] and has a total landmass of {{convert|329847|km2|sqmi|-1}} separated by the ] into two similarly sized regions, ] and ]. Land borders are shared with ], ], and ], and maritime borders exist with ], ], and the ]. The capital city is ], while ] is the seat of the federal government. In 2010 the population was 28.33&nbsp;million, with 22.6&nbsp;million living on the Peninsula. '''Malaysia'''{{efn|UK: {{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Malaysia.ogg|m|ə|ˈ|l|eɪ|z|i|ə}} {{respell|mə|LAY|zee|ə}}; US: {{IPAc-en|m|ə|ˈ|l|eɪ|ʒ|ə}} {{Respell|mə-LAY-zhə}}; {{IPA-ms|malɛjsia|lang|Ms-MY-Malaysia.ogg}}}} is a country in ]. A ] ], it consists of ], separated by the ] into two regions: ] and ]'s ]. Peninsular Malaysia shares a land and maritime ] with ] and ]s with ], ], and ]. East Malaysia shares land borders with ] and Indonesia, as well as a maritime border with the ] and Vietnam. ] is the national capital, the country's largest city, and the seat of the ] of the ].
] is the administrative centre, which represents the seat of both the ] (the ], ]) and the ] of the federal government. With a population of over 34 million, the country is the world's ]. Malaysia is ] and is one of 17 ]; it is home to numerous ]. ] in the Malaysian state of ] is the southernmost point of continental ].


Malaysia has its origins in the Malay Kingdoms present in the area which, from the 18th century, became subject to the ]. The first British territories were known as the ], whose establishment was followed by the Malay kingdoms becoming British protectorates. The territories on Peninsular Malaysia were first unified as the ] in 1946. Malaya was restructured as the ] in 1948, and achieved independence on 31 August 1957. Malaya united with ], ], and ] on 16 September 1963, with ''si'' being added to give the new country the name Malaysia. Less than two years later in 1965, Singapore was expelled from the federation. Since independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years. The economy has traditionally been fuelled by its natural resources, but is expanding in the sectors of science, tourism, commerce and ]. The country has its origins in the ], which, from the 18th century on, became ] to the ], along with the British ] protectorate. During ], ], along with other nearby British and American colonies, was occupied by the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ww2db.com/country/Malaya |title=Malaya in World War II |work=World War Two Database |access-date=29 January 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225184306/https://ww2db.com/country/Malaya |url-status=live }}</ref> Following three years of occupation, Peninsular Malaysia was briefly unified as the ] in 1946 until 1948 when it was restructured as the ]. The country achieved independence on 31 August 1957. On ], independent Malaya united with the then ] of ], ], and ] to become Malaysia. In August 1965, Singapore was ] from the federation and became a ].<ref>{{cite book|author=Baten, Jörg |title=A History of the Global Economy. From 1500 to the Present.|date=2016|publisher=Cambridge University Press|page=290|isbn=978-1-107-50718-0}}</ref>


The country is ] and ], which plays a large role in politics. The ] declares ] the state religion while protecting freedom of religion. The government system is closely modelled on the ] and the legal system is based on ]. The head of state is the King, known as the ]. He is an ] chosen from the hereditary ] of the nine ] every five years. The head of government is the ]. The country is ] and ], which has a significant effect on its politics. About half the population is ethnically ], with minorities of ], ], and ]. The official language is ], a standard form of the ]. English remains an active second language. While recognising ] as the ], the constitution grants ] to non-Muslims. The government is modelled on the ], and the legal system is based on ]. The ] is an ], chosen from among the ] every five years. The ] is the ].


The southernmost point of continental ], ] is in Malaysia, located in the ]. It is one of 17 ] on earth, with large numbers of ]. It is a founding member of the ], the ] and the ], and a member of ], the ], and the ]. The country's economy has traditionally been driven by its natural resources but is expanding into commerce, tourism, and ]. The country has a ] ], which is relatively open and state-oriented. The country is a founding member of the ] (OIC), the ] (EAS), and the ] (ASEAN), and a member of the ] (NAM), the ], and the ] (APEC).


==Etymology== == Etymology ==
The name ] is a combination of the word ] and the Latin-Greek suffix ]/]<ref>{{cite book|last=Room|first=Adrian|title=Placenames of the World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for Over 5000 Natural Features, Countries, Capitals, Territories, Cities and Historic Sites|publisher=McFarland & Company|year=2004|isbn=978-0-7864-1814-5|page=221}}</ref> which can be translated as 'land of the Malays'.<ref name="CIA Fact Book">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/malaysia/|title=The World Factbook – Malaysia|year=2020|publisher=]|access-date=23 January 2021|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015225421/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/malaysia/|url-status=live}}</ref> Similar-sounding variants have also appeared in accounts older than the 11th century, as ]s for areas in Sumatra or referring to a larger region around the Strait of Malacca.<ref name="Barnard">{{citation | last = Barnard | first = Timothy P. | title = Contesting Malayness: Malay identity across boundaries | publisher = Singapore University press | year = 2004 | location = Singapore | isbn = 978-9971-69-279-7 | pages=3–10}}</ref> The Sanskrit text '']'', thought to have been in existence since the first millennium CE, mentioned a land named 'Malayadvipa' which was identified by certain scholars as the modern ].<ref>{{cite book|title=India's Interaction with Southeast Asia: History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Vol. 1, Part 3 |page=266 |author=Pande, Govind Chandra |isbn=978-81-87586-24-1 |year=2005 |publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The economic life of northern India: c. A.D. 700–1200 |page=139 |author= Gopal, Lallanji |isbn=978-81-208-0302-2 |year=2000 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title= A Panorama of Indian Buddhism: Selections from the Maha Bodhi journal, 1892–1992 |page=612 |author=Ahir, D. C. |isbn=978-81-7030-462-3 |year=1995 |publisher=Sri Satguru Publications}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The culture and art of India |page=212 |author=Mukerjee, Radhakamal |isbn=978-81-215-0114-9 |year= 1984 |publisher=Coronet Books Inc}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title= Some contributions of India to the ancient civilisation of Indonesia and Malaysia |page=8 |author=Sarkar, Himansu Bhusan |year=1970 |publisher=Punthi Pustak}}</ref> Other notable accounts are by the 2nd-century Ptolemy's '']'' that used the name ''Malayu Kulon'' for the west coast of ], and the 7th-century ]'s account of ''Malayu''.<ref name="Barnard" />
] on a 1914 map from a United States atlas]]


At some point, the ] took its name from the ''Sungai Melayu''.<ref name="SejarahBahasaMelayu">{{citation | last1 = Abdul Rashid Melebek | last2 = Amat Juhari Moain | title = Sejarah Bahasa Melayu ("History of the Malay Language") | publisher = ] | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-967-61-1809-7 | pages=9–10}}</ref><ref>{{citation | last = Milner | first = Anthony | title = The Malays (The Peoples of South-East Asia and the Pacific) | pages = 18–19| publisher = Wiley-Blackwell | year = 2010 | isbn = 978-1-4443-3903-1}}</ref> ''Melayu'' then became associated with ],<ref name="Barnard" /> and remained associated with various parts of Sumatra, especially Palembang, where the founder of the ] is thought to have come from.<ref name="Andaya">{{cite journal |last1=Andaya |first1=Leonard Y. |title=The Search for the 'Origins' of Melayu |journal=Journal of Southeast Asian Studies |date=October 2001 |volume=32 |issue=3 |pages=315–316, 324, 327–328, 330 |doi=10.1017/S0022463401000169 |jstor=20072349 |s2cid=62886471 |issn = 0022-4634}}</ref> It is only thought to have developed into an ] as Malacca became a regional power in the 15th century. ] established an ] identity in Malacca, with the term ''Melayu'' beginning to appear as interchangeable with ''Melakans''. It may have specifically referred to local Malays speakers thought loyal to the Malaccan Sultan. The initial Portuguese use of {{Lang|pt|Malayos}} reflected this, referring only to the ruling people of Malacca. The prominence of traders from Malacca led ''Melayu'' to be associated with Muslim traders, and from there became associated with the wider cultural and linguistic group.<ref name="Barnard"/> Malacca and later ] claimed they were the centre of Malay culture, a position supported by the British which led to the term ''Malay'' becoming more usually linked to the Malay peninsula rather than Sumatra.<ref name="Andaya"/>
The word ''Melayu'' is thought to derive from the ] words ''Malai'' and ''ur'' meaning "mountain" and "city, land", respectively.<ref>{{cite book|last=Weightman|first=Barbara A.|title=Dragons and Tigers: A Geography of South, East, and Southeast Asia|year=2011|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|page=449|url=http://books.google.com/?id=qeBfed17zxEC&dq=melayu+derived|isbn=9781118139981}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Tiwary|first=Shanker Shiv|title=Encyclopaedia Of Southeast Asia And Its Tribes (Set Of 3 Vols.)|year=2009|publisher=Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd|page=37|url=http://books.google.com/?id=YdEjAQAAIAAJ&q=Encyclopaedia+Of+Southeast+Asia+And+Its+Tribes+(Set+Of+3+Vols.)&dq=Encyclopaedia+Of+Southeast+Asia+And+Its+Tribes+(Set+Of+3+Vols.)|isbn=9788126138371}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/?id=FRQwAQAAIAAJ&q=malai+etymology+tamil&dq=malai+etymology+tamil |title=People of India |author=Kumar Suresh Singh |volume=26 |page=981 |publisher=Anthropological Survey of India |year=2003 |isbn=978-81-85938-98-1}}</ref> The term was later used as the name of the ], which existed between the 7th and 13th centuries on ].<ref>{{Cite book|last1 = Eliot | first1 = Joshua|first2 = Jane | last2 = Bickersteth|title = Sumatra Handbook|publisher = Footprint Handbooks|year = 2000|page = 262|url = http://books.google.com/?id=blwyICjuEPIC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 1-900949-59-8}}</ref>
''Malayadvipa'' was the word used by ancient Indian traders when referring to the ].<ref>{{cite book|title=India's Interaction with Southeast Asia: History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Vol. 1, Part 3 |page=266 |author=Govind Chandra Pande |isbn=978-81-87586-24-1 |year=2005 |publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The economic life of northern India: c. A.D. 700–1200 |page=139 |author= Lallanji Gopal |isbn=978-81-208-0302-2 |year=2000 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title= A Panorama of Indian Buddhism: Selections from the Maha Bodhi journal, 1892–1992 |page=612 |author=D. C. Ahir |isbn=81-7030-462-8 |year=1995 |publisher=Sri Satguru Publications}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The culture and art of India |page=212 |author=Radhakamal Mukerjee |isbn=978-81-215-0114-9 |year= 1984 |publisher=Coronet Books Inc}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title= Some contributions of India to the ancient civilisation of Indonesia and Malaysia |page=8 |author=Himansu Bhusan Sarkar |year=1970 |publisher=Punthi Pustak}}</ref>


Following his 1826 expedition in ], French navigator ] invented the terms ''Malaysia'', '']'' and '']'', distinguishing these Pacific cultures and island groups from the existing term ]. In 1831, he proposed these terms to the ]. Dumont d'Urville described Malaysia as "an area commonly known as the ]".<ref>{{Cite journal|last1 = D'Urville|first1 = Jules-Sébastien-César Dumont|authorlink1 = Jules Dumont d'Urville|last2 = Ollivier|first2 = Isabel|last3 = de Biran, and Geoffrey Clark|first3 = Antoine|last4 = Clark|first5 = Geoffrey|title = On the Islands of the Great Ocean|journal = The Journal of Pacific History|volume = 38| issue = 2|pages =|publisher = Taylor & Francis, Ltd|date =|issn =|doi =|id =|jstor = 25169637 }}</ref><!--Quote:The third division, Western Oceania, encompasses all the islands commonly known as the East Indies...I shall leave the name Malaysia to this area, since it has already been used by some authors, and I think was first given by Mr Lesson--> In 1850, the English ethnologist ], writing in the ''Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia'', proposed naming the islands of Southeast Asia as ''Melayunesia'' or ''Indunesia'', favouring the former.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Earl |first=George S. W. |title=On The Leading Characteristics of the Papuan, Australian and Malay-Polynesian Nations |journal=Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (JIAEA) |year=1850 |page=119 |volume=IV}}</ref> Before the onset of European colonisation, the Malay Peninsula was known natively as '']'' ('Malay Land').<ref>{{cite book|last=Reid|first=Anthony|author-link=Anthony Reid (academic)|title=Imperial alchemy : nationalism and political identity in Southeast Asia|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2010|isbn=978-0-521-87237-9|page=95}}</ref> Under a racial classification created by a German scholar ], the natives of ] were grouped into a single category, the ].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Bernasconi, Robert |author2=Lott, Tommy Lee |title=The Idea of Race|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=di2YVLKgIC8C|year=2000|publisher=Hackett Publishing|isbn=978-0-87220-458-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yale.edu/glc/events/race/Painter.pdf |title=Collective Degradation: Slavery and the Construction of Race |work=Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Gilder Lehrman Center International Conference at Yale University |publisher=] |date=7–8 November 2003 |access-date=13 May 2014 |author=Painter, Nell Irvin |page=18 |location=New Haven, Connecticut |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020105628/http://www.yale.edu/glc/events/race/Painter.pdf |archive-date=20 October 2013 }}</ref> Following the expedition of French navigator ] to ] in 1826, he later proposed the terms of ''Malaysia'', '']'' and '']'' to the '']'' in 1831, distinguishing these Pacific cultures and island groups from the existing term '']''. Dumont d'Urville described Malaysia as "an area commonly known as the East Indies".<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1080/0022334032000120512| title = On the Islands of the Great Ocean| journal = The Journal of Pacific History| volume = 38| issue = 2| page = 163| year = 2003| last1 = d'Urville | first1 = J. S. B. C. S. D. | last2 = Ollivier | first2 = I. | last3 = De Biran | first3 = A. | last4 = Clark | first4 = G. | s2cid = 162374626}}</ref><!--Quote:The third division, Western Oceania, encompasses all the islands commonly known as the East Indies&nbsp;... I shall leave the name Malaysia to this area, since it has already been used by some authors, and I think was first given by Mr Lesson--> In 1850, the English ethnologist ], writing in the ''Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia'', proposed naming the islands of Southeast Asia as "Melayunesia" or "Indunesia", favouring the former.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Earl |first=George S. W. |title=On The Leading Characteristics of the Papuan, Australian and Malay-Polynesian Nations |journal=Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (JIAEA) |year=1850 |page=119 |volume=IV}}</ref> The name Malaysia gained some use to label what is now the Malay Archipelago.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Barrows |first1=David P. |title=A History of the Philippines |date=1905 |publisher=American Book Company |pages=25–26 |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/38269/38269-h/38269-h.htm#pb26 |access-date=13 January 2021 |archive-date=8 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208005625/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/38269/38269-h/38269-h.htm#pb26 |url-status=live }}</ref> In modern terminology, ''Malay'' remains the name of an ] of ] predominantly inhabiting the Malay Peninsula and portions of the adjacent islands of ], including the east coast of Sumatra, the coast of ], and smaller islands that lie between these areas.<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Malays |volume= 17 |last= Clifford |first= Hugh Charles | pages = 475&ndash;478 }}</ref>


In 1957, the ] was declared as an independent federation of the Malay states on the Malay Peninsula.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Primary&PageNumber=72&NavFrom=2&parentActiveTextDocId=1118475&ActiveTextDocId=1118475&filesize=15776 |title=Federation of Malaya Independence Act 1957 (c. 60)e |publisher=The UK Statute Law Database |date=31 July 1957 |accessdate=6 November 2010}}</ref> The name "Malaysia" was adopted in 1963 when the existing states of the Federation of Malaya, plus Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak formed a new federation, with "si" being added to Malaya in honour of the three joining states.<ref name="Bound for Glory"/> Prior to that, the name itself had been used to refer to the whole Malay Archipelago.<ref name="Statoids">{{cite web|url=http://www.statoids.com/umy.html|title=States of Malaysia|publisher=Statoids (Administrative Divisions of Countries)|accessdate=23 June 2010}}</ref> Politicians in the Philippines contemplated renaming their state "Malaysia" before the modern country took the name.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Sakai|first = Minako|editor1-last = Cao|editor1-first = Elizabeth|editor2-last = Morrell|title = Regional Minorities and Development in Asia|publisher = Routledge|year = 2009|page = 124|url = http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/library/connections.pdf|doi =|id =|isbn = 978-0-415-55130-4}}</ref> At the time of federation, other names were considered: among them was ], after the historic kingdom located at the upper section of the Malay Peninsula in the 1st millennium CE.<ref name="Mapping">{{Cite book|last = Suarez|first = Thomas|title = Early Mapping of Southeast Asia|publisher = Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd|year = 1999|pages = 46–47|url = http://books.google.com/?id=ZG7ZMAbv_jAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 962-593-470-7}}</ref> The state that gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1957 took the name ''the ]'', chosen in preference to other potential names such as ''Malaysia''<ref name="MALAYA'S FUTURE NAME">{{Cite news |date=3 September 1956 |title=MALAYA'S FUTURE NAME|page=6 |work=The Straits Times| url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560903-1.2.82}}</ref> and '']'',<ref name="MALAYA'S FUTURE NAME"/> after the historic kingdom located at the upper section of the Malay Peninsula in the first millennium CE.<ref name="Mapping">{{Cite book|last = Suarez|first = Thomas|title = Early Mapping of Southeast Asia|publisher = Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd|year = 1999|pages = 46–47|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ZG7ZMAbv_jAC|isbn = 978-962-593-470-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Primary&PageNumber=72&NavFrom=2&parentActiveTextDocId=1118475&ActiveTextDocId=1118475&filesize=15776 |title=Federation of Malaya Independence Act 1957 (c. 60)e |publisher=The UK Statute Law Database |date=31 July 1957 |access-date=6 November 2010 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171010090702/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/5-6/60/contents |url-status=live }}</ref> Nonetheless, the name ''Malaysia'' was adopted in 1963 when the existing states of the Federation of Malaya, plus Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak formed a new federation.<ref name="Bound for Glory" />{{efn|In English, the official name of the country is simply "Malaysia". In Malay, the name of the country as it appears on some official documents, including the oath of Yang di-Pertuan Agong is {{lang|ms|Persekutuan Malaysia}}, meaning "Federation of Malaysia". Despite this, the name Malaysia is mostly used officially, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution.<ref>{{cite web |title=Federal Constitution |url=https://www.sprm.gov.my/admin/files/sprm/assets/pdf/penguatkuasaan/perlembagaan-persekutuan-bi.pdf |website=] (SPRM) |publisher=Government of Malaysia |access-date=22 March 2024 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926045617/https://www.sprm.gov.my/admin/files/sprm/assets/pdf/penguatkuasaan/perlembagaan-persekutuan-bi.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}} One theory posits the name was chosen so that ''si'' represented the inclusion of Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak to Malaya in 1963.<ref name="Bound for Glory" /> Politicians in the Philippines contemplated renaming their state Malaysia before the modern country took the name.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sakai |first=Minako |editor1-last=Cao |editor1-first=Elizabeth |editor2-last=Morrell |title=Regional Minorities and Development in Asia |publisher=Routledge |year=2009 |page=124 |chapter-url=http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/library/connections.pdf |isbn=978-0-415-55130-4 |chapter=Reviving Malay Connections in Southeast Asia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013055904/http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/library/connections.pdf |archive-date=13 October 2014 }}</ref>


==History== == History ==
{{Main|History of Malaysia}} {{Main|History of Malaysia}}
] played a major role in spreading Islam throughout the Malay Archipelago.]]
Evidence of modern human habitation in Malaysia dates back 40,000&nbsp;years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com.my/volume4/overview.html|title=The Encyclopedia of Malaysia : Early History|first=Professor Dato' Dr Nik Hassan Shuhaimi bin Nik Abdul Rahman|accessdate=23 June 2010}}</ref> The first inhabitants are thought to be ].<ref>{{cite journal | last = Fix | first = Alan G. | title = Malayan Paleosociology: Implications for Patterns of Genetic Variation among the Orang Asli | journal = American Anthropologist, New Series | volume = 97 | issue = 2 | pages = 313–323 | month = June | year = 1995 | doi = 10.1525/aa.1995.97.2.02a00090 | jstor=681964}}</ref> Traders and settlers from India and China arrived as early as the 1st century AD, establishing trading ports and coastal towns in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Their presence resulted in strong Indian and Chinese influence on the local cultures, and the people of the Malay Peninsula adopted the religions of ] and ]. ] inscriptions appear as early as the 4th or 5th century.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Mühlhäusler|first = Peter|last2 = Tryon|first2 = Darrell T|last3 = Wurm|first3 = Stephen A|title = Atlas of languages of intercultural communication in the Pacific, Asia and the Americas|publisher = Walter de Gruyer & Co|year = 1996|page = 695|url = http://books.google.com/?id=oCx0D0iE2QoC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn =978-3-11-013417-9 }}</ref> The Kingdom of ] arose around the 2nd century in the northern area of the Malay Peninsula, lasting until about the 15th century.<ref name="Mapping"/> Between the 7th and 13th centuries, much of the southern Malay Peninsula was part of the maritime ] empire. After the fall of Srivijaya, the ] empire had influence over most of Peninsular Malaysia and the Malay Archipelago.<ref>{{cite journal|author=S. Suporno|year=1979|chapter=The Image of Majapahit in late Javanese and Indonesian Writing|title=Perceptions of the Past|location=Singapore|publisher=Heinemann Books for the Asian Studies Association of Australia|page=180|editor=A. Reid and D. Marr|series=Southeast Asia publications|volume=4}}</ref> Islam began to spread among Malays in the 14th century.<ref name="state.gov"/> In the early 15th century, ], a prince of the former Srivijayan empire, founded the ], commonly considered the first independent state in the peninsula area.<ref name="BBCchinesediaspora">{{Cite news|first=Jonathan |last=Kent |title=Chinese diaspora: Malaysia |date=3 March 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4308241.stm |work=BBC News |accessdate=21 September 2010}}</ref> Malacca was an important commercial centre during this time, attracting trade from around the region. Parameswara became a Muslim, accelerating the spread of Islam.<ref name="state.gov"/>


Evidence of modern human habitation in Malaysia dates back 40,000&nbsp;years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/international/6405497/Getaway-to-romance-in-Malaysia |title=Getaway to romance in Malaysia |last=Holme |first=Stephanie |website=] |date=13 February 2012 |access-date=6 January 2014 |archive-date=29 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129075642/http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/international/6405497/Getaway-to-romance-in-Malaysia |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Malay Peninsula, the first inhabitants are thought to be ].<ref>{{cite journal | last = Fix | first = Alan G. | title = Malayan Paleosociology: Implications for Patterns of Genetic Variation among the Orang Asli | journal = American Anthropologist |series=New Series | volume = 97 | issue = 2 | pages = 313–323 |date=June 1995 | doi = 10.1525/aa.1995.97.2.02a00090 | jstor=681964}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Yew |first1=Chee-Wei |last2=Lu |first2=Dongsheng |last3=Deng |first3=Lian |last4=Wong |first4=Lai-Ping |last5=Ong |first5=Rick Twee-Hee |last6=Lu |first6=Yan |last7=Wang |first7=Xiaoji |last8=Yunus |first8=Yushimah |last9=Aghakhanian |first9=Farhang |last10=Mokhtar |first10=Siti Shuhada |last11=Hoque |first11=Mohammad Zahirul |last12=Voo |first12=Christopher Lok-Yung |last13=Abdul Rahman |first13=Thuhairah |last14=Bhak |first14=Jong |last15=Phipps |first15=Maude E. |last16=Xu |first16=Shuhua |last17=Teo |first17=Yik-Ying |last18=Kumar |first18=Subbiah Vijay |last19=Hoh |first19=Boon-Peng |title=Genomic structure of the native inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia and North Borneo suggests complex human population history in Southeast Asia |journal=Human Genetics |date=February 2018 |volume=137 |issue=2 |pages=161–173 |doi=10.1007/s00439-018-1869-0 |pmid=29383489 |s2cid=253969988 |quote=The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50-33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40-15 kya)...}}</ref> Areas of Malaysia participated in the ] between 2000 BC to 1000 AD.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tsang |first=Cheng-hwa |date=2008-01-24 |title=Recent advances in the Iron Age archaeology of Taiwan |url=http://journals.lib.washington.edu/index.php/JIPA/article/view/11751 |journal=Bulletin of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association |volume=20 |doi=10.7152/bippa.v20i0.11751 |doi-broken-date=1 November 2024 |issn=1835-1794}}</ref><ref>Turton, M. (2021). Notes from central Taiwan: Our brother to the south. Taiwan's relations with the Philippines date back millennia, so it's a mystery that it's not the jewel in the crown of the New Southbound Policy. Taiwan Times.</ref><ref>Everington, K. (2017). Birthplace of Austronesians is Taiwan, capital was Taitung: Scholar. Taiwan News.</ref><ref>Bellwood, P., H. Hung, H., Lizuka, Y. (2011). Taiwan Jade in the Philippines: 3,000 Years of Trade and Long-distance Interaction. Semantic Scholar.</ref> Traders and settlers from ] and ] arrived as early as the first century AD, establishing trading ports and coastal towns in the second and third centuries. Their presence resulted in strong ]n and ] influences on the local cultures, and the people of the Malay Peninsula adopted the religions of ] and ]. ] inscriptions appear as early as the fourth or fifth century.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Mühlhäusler |first1=Peter |last2=Tryon|first2=Darrell T.|last3=Wurm |first3=Stephen A. |title=Atlas of languages of intercultural communication in the Pacific, Asia and the Americas |publisher= Walter de Gruyer & Co |year=1996 |page=695 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=oCx0D0iE2QoC |isbn=978-3-11-013417-9}}</ref> The Kingdom of ] arose around the second century in the northern area of the Malay Peninsula, lasting until about the 15th century.<ref name="Mapping" /> Between the 7th and 13th centuries, much of the southern Malay Peninsula was part of the maritime ]n empire. By the 13th and the 14th century, the ] empire had successfully wrested control over most of the peninsula and the Malay Archipelago from Srivijaya.<ref>{{cite book|author=Suporno, S. |year=1979|chapter=The Image of Majapahit in late Javanese and Indonesian Writing|title=Perceptions of the Past|location=Singapore|publisher=Heinemann Books for the Asian Studies Association of Australia|page=180|editor1=A. Reid |editor2=D. Marr |series=Southeast Asia publications|volume=4}}</ref> In the early 15th century, ], a runaway king of the former ] linked to the old Srivijayan court, founded the ].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wake|first=Christopher H.|title=Malacca's Early Kings and the Reception of Islam|jstor=20067505|date=September 1964|volume=5|number=2|journal=]|publisher=]|pages=104–128|doi=10.1017/S0217781100000958 }}</ref> The spread of Islam increased following Parameswara's conversion to that religion. Malacca was an important commercial centre during this time, attracting trade from around the region.<ref name="state.gov" />
] fortress in ] was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.]]
In 1511 Malacca was conquered by ],<ref name="state.gov"/> after which it was taken by the ] in 1641. In 1786 the ] established a presence in Malaya, when the Sultan of Kedah leased ] to the British ]. The British obtained the town of ] in 1819,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/malaya.htm |title=The Map Room: South East Asia: Malaya |last=Luscombe |first=Stephen |accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref> and in 1824 took control of Malacca following the ]. By 1826 the British directly controlled Penang, Malacca, Singapore, and the island of ], which they established as the crown colony of the ]. By the 20th century, the states of ], ], ], and ], known together as the ], had British ] appointed to advise the Malay rulers, to whom the rulers were bound to defer by treaty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.archive.org/stream/encyclopaediabri17chisrich#page/478/mode/2up |title=The Encyclopædia Britannica : a dictionary of arts, sciences, literature and general information |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |accessdate=17 October 2010}}</ref> The remaining five states in the peninsula, known as the ], while not directly under British rule, also accepted British advisers around the turn of the 20th century. Development on the Peninsula and Borneo were generally separate until the 19th century. Under British rule the immigration of Chinese and Indians to serve as labourers was encouraged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.une.edu.au/asiacentre/PDF/No22.pdf |title=International Migration and Governance in Malaysia: Policy and Performance |last=Kuar |first=Amarjit |publisher=University of New England |accessdate=20 December 2011}}</ref> The area that is now ] came under British control as ] when both the ] and the ] transferred their respective territorial rights of ownership, between 1877 and 1878.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Malaysia and Its Neighbours, The World studies series|author=J. M. Gullick|url=http://books.google.com/?id=ykM9AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA148&dq=%22In+1877+and+1878+the+Sultans+of+Brunei+and+of+Sulu%22#v=onepage&q=%22In%201877%20and%201878%20the%20Sultans%20of%20Brunei%20and%20of%20Sulu%22&f=false|accessdate=16 June 2013|year=1967|publisher=Taylor & Francis|location=|isbn=9780710041418|pages=148–149|quote=|postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref> In 1842, Sarawak was ceded by the Sultan of Brunei to ], whose successors ruled as the ] over an independent ] until 1946, when it became a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/sarawak.htm |last=Luscombe |first=Stephen |title=The Map Room: South East Asia: North Borneo |accessdate=1 July 2011}}</ref>


] in 1606 to gain control of ]|220x220px]]
In the Second World War the Japanese army ] and occupied Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore for over three years. During this time, ethnic tensions were raised and nationalism grew.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Hock|first = David Koh Wee|title = Legacies of World War II in South and East Asia|publisher = Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore|year = 2007|page = 48|url = http://www.google.com/books?id=awLp4TeUkzoC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 978-981-230-457-5}}</ref> Popular support for independence increased after Malaya was reconquered by Allied Forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/magazine/1999/990531/mahathir1.html |title=Our Region, Ourselves |author=Mahathir Mohamad |work=Time magazine |date=31 May 1999 |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> Post-war British plans to unite the administration of Malaya under a single crown colony called the ] met with strong opposition from the ], who opposed the weakening of the Malay rulers and the granting of citizenship to the ]. The Malayan Union, established in 1946 and consisting of all the British possessions in the Malay Peninsula with the exception of Singapore, was quickly dissolved and replaced by the ], which restored the autonomy of the rulers of the Malay states under British protection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,816440,00.html |title=MALAYA: Token Citizenship |work=Time magazine |date=19 May 1952 |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> During this time, mostly Chinese rebels under the leadership of the ] launched guerrilla operations designed to force the British out of Malaya. The ] lasted from 1948 to 1960, and involved a long anti-insurgency campaign by ] troops in Malaya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://se-asia.commemoration.gov.au/background-to-malayan-emergency/causes-and-description.php |title=The Malayan Emergency: 1948-1960 |publisher=Australian Government Department of Veteran Affairs |accessdate=1 July 2011}}</ref> After this a plan was put in place to federate Malaya with the crown colonies of North Borneo (which joined as Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore. The proposed date of federation was 31 August 1963, however, the date was delayed until 16 September 1963 due to opposition from Indonesia's ] and the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,870460,00.html |title=Malaysia: Tunku Yes, Sukarno No |work=Time magazine |date=6 September 1963 |accessdate=17 October 2010}}</ref>
In 1511, ] was conquered by ],<ref name="state.gov" /> after which it was taken by the ] in 1641. In 1786, the ] established a presence in Malaya, when the Sultan of Kedah leased ] to the British ]. The British obtained the town of Singapore in 1819,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/malaya.htm |title=The Map Room: South East Asia: Malaya |last=Luscombe |first=Stephen |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-date=9 March 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010309035051/http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/malaya.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and in 1824 took control of Malacca following the ]. By 1826, the British directly controlled Penang, Malacca, Singapore, and the island of ], which they established as the crown colony of the ]. By the 20th century, the states of ], ], ], and ], known together as the ], had British ] appointed to advise the Malay rulers, to whom the rulers were bound to defer by treaty.<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Malay States (British) |volume= 17 |last1= Clifford |first1= Hugh Charles |last2= Graham |first2= Walter Armstrong | pages = 478&ndash;484 }}</ref> The remaining five states on the peninsula, known as the ], while not directly under British rule, also accepted British advisers around the turn of the 20th century. Development on the peninsula and Borneo were generally separate until the 19th century. Under British rule the ] of Chinese and Indians to serve as labourers was encouraged.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.une.edu.au/asiacentre/PDF/No22.pdf |title=International Migration and Governance in Malaysia: Policy and Performance |last=Kuar |first=Amarjit |publisher= University of New England |access-date=20 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100509145612/http://www.une.edu.au/asiacentre/PDF/No22.pdf |archive-date=9 May 2010 }}</ref> The area that is now ] came under British control as ] when both the ] and the ] transferred their respective territorial rights of ownership, between 1877 and 1878.<ref>{{cite book |title=Malaysia and Its Neighbours, The World studies series |author=Gullick, J. M. |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ykM9AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA148 |year=1967 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-0-7100-4141-8 |pages=148–149}}</ref> In 1842, Sarawak was ceded by the Sultan of Brunei to ], whose successors ruled as the ] over an independent ] until 1946, when it became a ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/sarawak.htm |last=Luscombe |first=Stephen |title=The Map Room: South East Asia: North Borneo |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628212629/http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/sarawak.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>


In the ], the ] ] and occupied ], ], and ] for over three years. During this time, ethnic tensions were raised and nationalism grew.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hock |first=David Koh Wee |title= Legacies of World War II in South and East Asia |publisher= Institute of Southeast Asian Studies |location= Singapore |year=2007|page=48 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=awLp4TeUkzoC |isbn= 978-981-230-457-5}}</ref> Popular support for independence increased after Malaya was reconquered by Allied forces.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/magazine/1999/990531/mahathir1.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20010212095545/http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/magazine/1999/990531/mahathir1.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 12 February 2001 |title=Our Region, Ourselves |last=Mohamad |first=Mahathir |magazine=Time |location= New York |date=31 May 1999 |access-date=26 October 2010}}</ref> Post-war British plans to unite the administration of Malaya under a single crown colony called the ] met with strong opposition from the ], who opposed the weakening of the Malay rulers and the granting of citizenship to the ]. The Malayan Union, established in 1946, and consisting of all the ] in the Malay Peninsula with the exception of ], was quickly dissolved and replaced on 1 February 1948 by the ], which restored the autonomy of the rulers of the Malay states under British protection.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,816440,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071106021025/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,816440,00.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 6 November 2007 |title=MALAYA: Token Citizenship |magazine=Time |location= New York |date=19 May 1952 |access-date=26 October 2010}}</ref>
] in Kuala Lumpur, where Independence Day is celebrated on 31 August each year.]]
] holding a rifle during the Malayan Emergency, 1951]]
Federation brought heightened tensions including a ], Singapore's eventual exit in 1965,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=1997-REVED-INDEP&segid=888373490-000012#888373490-000012 |title=Proclamation on Singapore |publisher=Singapore Attorney-General |accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref><ref name="TIME Art">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,828327,00.html |title=Malaysia: The Art of Dispelling Anxiety |work=Time magazine |date=27 August 1965 |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> and racial strife. This strife culminated in the ] in 1969.<ref name="Race war">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900859,00.html |title=Race War in Malaysia |work=Time magazine |date=23 May 1969 |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> After the riots, the controversial ] was launched by Prime Minister ], trying to increase the share of the economy held by the '']''.<ref name="New Economic Policy">{{cite web|author=Jomo Kwame Sundaram|url=http://www.unrisd.org/80256B3C005BCCF9/(httpPublications)/A20E9AD6E5BA919780256B6D0057896B?OpenDocument&panel=seriespapers |title=The New Economic Policy and Interethnic Relations in Malaysia |publisher=UNRISD |date=1 September 2004 |accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> Under Prime Minister ] there was a period of rapid economic growth and urbanisation beginning in the 1980s. The economy shifted from being agriculturally based to one based on manufacturing and industry. Numerous mega-projects were completed, such as the ], the ], the ], and the new federal administrative capital of ].<ref name="Bound for Glory">{{cite news|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090317235536/http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/mahathir/mahathir961209.html |archivedate=17 March 2009 |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/mahathir/mahathir961209.html |title=Bound for Glory |last=Spaeth |first=Anthony |work=Time magazine |date=9 December 1996 |accessdate=20 August 2011}}</ref> However, in the late 1990s the ] almost caused the collapse of the currency and the stock and property markets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polsci.tu.ac.th/Papers/Malaysia%20Paper.pdf |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100401070910/http://www.polsci.tu.ac.th/Papers/Malaysia%20Paper.pdf |archivedate=1 April 2010 |author=Lee Poh Ping |author2=Tham Siew Yean |title=Malaysia Ten Years After The Asian Financial Crisis |publisher=Thammasat University |accessdate=25 July 2011}}</ref>
During this time, the mostly ethnically Chinese rebels under the leadership of the ] launched guerrilla operations designed to force the British out of Malaya. The ] involved a long anti-insurgency campaign by ] troops in Malaya.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://se-asia.commemoration.gov.au/background-to-malayan-emergency/causes-and-description.php |title=The Malayan Emergency: 1948–1960 |publisher=Australian Government Department of Veteran Affairs |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706121637/http://se-asia.commemoration.gov.au/background-to-malayan-emergency/causes-and-description.php |archive-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 31 August 1957, ] of the Commonwealth of Nations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/31/newsid_3534000/3534340.stm |title=1957: Malaya celebrates independence |work=BBC News |access-date=9 August 2016 |archive-date=29 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429180537/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/31/newsid_3534000/3534340.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, a comprehensive plan was devised to unite Malaya with the crown colonies of North Borneo (known as ] upon joining), ], and ]. The envisioned federation was originally intended to take place on 31 August 1963, to coincide with the commemoration of Malayan independence. However, due to the necessity of conducting a survey on the level of support for the federation in Sabah and Sarawak by the ], as requested by opponents of the federation such as ]'s ] and the ], the date of the federation was postponed until 16 September 1963.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,870460,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080402050225/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,870460,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 April 2008 |title=Malaysia: Tunku Yes, Sukarno No |magazine=Time |location=New York |date=6 September 1963 |access-date=17 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Boon Kheng Cheah |title=Malaysia: The Making of a Nation |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=NOtXcEmHdjoC&pg=PA93 |year=2002 |publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies |isbn=978-981-230-154-3 |pages=93–}}</ref>


The federation brought heightened tensions including a ] as well as continual conflicts against the Communists in Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, which escalated to the ] and ] together with several other issues such as the ] by ] from the southern islands of the Philippines, Singapore ] in 1965,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=1997-REVED-INDEP&segid=888373490-000012#888373490-000012 |title=Proclamation on Singapore |publisher=Singapore Attorney-General |access-date=27 October 2010 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511191506/http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=1997-REVED-INDEP&segid=888373490-000012#888373490-000012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="TIME Art">{{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,828327,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070930101049/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,828327,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 September 2007 |title=Malaysia: The Art of Dispelling Anxiety |magazine=Time |location=New York |date=27 August 1965 |access-date=26 October 2010}}</ref> and racial strife. This strife culminated in the ] in 1969.<ref name="Race war">{{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900859,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070216115230/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900859,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 February 2007 |title=Race War in Malaysia |magazine=Time |location=New York |date=23 May 1969 |access-date=26 October 2010}}</ref> After the riots, the controversial ] was launched by Prime Minister ], trying to increase the share of the economy held by the '']''.<ref name="New Economic Policy">{{cite web |last=Sundaram |first=Jomo Kwame |url=http://www.unrisd.org/80256B3C005BCCF9/(httpPublications)/A20E9AD6E5BA919780256B6D0057896B?OpenDocument&panel=seriespapers |title=The New Economic Policy and Interethnic Relations in Malaysia |publisher=UNRISD |date=1 September 2004 |access-date=27 October 2010 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511173349/http://www.unrisd.org/80256B3C005BCCF9/(httpPublications)/A20E9AD6E5BA919780256B6D0057896B?OpenDocument&panel=seriespapers |url-status=live }}</ref> Under Prime Minister ] there was a period of rapid economic growth and urbanization beginning in the 1980s. The economy shifted from being agriculturally based to one based on manufacturing and industry. Numerous mega-projects were completed, such as the ], the ], the ], and the new federal administrative capital of ].<ref name="Bound for Glory">{{cite magazine |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090317235536/http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/mahathir/mahathir961209.html |archive-date=17 March 2009 |url= http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/mahathir/mahathir961209.html |title=Bound for Glory |last=Spaeth |first=Anthony |magazine=Time |location=New York |date=9 December 1996 |url-status= dead |access-date=20 August 2011}}</ref>
==Government and politics==
{{Main|Politics of Malaysia}}
] is the building where the Malaysian Parliament assembles.]]
Malaysia is a ] ] ]. The system of government is closely modelled on that of the ] parliamentary system, a legacy of ].<ref name="FITA">{{cite web|url=http://www.fita.org/countries/malaysia.html?ma_rubrique=cadre |title=Malaysia Information |publisher=Federation of International Trade Associations |accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> The head of state is the ], commonly referred to as the King. The King is elected to a five-year term by and from among the nine hereditary ] of the ]; the other four states, which have titular ], do not participate in the selection. By informal agreement the position is systematically rotated among the nine,<ref name="FITA"/> and has been held by ] since December 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/13/nation/20111213111936&sec=nation|title=Tuanku Abdul Halim takes oath as 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong|publisher=The Star|accessdate=13 December 2011|archiveurl=http://archive.is/JXwm|archivedate=17 July 2012|deadurl=yes}}</ref> The King's role has been largely ceremonial since changes to the ] in 1994, picking ministers and members of the upper house.<ref name="dfat">{{cite web|url=http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/malaysia/malaysia_brief.html |title=Malaysia country brief |publisher=Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |date=10 October |accessdate=19 February 2011}}</ref>


In the late 1990s, the ] impacted the country, nearly causing their currency, stock, and property markets to crash; however, they later recovered.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.polsci.tu.ac.th/Papers/Malaysia%20Paper.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100401070910/http://www.polsci.tu.ac.th/Papers/Malaysia%20Paper.pdf |archive-date=1 April 2010 |author=Ping Lee Poh|author2=Yean Tham Siew |title=Malaysia Ten Years After The Asian Financial Crisis |publisher=Thammasat University |access-date=25 July 2011}}</ref> The ] was a major global ] scandal that implicated then-Prime Minister ] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2015 |title=Malaysian taskforce investigates allegations $700m paid to Najib |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/malaysian-task-force-investigates-allegations-700m-paid-to-pm-najib |access-date=24 March 2018 |archive-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422204302/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/malaysian-task-force-investigates-allegations-700m-paid-to-pm-najib |url-status=live }}</ref> The scandal contributed to the first change in the ruling political party since independence in the ].<ref name="Opposition scores" /> In the 2020s, the country was gripped by ] that coincided with health and ] crises caused by the ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 January 2021 |title=How Malaysia went from fewer COVID cases than Australia to a national state of emergency |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-14/malaysia-covid-19-outbreak-state-of-emergency-case-numbers/13036038 |access-date=19 July 2021 |newspaper=ABC News (Australia) |last1=Walden |first1=Max |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114221804/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-14/malaysia-covid-19-outbreak-state-of-emergency-case-numbers/13036038 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was then followed by an earlier ] in November 2022, which resulted in the first hung parliament in the nation's history.<ref>{{cite news |title=No clear winner as Malaysia election ends in hung parliament |date=19 November 2022 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/19/tight-race-as-votes-counted-in-malaysias-in-general-election |work=www.aljazeera.com |access-date=29 November 2022 |archive-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129074959/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/19/tight-race-as-votes-counted-in-malaysias-in-general-election |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 November 2022, ] was sworn in as the 10th ], leading a ] government.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anwar Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysian PM after post-election deadlock |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63698901 |work=BBC News |date=24 November 2022 |access-date=29 November 2022 |archive-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128015222/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63698901 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Legislative power is divided between federal and state legislatures. The bicameral federal ] consists of the ], the ] and the ], the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parlimen.gov.my/index.php?modload=sites&action=innerpage&id=5&view=23&uweb=p&lang=en |title=Background |publisher=Parlimen Malaysia |date=3 June 2010 |accessdate=25 July 2011}}</ref> The 222-member House of Representatives is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies. All 70 senators sit for three-year terms; 26 are elected by the 13 state assemblies, and the remaining 44 are appointed by the King upon the Prime Minister's recommendation.<ref name="state.gov"/> The parliament follows a multi-party system and the government is elected through a ] system. Since independence Malaysia has been governed by a multi-party coalition known as the ].<ref name="state.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2777.htm |title=Malaysia |publisher=United States State Department |date=14 July 2010 |accessdate=14 September 2010}}</ref>


== Government and politics ==
Each state has a unicameral ] whose members are elected from single-member constituencies. State governments are led by ],<ref name="state.gov"/> who are state assembly members from the majority party in the assembly. In each of the states with a hereditary ruler, the Chief Minister is normally required to be a ], appointed by the ruler upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The management of secondary cities in southeast Asia|publisher = United Nations Centre for Human Settlements|year = 1996|page = 120|url = http://books.google.com/?id=P-3155j7FLkC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 92-1-131313-9}}</ref> Parliamentary ] are held at least once every five years, the most recent of which took place in March 2008.<ref name="state.gov"/> Registered voters of age 21 and above may vote for the members of the House of Representatives and, in most of the states, for the state legislative chamber. Voting is not mandatory.<ref>{{cite web
{{Main|Politics of Malaysia|Government of Malaysia}}
|url=http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2197.htm
], the building that houses the ]]]
|title= Malaysia (Dewan Rakyat)
Malaysia is a ] ] ]; the only federal country in Southeast Asia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/could-federalism-smooth-southeast-asia-s-rough-edges|title=Could Federalism Smooth Southeast Asia's Rough Edges?|agency=Stratfor|date=26 January 2018|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025080259/https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/could-federalism-smooth-southeast-asia-s-rough-edges|url-status=live}}</ref> The system of government is closely modelled on the ] parliamentary system, a legacy of ].<ref name="FITA">{{cite web |url=http://www.fita.org/countries/malaysia.html?ma_rubrique=cadre |title=Malaysia Information |publisher=Federation of International Trade Associations |access-date=27 October 2010 |archive-date=26 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226105342/http://www.fita.org/countries/malaysia.html?ma_rubrique=cadre |url-status=dead }}</ref> The head of state is the King, whose official title is the ]. The King is elected to a five-year term by and from among the nine hereditary ] of the ]. The other four states, which have titular ], do not participate in the selection. By informal agreement the position is rotated among the nine,<ref name="FITA" /> and has been held by ] since 31 January 2024. The King's role has been largely ceremonial since changes to the ] in ], picking ministers and members of the upper house.<ref name="dfat">{{cite web |url= http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/malaysia/malaysia_brief.html |title= Malaysia country brief |publisher= Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |date= February 2014 |access-date= 22 October 2014 |archive-date= 27 October 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141027035312/http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/malaysia/malaysia_brief.html |url-status= live }}</ref>
|publisher=Inter-Parliamentary Union
|date=29 September 2008
}}</ref> Except for state elections in Sarawak, by ] state elections are held concurrently with the federal election.<ref name="dfat"/>


Legislative power is divided between federal and state legislatures. The bicameral federal ] consists of the ], the ] and the ], the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parlimen.gov.my/index.php?modload=sites&id=5&view=23&uweb=p&lang=en |title=Background |publisher=Parlimen Malaysia |date=3 June 2010 |access-date=25 July 2011 |archive-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106053421/http://www.parlimen.gov.my/index.php?modload=sites&id=5&view=23&uweb=p&lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref> The 222-member House of Representatives is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies. All 70 senators sit for three-year terms; 26 are elected by the 13 state assemblies, and the remaining 44 are appointed by the King upon the Prime Minister's recommendation.<ref name="state.gov" /> The parliament follows a multi-party system and the government is elected through a ] system.<ref name="state.gov">{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2777.htm |title=Malaysia |publisher=United States State Department |date=14 July 2010 |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-date=24 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024160547/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2777.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=John W. Langford|author2=K. Lorne Brownsey|title=The Changing Shape of Government in the Asia-Pacific Region|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q-sti92Y7TkC&pg=PA101|year=1988|publisher=IRPP|isbn=978-0-88645-060-1|pages=101–}}</ref> Parliamentary ] are held at least once every five years.<ref name="state.gov" /> Before 2018, only registered voters aged 21 and above could vote for the members of the House of Representatives and, in most of the states, for the state legislative chamber. Voting is not mandatory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2197.htm|title=Malaysia (Dewan Rakyat)|publisher=Inter-Parliamentary Union|date=29 September 2008|access-date=29 September 2008|archive-date=5 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205034849/http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2197.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2019, a bill to lower the ] to 18 years old was officially passed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/16/federal-constitution-amended-to-lower-voting-age-to-18/|title=Dewan Rakyat passes Bill to amend Federal Constitution to lower voting age to 18|author1=Martin Carvalho|author2=Hemananthani Sivanandam|author3=Rahimy Rahim|author4=Tarrence Tan|work=The Star|date=16 July 2019|access-date=16 July 2019|archive-date=28 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928064607/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/16/federal-constitution-amended-to-lower-voting-age-to-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
], Prime Minister since 2009.]]
] houses the office of Malaysia's ].]]
] power is vested in the ], led by the ]. The prime minister must be a member of the house of representatives, who in the opinion of the King, commands a majority in parliament. The cabinet is chosen from members of both houses of Parliament.<ref name="state.gov"/> The Prime Minister is both the head of cabinet and the head of government.<ref name="dfat"/> The incumbent, ], appointed in 2009, is the sixth prime minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1malaysia.com.my/about/about-najib-razak/ |title=About Najib Razak |publisher=1Malaysia |accessdate=1 July 2011}}</ref>
] is vested in the ], led by the ]. The prime minister must be a member of the House of Representatives, who in the opinion of His Majesty the King, commands the support of a majority of members. The Cabinet is chosen from members of both houses of Parliament.<ref name="state.gov" /> The Prime Minister is both the ] and the ].<ref name="dfat" /> As a result of the ] Malaysia was governed by the ] (PH) ],<ref name="Opposition scores">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44036178 |title=Malaysia election: Opposition scores historic victory |work=BBC News |date=10 May 2018 |access-date=6 April 2019 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404171658/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44036178 |url-status=live }}</ref> although Prime Minister ] resigned amid a ] in 2020. In March 2020, the ] (PN) coalition formed under Prime Minister ],<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/29/istana-muhyiddin-to-be-sworn-in-as-pm |title=Palace: Muhyiddin to be sworn in as PM |work=The Star Online |date=29 February 2020 |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229121939/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/29/istana-muhyiddin-to-be-sworn-in-as-pm |url-status=live }}</ref> before Muhyiddin lost majority support and was replaced by deputy Prime Minister ], a veteran politician from the ] (UMNO), in August 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/21/ismail-sabri-sworn-in-as-ninth-prime-minister |title=Ismail Sabri sworn in as Malaysia's ninth Prime Minister |work=The Star |date=21 August 2021 |access-date=22 August 2021 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821173721/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/21/ismail-sabri-sworn-in-as-ninth-prime-minister |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/21/malaysias-ismail-sabri-yaakob-sworn-in-as-new-pm|title=Malaysia's Ismail Sabri Yaakob sworn in as new PM|access-date=25 August 2021|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201131632/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/21/malaysias-ismail-sabri-yaakob-sworn-in-as-new-pm|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of the ], a hung parliament was elected. ] of the PH coalition was appointed as the new Prime Minister to lead the coalition government of PH, ], ], ] and several other political parties and independents. Meanwhile, PN, the only political coalition not in the coalition government became the Opposition.


] is based on ].<ref name="state.gov"/> Although ] is theoretically independent, its independence has been called into question and the appointment of judges lacks accountability and transparency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icj.org/IMG/MALAYSIA.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/63ipMMsMN|archivedate=2011-12-06 |title=Attacks on Justice - Malaysia |publisher=International Commission of Jurists |accessdate=5 December 2011}}</ref> The highest court in the judicial system is the ], followed by the ] and two ], one for Peninsular Malaysia and one for East Malaysia. Malaysia also has a special court to hear cases brought by or against Royalty.<ref name="criminal court system">{{cite web|url=http://www.acclawyers.org/resources/malaysia/ |title=Malaysian criminal court system |publisher=Association of Commonwealth Criminal Lawyers |accessdate=15 December 2010}}</ref> Separate from the civil courts are the ]s, which apply ] to cases which involve Malaysian Muslims<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6703155.stm |title=Malaysia rejects Christian appeal |work=BBC News |date=30 May 2007 |accessdate=27 September 2010}}</ref> and run parallel to the secular court system.<ref>{{cite news|last=England |first=Vaudine |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10567857 |title=Malaysian groups welcome first Islamic women judges |work=BBC News |date=9 July 2010 |accessdate=27 September 2010}}</ref> The ] allows detention without trial, and the ] is in use for crimes such as ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/212428/13_05_31_DPP_Malaysia_report_FINAL_single_pages.pdf|title=The Death Penalty in Malaysia|publisher=]|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> ] is based on ].<ref name="state.gov" /> Although ] is theoretically independent, its independence has been called into question and the appointment of judges lacks accountability and transparency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icj.org/IMG/MALAYSIA.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119080422/http://www.icj.org/IMG/MALAYSIA.pdf |archive-date=19 January 2012 |title=Attacks on Justice Malaysia |publisher=International Commission of Jurists |access-date=5 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The highest court in the judicial system is the ], followed by the ] and two ], one for Peninsular Malaysia and one for East Malaysia. Malaysia also has a special court to hear cases brought by or against royalty.<ref name="criminal court system">{{cite web|url=http://www.acclawyers.org/resources/malaysia/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515090557/http://www.acclawyers.org/resources/malaysia/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=15 May 2011 |title=Malaysian criminal court system |publisher=Association of Commonwealth Criminal Lawyers |access-date=15 December 2010}}</ref>


Race is a significant force in politics, and many political parties are ethnically based.<ref name="state.gov"/> ]s such as the ]<ref name="New Economic Policy"/> and the ] which superseded it, were implemented to advance the standing of the ''bumiputera'', consisting of Malays and the indigenous tribes who are considered the original inhabitants of Malaysia, over non-''bumiputera'' such as Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237:dasar-ekonomi-baru-&catid=88:dasar-dasar-negara |title=Dasar Ekonomi Baru |publisher=Pusat Maklumat Rakyat |date=14 November 2008 |accessdate=21 November 2010}}</ref> These policies provide preferential treatment to ''bumiputera'' in employment, education, scholarships, business, and access to cheaper housing and assisted savings. However, it has generated greater interethnic resentment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unrisd.org/unrisd/website/document.nsf/(httpPublications)/A20E9AD6E5BA919780256B6D0057896B?OpenDocument |title=The New Economic Policy and Interethnic Relations in Malaysia |author=Jomo Kwame Sundaram |publisher=United Nations Research Institute for Social Development |date=1 September 2004 |issn=1020 8194 |accessdate=22 August 2011}}</ref> There is ongoing ] over whether the laws and society of Malaysia should reflect secular or Islamic principles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/world/asia/24malaysia.html |title=Once Muslim, Now Christian and Caught in the Courts |work=New York Times |last=Perlez |first=Jane |date=24 August 2006 |accessdate=22 August 2011}}</ref> Islamic laws passed by the ] in state legislative assemblies have been blocked by the federal government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.simonbaker.me/2/hi/asia-pacific/2116032.stm |title=Malaysian state passes Islamic law |work=BBC News |date=8 July 2002 |accessdate=27 November 2011}}</ref> ] is a significant force in politics.<ref name="state.gov" /> ] such as the ]<ref name="New Economic Policy" /> and the ] which superseded it, were implemented to advance the standing of the ''bumiputera'', consisting of Malays and the indigenous tribes who are considered the original inhabitants of Malaysia, over non-''bumiputera'' such as ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237:dasar-ekonomi-baru-&catid=88:dasar-dasar-negara |title=Dasar Ekonomi Baru |publisher=Pusat Maklumat Rakyat |date=14 November 2008 |access-date=21 November 2010 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304225325/http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php?catid=88:dasar-dasar-negara&id=237:dasar-ekonomi-baru-&option=com_content&view=article |url-status=live }}</ref> These policies provide preferential treatment to ''bumiputera'' in employment, education, scholarships, business, and access to cheaper housing and assisted savings. However, it has generated greater interethnic resentment.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.unrisd.org/unrisd/website/document.nsf/(httpPublications)/A20E9AD6E5BA919780256B6D0057896B?OpenDocument |title=The New Economic Policy and Interethnic Relations in Malaysia |author=Sundaram, Jomo Kwame |journal=Unrisd Programme Papers on Identities, Conflict and Cohesion |publisher=United Nations Research Institute for Social Development |date=1 September 2004 |issn=1020-8194 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=10 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810162356/http://www.unrisd.org/unrisd/website/document.nsf/(httpPublications)/A20E9AD6E5BA919780256B6D0057896B?OpenDocument |url-status=live }}</ref> There is ongoing ] over whether the laws and society of Malaysia should reflect ] or ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/world/asia/24malaysia.html |title=Once Muslim, Now Christian and Caught in the Courts |work=The New York Times |last=Perlez |first=Jane |date=24 August 2006 |access-date=22 August 2011 |archive-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715193225/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/world/asia/24malaysia.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Islamic criminal laws passed by the ] with the support of UMNO state assemblymen in the state legislative assembly of Kelantan have been unenforced by the federal government on the basis that criminal laws are the responsibility of the federal government.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.simonbaker.me/2/hi/asia-pacific/2116032.stm |title=Malaysian state passes Islamic law |work=BBC News |date=8 July 2002 |access-date=27 November 2011 |archive-date=31 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031210415/http://www.simonbaker.me/2/hi/asia-pacific/2116032.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/23/Kelantans-passing-of-hudud-amendments-void/ |title=Kelantan's passing of hudud amendments void |newspaper=The Star |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=23 March 2015 |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-date=26 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326030330/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/03/23/Kelantans-passing-of-hudud-amendments-void/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/bn-wont-declare-hudud-support-but-individual-members-can-chief-whip-says |title=BN won't declare hudud support, but individual members can, chief whip says |newspaper=Malay Mail |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=31 March 2015 |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403021312/http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/bn-wont-declare-hudud-support-but-individual-members-can-chief-whip-says |url-status=live }}</ref>


After UMNO lost power at the ], Malaysia's ranking increased by 9 places in the 2019 ] to 43rd compared to the previous year and is classified as a 'flawed democracy'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=democracyindex2019|title=Democracy Index 2019 A year of democratic setbacks and popular protest|website=]|url-access=registration|access-date=27 October 2020|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213043744/https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=democracyindex2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Malaysia's ranking in the 2020 ] increased by 22 places to 101st compared to the previous year, making it one of two countries in Southeast Asia without a 'Difficult situation' or 'Very Serious situation' with regards to press freedom.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rsf.org/en/ranking/2020 |title=2020 World Press Freedom Index |work=Reporters Without Borders |year=2020 |access-date=27 October 2020 |archive-date=23 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423104703/https://rsf.org/en/ranking/2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, it fell 18 places the following year due to the policies of the PN government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Malaysia : Back to harassment, intimidation and censorship {{!}} Reporters without borders|url=https://rsf.org/en/malaysia|access-date=26 July 2021|website=RSF|language=en|archive-date=24 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124091549/https://rsf.org/en/malaysia|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Foreign relations and military==
{{Main|Foreign relations of Malaysia|Malaysian Armed Forces}}
{{wide image|KotaKinabalu Sabah TelukSapanggar-RoyalNavy-01.jpg|750px|<center>] harbour at ] in ]}}
A founding member of the ] (ASEAN)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asean.org/64.htm |title=Overview |publisher=Association of Southeast Asian Nations |accessdate=8 November 2007}}</ref> and the ] (OIC),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/division-multilateral-oic-d8 |title=Islamic Affairs (OIC) and D8 Division |publisher=Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |accessdate=12 November 2010}}</ref> the country participates in many international organisations such as the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/members/list.shtml |title=List of Member States |publisher=United Nations |accessdate=8 November 2007}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apec.org/en/About-Us/About-APEC/Member-Economies.aspx|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20101201151002/http://www.apec.org/en/About-Us/About-APEC/Member-Economies.aspx |archivedate=1 December 2010 |title=Member Economies|publisher=Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation |accessdate=10 June 2011}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.developing8.org/Membermalaysia.aspx|title=Malaysia|publisher=Developing 8 Countries|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> and the ] (NAM).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nam.gov.za/background/members.htm |title=The Non-Aligned Movement: Member States |publisher=Non-Aligned Movement |accessdate=5 September 2010}}</ref> It has chaired ASEAN, the OIC, and the NAM in the past.<ref name="state.gov"/> A former British colony, it is also a member of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/142227/members/ |title=Member States |publisher=Commonwealth Secretariat |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> Kuala Lumpur was the site of the first ] in 2005.<ref name="govtnz">{{cite web|url=http://www.asean.fta.govt.nz/malaysia-foreign-relations |title=Malaysia Foreign Relations |publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade |date=4 December 2008 |accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref>


Malaysia is marked at 48th and 62nd place according to the 2021 ], indicating above average levels of ]. ] noted Malaysia as "partly free" in its 2018 survey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-trafficking/malaysia-considers-amending-human-trafficking-law-after-u-s-report-idUSKBN1JQ04Y|title=Malaysia considers amending human trafficking law after U.S. report|date=29 June 2018|website=Reuters|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407142237/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-trafficking/malaysia-considers-amending-human-trafficking-law-after-u-s-report-idUSKBN1JQ04Y|url-status=live}}</ref> A lawsuit filed by the ] alleged that at least $3.5 billion involving former prime minister ] had been stolen from Malaysia's ] state-owned fund, known as the ].<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/1mdb-inside-story-worlds-biggest-financial-scandal-malaysia|title=1MDB: The inside story of the world's biggest financial scandal|work=The Guardian|date=28 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111085317/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/1mdb-inside-story-worlds-biggest-financial-scandal-malaysia|archive-date=11 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=1MDB: The playboys, PMs and partygoers around a global financial scandal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46341603 |work=BBC News |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=15 September 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721081321/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46341603 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The bizarre story of 1MDB, the Goldman Sachs-backed Malaysian fund that turned into one of the biggest scandals in financial history |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/1mdb-timeline-the-goldman-sachs-backed-malaysian-wealth-fund-2018-12 |work=Business Insider |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=15 September 2020 |archive-date=17 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117032748/https://www.businessinsider.com/1mdb-timeline-the-goldman-sachs-backed-malaysian-wealth-fund-2018-12 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{double image|left|Royal Malaysian Air Force 005 crop.jpg|190|Scorpene Tunku Abdul Rahman.jpg|190|The ] ] & Aermacchi ]|Royal Malaysian Navy's first ]}}
Malaysia's foreign policy is officially based on the principle of neutrality and maintaining peaceful relations with all countries, regardless of their political system.<ref name="kln">{{cite web| url = http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/foreign_policy | title = Malaysia's Foreign Policy | accessdate =21 September 2010 | work = ]}}</ref> The government attaches a high priority to the security and stability of ],<ref name="govtnz"/> and seeks to further develop relations with other countries in the region. Historically the government has tried to portray Malaysia as a progressive Islamic nation<ref name="kln"/> while strengthening relations with other Islamic states.<ref name="govtnz"/> A strong tenet of Malaysia's policy is national sovereignty and the right of a country to control its domestic affairs.<ref name="dfat"/>


=== Administrative divisions ===
The policy towards territorial disputes by the government is one of pragmatism, with the government solving disputes in a number of ways, such as bringing the case to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academicjournals.org/jlcr/abstracts/abstracts/abstract2009/Oct/Salleh%20et%20al.htm |title=Malaysia’s policy towards its 1963–2008 territorial disputes |publisher=Academic Journals |date=7 September 2009 |accessdate=1 October 2010 |archiveurl=http://psasir.upm.edu.my/15525/ |archivedate=17 October 2013 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> The ] are disputed by many states in the area, although tensions have eased since the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Brunei and Malaysia in 2008 announced an end to claims of each other's land, and to resolve issues related to their maritime borders. The Philippines has a dormant ]. Singapore's land reclamation has caused tensions, and maritime border disputes exist with Indonesia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2070.html |title=Disputed&nbsp;– International |publisher=CIA |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref>
{{Main|States and federal territories of Malaysia|Local government in Malaysia}}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto;"
|{{Malaysia Labelled Map}}
|}
Malaysia is a ] of 13 states and three federal territories.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Opinion/Online-Exclusive/A-Humble-Submission/Profile/Articles/2015/11/02/understanding-federation-malaysia/ |title=Understanding the Federation of Malaysia |newspaper=The Star |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=2 November 2015 |access-date=3 November 2015 |archive-date=5 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105113420/http://www.thestar.com.my/Opinion/Online-Exclusive/A-Humble-Submission/Profile/Articles/2015/11/02/understanding-federation-malaysia/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Out of these, eleven states and two federal territories are in ], whereas the other two states and one federal territory comprise ].


The country has three tiers of government {{En dash}} ], ] and local.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |year=2018 |title=The Local Government System in Malaysia |url=https://www.clgf.org.uk/default/assets/File/Country_profiles/Malaysia.pdf |journal=]}}</ref> Governance of the states is divided between the federal and the state governments, with different powers reserved for each, and the federal government has direct administration of the federal territories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/StateGovAndFederalTerritories/Pages/StateGovAndFederalTerritories.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222231636/http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/StateGovAndFederalTerritories/Pages/StateGovAndFederalTerritories.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2014|title=Federal Territories and State Governments|publisher=Malaysian government|access-date=15 October 2013}}</ref> Each state has a unicameral ] whose members are elected from single-member constituencies. State governments are led by ],<ref name="state.gov" /> who are state assembly members from the majority party in the assembly. In each of the states with a hereditary ruler, the Chief Minister is normally required to be a ], appointed by the ruler upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The management of secondary cities in southeast Asia|publisher = United Nations Centre for Human Settlements|year = 1996|page = 120|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=P-3155j7FLkC |isbn=978-92-1-131313-0}}</ref> Until ], state elections were held concurrently with the federal election by ], except for those in ].<ref name="dfat" /> Following the ], only ], ] and ] opted to conduct their state elections simultaneously with the federal elections.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hutchinson |first=Francis E. |date=2024-05-15 |title=Malaysia’s Out-of-Sync Federal and State Elections: The Good, the Bad, and the Untimely |url=https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/iseas-perspective/2024-34-malaysias-out-of-sync-federal-and-state-elections-the-good-the-bad-and-the-untimely-by-francis-e-hutchinson/ |journal=] |language=en-US |volume=2024 |issue=34}}</ref>
] soldier during a ] with ]]]
Malaysia has never recognised ] and has no diplomatic ties with it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jcpa.org/JCPA/Templates/ShowPage.asp?DRIT=3&DBID=1&LNGID=1&TMID=111&FID=624&PID=0&IID=1639&TTL=Malaysia:_Anti-Semitism_without_Jews |title=Malaysia: Anti-Semitism without Jews |publisher=Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs |accessdate=5 September 2010}}</ref> It has remained a strong supporter of the ],<ref name="nst">{{cite news|url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/MalaysiacanbeMuslim_thoughtleader_--Clinton/Article/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110622053918/http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/MalaysiacanbeMuslim_thoughtleader_--Clinton/Article/ |archivedate=22 June 2011 |title=Malaysia can be Muslim 'thought leader'&nbsp;– Clinton |work=New Straits Times |accessdate=15 November 2010}}</ref> and has called for Israel to be taken to the ] over the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/7/nation/20100607121340&sec=nation|title=Malaysia wants Israel referred to International Criminal Court (Updated)|author=Lee Yuk Peng|work=The Star|date=7 June 2010|accessdate=21 May 2011|archiveurl=http://archive.is/4QZg|archivedate=17 July 2012|deadurl=yes}}</ref> Malaysian peacekeeping forces are present in ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/analisis/1054/1054_Ayala_Peacekeeping_Lebanon.pdf|title=Peacekeeping in Lebanon: A Necessary but Insufficient Risk|quote=Bangladesh has offered 1,500; Indonesia, 1,000; Malaysia, 1,000; and Nepal, 850. Israel is reluctant to accept the first three because they are Muslim countries that have not formally recognised the Jewish state, making their participation uncertain.|publisher=Real Instituto Elcano|date=10 April 2006|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> and have contributed to many other UN peacekeeping missions.<ref name="state.gov"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.un.int/malaysia/GA/67/2013-02-12%20Protection%20of%20Civilians.pdf|title=Malaysia - Permanent Missions to the United Nations|publisher=United Nations|date=12 February 2013|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref>


Positioned below the federal and state governments, ] represent the lowest tier of governance in Malaysia.<ref name=":1" /> {{As of|2024}}, Malaysia is divided between 19 cities, 40 municipalities, 91 district-level councils and four statutory agencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senarai PBT |trans-title=List of local governments |url=https://jkt.kpkt.gov.my/data-pbt-senarai_pbt/ |access-date=22 Dec 2024 |website=] |language=ms}}</ref> While the federal constitution assigns local authorities to the exclusive jurisdiction of state governments,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lib.kedah.uitm.edu.my/psblibrary/notes/am110/layout/subject%20material/handouts/dpa/PAD%20320/h1.pdf |title=Introduction to local government in Malaysia |publisher=Universiti Teknologi Mara |access-date=19 February 2014 |archive-date=28 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328212349/http://lib.kedah.uitm.edu.my/psblibrary/notes/am110/layout/subject%20material/handouts/dpa/PAD%20320/h1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> in practice, the ] oversees the regulation of local laws and policies.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/journals/index.php/cjlg/article/viewFile/759/1032 |title=Decentralisation or recentralisation? Trends in local government in Malaysia |author=Nooi, Phang Siew |publisher=Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance |date=May 2008 |access-date=19 February 2014 |archive-date=9 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909145130/http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/journals/index.php/cjlg/article/viewFile/759/1032 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] (or presidents for municipal and district councils) and ] are appointed by the respective state governments, or in the case of the federal territories, by the federal government.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |year=2023 |title=Rujukan Ringkas Mengenai Dasar-Dasar Berkaitan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan Edisi 2023 |trans-title=Summary on Local Government Policies 2023 Edition |url=https://jktgateway.kpkt.gov.my/downloads/29052023_RUJUKAN_RINGKAS_MENGENAI_DASAR_DASAR_BERKAITAN_PBT.pdf |journal=] |language=MS |page=20}}</ref>
The ] have three branches, the ], the ], and the ]. There is no conscription, and the required age for voluntary military service is 18. The military uses 1.9 per cent of the country's GDP, and employs 1.23 per cent of Malaysia's manpower.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/my-malaysia/mil-military&all=1 |title=Malaysian Military statistics |publisher=NationMaster |accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref> Currently, Malaysia is undergoing major program to expand and modernize all three branches of its armed forces.


Federal laws assign land matters, including the delineation of ], to the purview of state governments.<ref>{{Cite journal |year=2020 |title=National Land Code |url=https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mal5145.pdf |journal=] |page=54 |via=]}}</ref> With the exception of Perlis and the federal territories, each state is divided into districts, which are further subdivided into ]. In ] and Sarawak, districts are grouped into divisions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statoids.com/ymy.html |title=Malaysia Districts |publisher=Statoids |access-date=3 November 2010 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201132451/http://www.statoids.com/ymy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In contrast to local governments that manage municipal administration and infrastructure development,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=E. |first=Lo Vullo |last2=Ho |first2=C. S. |last3=Chau |first3=L. W. |last4=F. |first4=Monforti |last5=V. |first5=Palermo |last6=S. |first6=Rivas |last7=P. |first7=Bertoldi |year=2022 |title=How to Develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in Southeast Asia-Malaysia |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360823096_Guidebook_How_to_develop_a_Climate_Action_Plan_CAP_in_Southeast_Asia-Malaysia_A_Practical_Guide_for_Malaysian_Local_Governments |journal=] |page=6 |isbn=978-92-76-52424-3 |via=]}}</ref> districts are solely utilised for land taxation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Adnan |first=M. Z. |last2=Suratman |first2=R. Suratman |last3=Samsudin |first3=S. |year=2019 |title=Key Geographical Features on Malaysia’s Land Tax System: A Comparison Study in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia |url=https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/683/1/012095/pdf |journal=International Geography Seminar 2019 |issue=683 |page=2 |via=]}}</ref>
The ] is a regional security initiative which has been in place for almost 40 years. It involves joint military exercises held among Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/38249 |title=Australia says major military exercise underway in Malaysia |work=My Sinchew |date=26 April 2010 |accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref> Joint exercises and war games have been held with Indonesia for years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1284390436/indonesia-malaysia-military-exercises-must-continue-defence-minister |title=Indonesia-Malaysia military exercises must continue&nbsp;– defence minister |work=ANTARA News |date=13 September 2010 |accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref> Malaysia and the Philippines have agreed to host joint security force exercises in order to secure their maritime border and tackle issues such as illegal immigration.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/43096 |title=Malaysia, Philippines committed to enhancing border security |work=My Sinchew |date=9 August 2010 |accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref> There are fears that unrest in the Muslim areas of the southern ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Pike |first=John |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/01/mil-100120-voa05.htm |title=Malaysia Intensifies Border Security Following US Warnings |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org |accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref> and southern ]<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kent |first=Jonathan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3666607.stm |title=Malaysia ups Thai border security |work=BBC News |date=28 April 2004 |accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref> could spill over into Malaysia.


The 13 states are based on historical Malay kingdoms, and 9 of the 11 Peninsular states, known as the ], retain their royal families. The King is elected by and from ] to serve a five-year term.<ref name="state.gov" /> This King appoints governors serving a four-year term for the states without monarchies, after consultations with the chief minister of that state. Each state has its own written constitution.<ref name="Lim Hong Hai">{{cite web |url=http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/iez/01361005.pdf |title=Electoral Politics in Malaysia: 'Managing' Elections in a Plural Society |author=Hai, Lim Hong |access-date=19 February 2014 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190212/http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/iez/01361005.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Sabah and Sarawak have considerably more autonomy than the other states, most notably having separate immigration policies and controls, and a unique residency status.<ref>{{cite book|author=Hannum, Hurst |title=Basic Documents on Autonomy and Minority Rights|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_oV3pKJfnvcC&pg=PA342|year=1993 |publisher=Martinus Nijhoff |isbn=978-0-7923-1977-1 |pages=342–}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Lockard, Craig A. |title=Sabah and Sarawak: The Politics of Development and Federalism. Kajian Malaysia, Special Issue. Edited by Francis Loh Kok Wah. Penang: Universiti Sains Malaysia, 1997. Pp. 236.|journal=]|volume=31|issue=1|date=March 2000|pages=210–213|doi=10.1017/S0022463400016192|s2cid=154586268}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/09/16/an-agreement-forged-and-forgotten/ |title=An agreement forged and forgotten |last1=Bong |first1=Karen |last2=Pilo |first2=Wilfred |name-list-style=amp |work=The Borneo Post |location=Kuching |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=3 July 2014 |archive-date=2 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102042307/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/09/16/an-agreement-forged-and-forgotten/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Federal intervention in state affairs, lack of development, and disputes over oil ] have occasionally led to statements about ] from leaders in several states such as ], ], ], Sabah and Sarawak, although these have not been followed up and no serious independence movements exist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://penangmonthly.com/article.aspx?pageid=2370&name=penang_the_rebel_state_part_one|title=Penang: The Rebel State (Part One)|last=Koay|first=Su Lin|website=Penang Monthly|date=September 2016|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034025/http://penangmonthly.com/article.aspx?pageid=2370&name=penang_the_rebel_state_part_one|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.academia.edu/2954857 |title=Politics of Federal Intervention in Malaysia, with reference to Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah |first=James |last=Chin |journal=Journal of Commonwealth and Comparative Politics |volume=35 |pages=96–120 |year=1997 |access-date=3 November 2015 |doi=10.1080/14662049708447747 |archive-date=9 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809133946/https://www.academia.edu/2954857 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/could-federation-malaysia-really-come-apart-76926|title=Could the Federation of Malaysia really come apart?|author=Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli|publisher=]|date=18 October 2015|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-date=27 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027202437/http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/could-federation-malaysia-really-come-apart-76926|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/will-things-fall-apart-malaysian-federation? |title=Will things fall apart in the Malaysian federation? |newspaper=Today |location=Singapore |date=3 November 2015 |access-date=3 November 2015 |archive-date=6 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106024352/http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/will-things-fall-apart-malaysian-federation |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Subdivisions==
{{Main|States and federal territories of Malaysia|Districts of Malaysia}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right;"
|{{Malaysia Labelled Map}}
|}
Malaysia is a ] of 13 states and three federal territories. These are divided between two regions, with 11 states and two federal territories on ] and the other two states and one federal territory in ]. Governance of the states is divided between the federal and the state governments, and the Federal government has direct administration of the federal territories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/StateGovAndFederalTerritories/Pages/StateGovAndFederalTerritories.aspx|title=Federal Territories and State Governments|publisher=Malaysian government|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref>


;States
The 13 states are based on historical Malay kingdoms, and 9 of the 11 Peninsular states, known as the ], retain their royal families. The King is elected by and from ] to serve a five-year term.<ref name="state.gov"/> Each state has a unicameral legislature known as the ]. Each state is further divided into ], which are then divided into ]. In ] and ] districts are grouped into divisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statoids.com/ymy.html |title=Malaysia Districts |publisher=Statoids |accessdate=3 November 2010}}</ref> Sabah and Sarawak have considerably more autonomy than the other states, most notably having separate immigration policies and controls, and a unique residency status.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=72917 |title=NRD: 'H' indicates holder is a Sabahan |work=Daily Express |date=5 June 2010 |accessdate=14 September 2010}}</ref>
A list of thirteen states and each state capital (in parentheses):
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
# {{flagicon|Johor}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Kedah}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Kelantan}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Melaka}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Negeri Sembilan}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Pahang}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Penang}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Perak}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Perlis}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Selangor}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Sabah}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Sarawak}} ] (])
# {{flagicon|Terengganu}} ] (])
{{div col end}}


;Federal territories
==Geography==
# {{flagicon|Kuala Lumpur}} ]
{{Main|Geography of Malaysia}}
# {{flagicon|Labuan}} ] (])
] connects Malaysia and Singapore across the ], in the background is ].]]
# {{flagicon|Putrajaya}} ]
Malaysia is the ], with a land area of {{convert|329847|km2|abbr=on}}. It has land ] with ] in West Malaysia, and ] and ] in East Malaysia.<ref name="CIA Fact Book">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html |title=Malaysia |publisher=CIA |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> It is linked to ] by a narrow causeway and a bridge. The country also has ] with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugm.ac.id/en/?q=news/to-reduce-conflicts-indonesia-and-malaysia-should-meet-intensively |title=To Reduce Conflicts, Indonesia and Malaysia Should Meet Intensively |publisher=Universitas Gadjah Mada |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> and the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Prescott|first = John Robert Victor|last2 = Schofield|first2 = Clive H|title = Undelimited maritime boundaries of the Asian Rim in the Pacific Ocean|publisher = International Boundaries Research Unit|year = 2001|page = 53|url = http://books.google.com/?id=-RT2lGdMZucC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|isbn = 1-897643-43-8}}</ref> The land borders are defined in large part by geological features such as the ], the ] and the Pagalayan Canal, whilst some of the maritime boundaries are the subject of ongoing contention.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> Brunei forms what is almost an enclave in Malaysia,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bx.html |title=Brunei |publisher=CIA |accessdate=13 September 2011}}</ref> with the state of Sarawak dividing it into two parts. Malaysia is the only country with territory on both the Asian mainland and the Malay archipelago.<ref name="Marshall"/> ], located in the southern state of ], is the southernmost tip of continental Asia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nst.com.my/Weekly/Travel/article/TravelTips/20050718145301/Article/index_html |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070703124222/http://www.nst.com.my/Weekly/Travel/article/TravelTips/20050718145301/Article/index_html |author=Leow Cheah Wei |archivedate=3 July 2007 |title=Travel Times |work=New Straits Times |date=3 July 2007 |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> The ], lying between ] and Peninsular Malaysia, is one of the most important thoroughfares in global commerce, carrying 40 per cent of the world's trade.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schuman |first=Michael |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1893032,00.html |title=Waterway To the World&nbsp;– Summer Journey |work=Time magazine |date=22 April 2009 |accessdate=16 August 2011}}</ref>


=== Foreign relations and military ===
], the country feature a numerous islands with other islands mainly concentrated in ] on the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/04/12/all-182-unnamed-sabah-islands-given-names/|title=All 182 unnamed Sabah islands given names|publisher=]|author=Murib Morpi|date=12 April 2011|accessdate=14 September 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/yAtA5|archivedate=31 October 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref>]]
{{Main|Foreign relations of Malaysia|Malaysian Armed Forces}}
The two parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the ], share a largely similar landscape in that both ] and ] feature coastal plains rising to hills and mountains.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> Peninsular Malaysia, containing 40 per cent of Malaysia's land area,<ref name="Marshall"/> extends {{convert|740|km|abbr=on}} from north to south, and its maximum width is {{convert|322|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Swee-Hock">{{Cite book|last = Saw|first = Swee-Hock|title = The population of Peninsular Malaysia|publisher = Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|year = 2007|pages = 1–2|url = http://books.google.com/?id=e4Yp2QJNVWgC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 978-981-230-730-9}}</ref> It is divided between its east and west coasts by the ],<ref>{{Cite book|last = Stevens|first = Alan M.|title = Kamus Lengkap Indonesia Inggris|publisher = Ohio University Press|year = 2004|page = 89|url = http://books.google.com/?id=cF97F--suNAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 979-433-387-5}}</ref> part of a series of mountain ranges running down the centre of the peninsula.<ref name="Marshall"/> These mountains are heavily forested,<ref name="Britannica"/> and mainly composed of ] and other igneous rocks. Much of it has been eroded, creating a ] landscape.<ref name="Marshall"/> The range is the origin of some of Peninsular Malaysia's river systems.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358619/Main-Range |title=Main Range (mountains, Malaysia) |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref> The coastal plains surrounding the peninsula reach a maximum width of {{convert|50|km|mi|0}}, and the peninsula's coastline is nearly {{convert|1931|km|abbr=on}} long, although harbours are only available on the western side.<ref name="Swee-Hock"/>
] meeting with US Secretary of State ] at ] (ASEAN)-related meetings in ], Laos, 2024]]
A founding member of ASEAN<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asean.org/64.htm |title=Overview |publisher=Association of Southeast Asian Nations |access-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109233326/http://www.asean.org/64.htm |archive-date=9 January 2008 }}</ref> and OIC,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/division-multilateral-oic-d8 |title=Islamic Affairs (OIC) and D8 Division |publisher=Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |access-date=12 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309064902/http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/division-multilateral-oic-d8 |archive-date=9 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the country participates in many international organisations such as the ] (U.N.),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/members/list.shtml |title=List of Member States |publisher=United Nations |access-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024134907/http://www.un.org/members/list.shtml |archive-date=24 October 2007 }}</ref> APEC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apec.org/en/About-Us/About-APEC/Member-Economies.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201151002/http://www.apec.org/en/About-Us/About-APEC/Member-Economies.aspx |archive-date=1 December 2010 |title=Member Economies|publisher=Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation |access-date=10 June 2011}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.developing8.org/Membermalaysia.aspx|title=Malaysia|publisher=Developing 8 Countries|access-date=15 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630135700/http://www.developing8.org/Membermalaysia.aspx|archive-date=30 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and NAM.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nam.gov.za/background/members.htm |title=The Non-Aligned Movement: Member States |publisher=Non-Aligned Movement |access-date=5 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209233514/http://www.nam.gov.za/background/members.htm |archive-date=9 December 2010 }}</ref> It has chaired ASEAN, OIC, and NAM in the past.<ref name="state.gov" /> A former British colony, it is also a member of the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/142227/members/ |title=Member States |publisher=Commonwealth Secretariat |access-date=26 October 2010 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225120634/http://www.thecommonwealth.org/member-countries |url-status=live }}</ref> Kuala Lumpur was the site of the first EAS in 2005.<ref name="govtnz">{{cite web|url=http://www.asean.fta.govt.nz/malaysia-foreign-relations |title=Malaysia Foreign Relations |publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade |date=4 December 2008 |access-date=18 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526030946/http://www.asean.fta.govt.nz/malaysia-foreign-relations/ |archive-date=26 May 2010 }}</ref>


Malaysia's foreign policy is officially based on the principle of neutrality and maintaining peaceful relations with all countries, regardless of their political system.<ref name="kln">{{cite web |url= http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/foreign_policy |title= Malaysia's Foreign Policy |access-date= 21 September 2010 |publisher= ] |archive-date= 4 July 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180704114645/http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/foreign_policy |url-status= live }}</ref> The government attaches a high priority to the security and stability of Southeast Asia,<ref name="govtnz" /> and seeks to further develop relations with other countries in the region. Historically the government has tried to portray Malaysia as a progressive Islamic nation<ref name="kln" /> while strengthening relations with other Islamic states.<ref name="govtnz" /> A strong tenet of Malaysia's policy is national sovereignty and the right of a country to control its domestic affairs.<ref name="dfat" /> Malaysia signed the U.N. treaty on the ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVI-9&chapter=26&clang=_en |title=Chapter XXVI: Disarmament&nbsp;– No. 9 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons |publisher=United Nations Treaty Collection |date=7 July 2017 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806220546/https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVI-9&chapter=26&clang=_en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Japan should support nuclear ban treaty, says Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/08/07/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-support-nuclear-ban-treaty-says-malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad/#.XVat-XszWUk |work=The Japan Times |date=7 August 2019 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409090214/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/08/07/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-support-nuclear-ban-treaty-says-malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad/#.XVat-XszWUk |url-status=live }}</ref>
] where ] situated.]]
East Malaysia, on the island of ], has a coastline of {{convert|2607|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> It is divided between coastal regions, hills and valleys, and a mountainous interior.<ref name="Marshall"/> The ] extends northwards from Sarawak,<ref name="Marshall"/> dividing the state of Sabah. It is the location of the {{convert|4095.2|m|adj=on|abbr=on}} high ],<ref>{{Cite book|last = Richmond|first = Simon|title = Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei|publisher = Lonely Planet|year =2010|page = 366|url = http://books.google.com/?id=VMKOuzRxOJsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 978-1-74104-887-2 }}</ref> the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Mount Kinabalu is protected as the ], a UNESCO ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/mount-kinabalu.htm |title=Mount Kinabalu&nbsp;– revered abode of the dead |publisher=Ecology Asia |accessdate=17 September 2010}}</ref> The highest mountain ranges form the border between Malaysia and Indonesia. Sarawak contains the ], the largest cave system in the world.<ref name="Marshall"/>


] with Malaysian soldiers during the ] (Exercise CARAT) in 2012]]
Around these two halves of Malaysia are ], the largest of which is ].<ref>{{cite journal|author=T. Daw|title=Reef Fish Aggregations in Sabah, East Malaysia|url=http://scrfa.org/images/stories/pdf/scrfa/daw_e.malaysia.pdf|date=April 2004|publisher=Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations|series=Western Pacific Fisher Survey series|volume=5|page=17}}</ref> The local climate is ] and characterised by the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) ]s.<ref name="Swee-Hock"/> The temperature is moderated by the presence of the surrounding oceans.<ref name="Marshall"/> Humidity is usually high, and the average annual rainfall is {{convert|250|cm|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Swee-Hock"/> The climates of the Peninsula and the East differ, as the climate on the peninsula is directly affected by wind from the mainland, as opposed to the more maritime weather of the East. Local climates can be divided into three regions, highland, lowland, and coastal. ] is likely to affect sea levels and rainfall, increasing flood risks and leading to droughts.<ref name="Marshall"/>
The ] are disputed by many states in the area, and ] is claimed by ]. Unlike its neighbours of ] and the ], Malaysia historically avoided conflicts with China.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/06/25/1338864/why-malaysia-unlike-philippines-keeps-quiet-sea-row |title=Why Malaysia, unlike Philippines, keeps quiet on sea row |last=Diola |first=Camille |work=] |date=25 June 2014 |access-date=25 June 2014 |archive-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627165932/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/06/25/1338864/why-malaysia-unlike-philippines-keeps-quiet-sea-row |url-status=live }}</ref> However, after the encroachment of Chinese ships in Malaysian territorial waters,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/09/27/presence-of-china-coast-guard-ship-at-luconia-shoals-spooks-local-fishermen/ |title=Presence of China Coast Guard ship at Luconia Shoals spooks local fishermen |newspaper=The Borneo Post |location=Kuching |date=27 September 2015 |access-date=28 September 2015 |archive-date=29 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929005731/http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/09/27/presence-of-china-coast-guard-ship-at-luconia-shoals-spooks-local-fishermen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and breach of airspace by their military aircraft, Malaysia has become active in condemning China.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/08/15/malaysia-lodges-diplomatic-protest-against-intrusion-at-beting-patinggi-ali/ |title=Malaysia lodges diplomatic protest against intrusion at Beting Patinggi Ali |agency=Bernama |work=The Rakyat Post |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=16 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929024442/http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/08/15/malaysia-lodges-diplomatic-protest-against-intrusion-at-beting-patinggi-ali/ |archive-date=29 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-slams-china-s/2200744.html |title=Malaysia slams China's 'provocation' in South China Sea |first1=Ben |last1=Blanchard |first2=Richard |last2=Pullin |agency=Reuters |work=Channel News Asia |date=18 October 2015 |access-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151019120244/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-slams-china-s/2200744.html |archive-date=19 October 2015 }}</ref> Brunei and Malaysia in 2009 announced an end to claims of each other's land, and committed to resolve issues related to their maritime borders.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brunei drops all claims to Limbang |url= http://www.bt.com.bn/home_news/2009/03/17/brunei_drops_all_claims_to_limbang |last=Masli |first=Ubaidillah |work=] |date=17 March 2009 |access-date=23 August 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140712162447/http://www.bt.com.bn/home_news/2009/03/17/brunei_drops_all_claims_to_limbang |archive-date=12 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Philippines has a ] to the eastern part of Sabah.<ref name="MYIDPHSG">{{cite web|last=Mohamad |first=Kadir |year=2009 |title=Malaysia's territorial disputes – two cases at the ICJ: Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore), Ligitan and Sipadan (Malaysia/Indonesia/Philippines) |url=http://www.idfr.gov.my/images/stories/publication/2009/inside_pbp.pdf |publisher=Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia |quote=Map of British North Borneo, highlighting in yellow colour the area covered by the Philippine claim, presented to the Court by the Philippines during the Oral Hearings at the ICJ on 25 June 2001 |page=46 |access-date=16 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516042053/http://www.idfr.gov.my/images/stories/publication/2009/inside_pbp.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Singapore's land reclamation has caused tensions,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2070.html |title=Disputed&nbsp;– International |publisher=CIA |access-date=26 October 2010 |archive-date=14 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014013059/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2070.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and minor maritime and land border disputes exist with Indonesia.<ref name="MYIDPHSG" /><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=103802 |title=Border disputes differ for Indonesia, M'sia |newspaper= ] |location= Kota Kinabalu |date=16 October 2015 |access-date=19 October 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151019135525/http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=103802 |archive-date=19 October 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


] of RMAF]]
==Biodiversity==
{{Main|Wildlife of Malaysia}}
] in Borneo, has been declared by ] as the official mascot for "Visit Malaysia 2014".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/10/25/Endangered-proboscis-monkey-is-official-mascot-for-Visit-Malaysia-Year-2014.aspx|title=Endangered proboscis monkey is official mascot for Visit Malaysia Year 2014|author=P. Aruna|publisher=The Star|date=25 October 2013|accessdate=31 October 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/wbHFO|archivedate=31 October 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref>]]
Malaysia signed the Rio ] on 12 June 1993, and became a party to the convention on 24 June 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbd.int/convention/parties/list/ |title=List of Parties |date=|accessdate=9 December 2012}}</ref> It has subsequently produced a ], which was received by the convention on 16 April 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arbec.com.my/NBP.pdf|title=Malaysia's National Policy on Biological Diversity|date=|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> The country is ] with a high number of species and high levels of ].<ref name="megadiverse">{{cite web|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/biodiversity/biodiversity01-3.html|title=Biodiversity Theme Report |publisher=Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts |year=2001 |accessdate=24 January 2009}}</ref> It is estimated to contain 20&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of the world's animal species.<ref name="Alexander">{{Cite book|last = Alexander|first = James|title = Malaysia Brunei & Singapore|publisher = New Holland Publishers|year = 2006|pages = 46–50|url = http://books.google.com/?id=KXaX4tUEOOsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 1-86011-309-5}}</ref> High levels of endemism are found on the diverse forests of Borneo's mountains, as species are isolated from each other by lowland forest.<ref name="Marshall">{{Cite book|title = World and Its Peoples: Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei|publisher = Marshall Cavendish Corporation|year = 2008|pages = 1160, 1166–1171, 1218–1222|url = http://books.google.com/?id=72VwCFtYHCgC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn =978-0-7614-7642-9}}</ref>


The ] have three branches: the ], ] and the ]. There is no conscription, and the required age for voluntary military service is 18. The military uses 1.5% of the country's GDP, and employs 1.23% of Malaysia's manpower.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/my-malaysia/mil-military%26all%3D1 |title=Malaysian Military statistics |publisher=NationMaster |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806213531/http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/my-malaysia/mil-military%26all%3D1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Malaysian peacekeeping forces have contributed to many U.N. peacekeeping missions, such as in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="state.gov" /><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.un.int/malaysia/GA/67/2013-02-12%20Protection%20of%20Civilians.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131018034708/http://www.un.int/malaysia/GA/67/2013-02-12%20Protection%20of%20Civilians.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2013 |title=Malaysia – Permanent Missions to the United Nations |publisher=United Nations |date=12 February 2013 |access-date=15 October 2013}}</ref>
===Animals===
], can be found in waters around ].]]
There are about 210 mammal species in the country.<ref name="Richmond"/> Over 620 species of birds have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia,<ref name="Alexander"/> with many endemic to the mountains there. A high number of endemic bird species are also found in Malaysian Borneo.<ref name="Marshall"/> 250<!--Alexander gives 300--> reptile species have been recorded in the country, with about 150 species of snakes<ref name="Richmond2007"/> and 80 species of lizards.<ref name="Richmond"/> There are about 150 species of frogs,<ref name="Richmond"/> and thousands of insect species.<ref name="Richmond"/> Malaysia's ] is 1.5 times larger than its land area,<ref>{{Cite book|last = De Young|first = Cassandra|title = Review of the state of world marine capture fisheries management: Indian Ocean|publisher = Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations|year = 2006|page = 143|url = http://books.google.com/?id=_7JD1V3PijUC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 92-5-105499-1}}</ref> and some of its waters are in the ], a biodiversity hotspot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/coraltriangle/ |title=Coral Triangle |publisher=WWF |accessdate=14 September 2010}}</ref> The waters around ] are the most biodiverse in the world.<ref name="Alexander"/> Bordering East Malaysia, the ] is a biodiversity hotspot, with around 600 coral species and 1200 fish species.<ref name="Gardeners">{{cite news|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20101207-307576/Saving-the-gardeners-of-the-ocean |title=Saving the gardeners of the ocean |work=Inquirer Global Nation |date=12 July 2010 |accessdate=20 December 2010}}</ref>


The ] is a regional security initiative which has been in place for almost 40 years. It involves joint military exercises held among Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/38249 |title=Australia says major military exercise underway in Malaysia |work=My Sinchew |date=26 April 2010 |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201942/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/38249 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Joint exercises and war games have also been held with Brunei,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2014/04/20/brunei-m%E2%80%99sia-train-11th-military-exercise |title=Brunei, M'sia train in 11th military exercise |last=Wood |first=Daniel |work=The Brunei Times |date=20 April 2014 |access-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141208183256/http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2014/04/20/brunei-m%E2%80%99sia-train-11th-military-exercise |archive-date=8 December 2014 }}</ref> China,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eng.mod.gov.cn/DefenseNews/2015-09/17/content_4620894.htm|title=First China-Malaysia joint military exercise held in Malacca Strait|author=Yao Jianing|work=China Military Online|publisher=]|date=17 September 2015|access-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001184454/http://eng.mod.gov.cn/DefenseNews/2015-09/17/content_4620894.htm|archive-date=1 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> India,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=179020|title=First Ever Joint Army exercise on Malaysian Soil Commences with Handing-Over of Troops Ceremony|author=Aman Anand|publisher=] (India)|date=30 April 2018|access-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001183858/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=179020|archive-date=1 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Indonesia,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1284390436/indonesia-malaysia-military-exercises-must-continue-defence-minister |title=Indonesia-Malaysia military exercises must continue&nbsp;– defence minister |work=ANTARA News |date=13 September 2010 |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922134210/http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1284390436/indonesia-malaysia-military-exercises-must-continue-defence-minister |archive-date=22 September 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Japan,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/82922/japan-malaysia-sign-defence-accord|title=Japan, Malaysia sign defence accord|author=John Grevatt|publisher=]|date=12 September 2018|access-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001185203/https://www.janes.com/article/82922/japan-malaysia-sign-defence-accord|archive-date=1 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/08/25/Malaysia-US-armed-forces/ |title=Malaysia, US armed forces in joint exercise |work=The Star |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=25 August 2014 |access-date=26 August 2014 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709175613/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/08/25/Malaysia-US-armed-forces/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam have agreed to host joint security force exercises to secure their maritime border and tackle issues such as illegal immigration, ], and ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/43096 |title=Malaysia, Philippines committed to enhancing border security |work=My Sinchew |date=9 August 2010 |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205247/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/43096 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.graypage.com/assets/Piracy-in-Southeast-Asia-Organised-Criminal-Syndicatds-or-small-scale-opportunists.pdf |title=Piracy in Southeast Asia: Organised Criminal Syndicates or Small Scale Opportunists?|work=Gray Page |date=April 2013 |access-date=24 July 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150724082702/http://www.graypage.com/assets/Piracy-in-Southeast-Asia-Organised-Criminal-Syndicatds-or-small-scale-opportunists.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2015|url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2012/05/15/Malaysia-Thailand-military-exercise-to-include-other-agencies-Asean-members/ |title=Malaysia, Thailand military exercise to include other agencies, Asean members |last=Carvalho |first=Martin |work=The Star |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=15 May 2012 |access-date=5 November 2014 |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709181144/https://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2012/05/15/Malaysia-Thailand-military-exercise-to-include-other-agencies-Asean-members/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Previously there were fears that extremist militant activities in the Muslim areas of the ]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/malaysia-philippines-03062020184117.html|title=Malaysia Bolsters Security Near Sea Border with Philippines|last1=Sherman|first1=Ray|last2=David|first2=Nisha|work=Benar News|date=6 March 2020|access-date=5 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204233702/https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/malaysia-philippines-03062020184117.html|archive-date=4 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite news |last=Kent |first=Jonathan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3666607.stm |title=Malaysia ups Thai border security |work=BBC News |date=28 April 2004 |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-date=2 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202140536/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3666607.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> would spill over into Malaysia. Because of this, Malaysia began to increase its border security.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/04/indonesia-malaysia-philippines-consider-expanding-sulu-sea-trilateral-patrols/|title=Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines Consider Expanding Sulu Sea Trilateral Patrols|last=Parameswaran|first=Prashanth|work=The Diplomat|date=19 April 2022|access-date=5 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204234639/https://thediplomat.com/2022/04/indonesia-malaysia-philippines-consider-expanding-sulu-sea-trilateral-patrols/|archive-date=4 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/12/859251/govt-step-malaysian-thai-border-security|title=Govt to step up Malaysian-Thai border security|last1=Sallehuddin|first1=Qistina|last2=Kuan|first2=Samantha|work=New Straits Times|date=9 December 2022|access-date=5 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204233702/https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/malaysia-philippines-03062020184117.html|archive-date=4 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Fungi===
Nearly 4000 species of fungi, including lichen-forming species have been recorded from Malaysia. Of the two fungal groups with the largest number of species in Malaysia, the ] and their asexual states have been surveyed in some habitats (decaying wood, marine and freshwater ecosystems, as parasites of some plants, and as agents of biodegradation), but have not been or have been only poorly surveyed in other habitats (as endobionts, in soils, on dung, as human and animal pathogens); the ] are only partly surveyed: bracket fungi, and mushrooms and toadstools have been studied, but Malaysian rust and smut fungi remain very poorly known. Without doubt, many more fungal species in Malaysia have not yet been recorded, and it is likely that many of those, when found, will be new to science.<ref>S.S. Lee, S.A. Alias, E.B.G. Jones, N. Zainuddin & H.T. Chan, ''Checklist of Fungi of Malaysia'' Research Pamphlet No. 132, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia, 980 pp. (2012).</ref>


=== Human rights ===
]'' can grow up to {{convert|1|m|abbr=on}} in diameter, making them the largest flowers in the world.]]
{{See also|Human rights in Malaysia|LGBT rights in Malaysia}}
Homosexuality is ],<ref>{{cite news |first1=Max |last1=Bearak |first2=Darla |last2=Cameron |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/13/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death-2/ |title=Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=16 June 2016 |access-date=21 May 2017 |archive-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523191423/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/13/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Avery |title=71 Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal |url=https://www.newsweek.com/73-countries-where-its-illegal-be-gay-1385974 |work=Newsweek |date=4 April 2019 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211204842/https://www.newsweek.com/73-countries-where-its-illegal-be-gay-1385974 |url-status=live }}</ref> and authorities have imposed punishments such as ] and imprisonment.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/03/women-caned-in-malaysia-for-attempting-to-have-lesbian-sex |title=Women caned in Malaysia for attempting to have lesbian sex |last=Lamb|first=Kate |date=3 September 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=26 May 2019 |location= London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Malaysia sentences five men to jail, caning and fines for gay sex |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-lgbt-idUSKBN1XH197 |website=Reuters |access-date=27 June 2022 |language=en |date=7 November 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627173805/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-lgbt-idUSKBN1XH197 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] and ] are significant problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newmandala.org/malaysia-must-wake-human-trafficking-problem/|title=Malaysia must wake up to its human trafficking problem|date=24 May 2017|website=New Mandala|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710111418/https://www.newmandala.org/malaysia-must-wake-human-trafficking-problem/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jun/20/malaysia-us-human-trafficking-persons-report|title=US penalises Malaysia for shameful human trafficking record|date=20 June 2014|website=The Guardian}}</ref> There have also been cases of vigilante executions and beatings against LGBT individuals in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web |title=A brutal assault and rising fear in Malaysia's LGBT community |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/24/a-brutal-assault-and-rising-fear-in-malaysias-lgbt-community |website=] |access-date=27 June 2022 |language=en |date=24 August 2018 |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525033617/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/24/a-brutal-assault-and-rising-fear-in-malaysias-lgbt-community |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Malaysia: Government Steps Up Attacks on LGBT People |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/25/malaysia-government-steps-attacks-lgbt-people |website=] |access-date=27 June 2022 |language=en |date=25 January 2021 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627173805/https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/25/malaysia-government-steps-attacks-lgbt-people |url-status=live }}</ref> The illegality of homosexuality in Malaysia has also been the forefront of ]'s ], which Anwar has called politically motivated, a characterization supported by the ], along with ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Malaysia: Political Motivations Undermine Anwar Case |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/07/21/malaysia-political-motivations-undermine-anwar-case |website=Human Rights Watch |language=en |date=21 July 2008 |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627173815/https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/07/21/malaysia-political-motivations-undermine-anwar-case |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Doherty |first1=Ben |title=Anwar Ibrahim guilty in sodomy case |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/10/anwar-ibrahim-guilty-in-sodomy-case |website=the Guardian |access-date=27 June 2022 |language=en |date=10 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia opposition leader 'should be freed' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34704563 |website=BBC News |access-date=27 June 2022 |date=2 November 2015}}</ref>


The ] is in use for serious crimes such as ], ], ], and ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agc.gov.my/agcportal/uploads/files/Publications/LOM/EN/Penal%20Code%20%5BAct%20574%5D2.pdf|title=Laws of Malaysia |publisher=Attorney General's Chamber|date=1 January 2015|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203104609/http://www.agc.gov.my/agcportal/uploads/files/Publications/LOM/EN/Penal%20Code%20&#91;Act%20574&#93;2.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/212428/13_05_31_DPP_Malaysia_report_FINAL_single_pages.pdf|title=The Death Penalty in Malaysia|publisher=]|access-date=15 October 2013|archive-date=26 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626042150/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/212428/13_05_31_DPP_Malaysia_report_FINAL_single_pages.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> but in June 2022, Malaysian law minister ] pledged to abolish capital punishment and replace it with other punishments at the discretion of the court.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 June 2022 |title=Malaysia renews pledge to abolish mandatory death penalty |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysia-renews-pledge-abolish-mandatory-death-penalty-2022-06-10/ |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610081652/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysia-renews-pledge-abolish-mandatory-death-penalty-2022-06-10/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Plants===
About two&nbsp;thirds of Malaysia is covered in forest,<ref name="Swee-Hock"/> with some forests believed to be 130&nbsp;million years old.<ref name="Richmond">{{Cite book|last = Richmond|first = Simon|title = Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei|publisher = Lonely Planet|year = 2010|pages = 74–75, 78–82|url = http://books.google.com/?id=VMKOuzRxOJsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 1-74104-887-7}}</ref> The forests are dominated by ].<ref name="WWF">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwf.org.my/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests_main/the_malaysian_rainforest/ |title=The Malaysian Rainforest |publisher=WWF Malaysia |accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref> Lowland forest covers areas below {{convert|760|m|abbr=on}},<ref name="Swee-Hock"/> and formerly East Malaysia was covered in ],<ref name="WWF"/> which is supported by its hot wet climate.<ref name="Marshall"/> There are around 14,500 species of flowering plants and trees.<ref name="Richmond"/> Besides rainforests, there are over {{convert|1425|km2|abbr=on}} of ] in Malaysia,<ref name="Swee-Hock"/> and a large amount of peat forest. At higher altitudes, oaks, chestnuts, and rhododendrons replace dipterocarps.<ref name="Marshall"/> There are an estimated 8,500 species of ]s in Peninsular Malaysia, with another 15,000 in the East.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Oon|first = Helen|title = Globetrotter Wildlife Guide Malaysia|publisher = New Holland Publishers|year = 2008|page = 11|url =|doi =|id =|isbn = 1-84537-971-3}}</ref> The forests of East Malaysia are estimated to be the habitat of around 2,000 tree species, and are one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with 240 different species of trees every hectare.<ref name="Marshall"/> These forests host many members of the ] genus, the largest flowers in the world,<ref name="WWF"/> with a maximum diameter of {{convert|1|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Richmond"/>


In July 2023, ] lead singer ] slammed the country's anti-LGBTQ laws by kissing bandmate Ross MacDonald on stage at a music festival in ] causing the Ministry of Communications and Digital to cancel the 3 day event.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Heather Chen |author2=Teele Rebane |author3=Lauren Kent |date=2023-07-22 |title=Malaysia halts music festival after same-sex kiss by The 1975 singer |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/22/asia/malaysia-1975-same-sex-concert-intl/index.html |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=23 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723064659/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/22/asia/malaysia-1975-same-sex-concert-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Conservation issues===
{{main|Environmental issues in Malaysia}}
Logging, along with cultivation practices has devastated tree cover, causing severe environmental degradation in the country. Over 80&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of Sarawak's rainforest has been cleared.<ref name="Marshall"/> Floods in East Malaysia have been worsened by the loss of trees, and over 60&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of the Peninsular's forest have been cleared.<ref name="Richmond"/> With current rates of deforestation, the forests are predicted to be extinct by 2020.<ref name="Marshall"/> ] is a major problem for animals, fungi and plants, as the forest is cut to make room for plantations.<ref name="Tigers">{{cite web|last=McQuillan |first=Rebecca |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/can-global-summit-save-the-tiger-1.1070075 |title=Can global summit save the tiger |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=22 November 2010 |accessdate=20 December 2010}}</ref> Most remaining forest is found inside national parks.<ref name="Richmond"/> Habitat destruction has proved a threat for marine life.<ref name="Gardeners"/> Illegal fishing is another major threat,<ref name="Gardeners"/> with fishing methods such as ] and poisoning depleting marine ecosystems.<ref name="Artificial">{{cite news|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=78528 |title=Artificial reefs to prevent illegal fishing |work=The Borneo Post |date=4 December 2010 |accessdate=20 December 2010}}</ref> ] numbers have dropped 98&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent since the 1950s.<ref name="Richmond2007">{{Cite book|last = Richmond|first = Simon|title = Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei|publisher = Lonely Planet|year = 2007|pages = 63–64|url = http://books.google.com/?id=9a02sRJKFhMC&printsec=frontcover|doi =|id =|isbn = 1-74059-708-7}}</ref> Hunting has also been an issue for some animals,<ref name="Richmond"/> with overconsumption and the use of animal parts for profit endangering many animals, from marine life<ref name="Gardeners"/> to tigers.<ref name="Tigers"/> Marine life is also detrimentally affected by uncontrolled tourism.<ref name="Go">{{cite news|url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Go_Adiver__8217_sparadise/Article/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110622063452/http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Go_Adiver__8217_sparadise/Article/|archivedate=22 June 2011 |title=Go: A diver’s paradise |work=New Straits Times |accessdate=20 December 2010}}</ref>


== Geography ==
The Malaysian government aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection, but has been accused of favouring big business over the environment.<ref name="Richmond"/> Some state governments are now trying to counter the environmental impact and pollution created by deforestation;<ref name="WWF"/> and the federal government is trying to cut logging by 10&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent each year. ] have been established; 23 in East Malaysia and five in the Peninsular.<ref name="Richmond"/> Tourism has been limited in biodiverse areas such as Sipadan island.<ref name="Go"/> Animal trafficking is a large issue, and the Malaysian government is holding talks with the governments of Brunei and Indonesia to standardise anti-trafficking laws.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=80482 |title=Standardize illegal animal trafficking law&nbsp;– Ellron |work=The Borneo Post |date=15 December 2010 |accessdate=20 December 2010}}</ref>
{{Main|Geography of Malaysia}}
] of Malaysia; ] is the highest summit in the country.]]
Malaysia is the ], with a total area of {{convert|330803|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="2010 stats"/> It has land ] with Thailand in West Malaysia, and ] and ] in East Malaysia.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> It is linked to ] by a narrow causeway and a ]. The country also has ] with ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ugm.ac.id/en/?q=news/to-reduce-conflicts-indonesia-and-malaysia-should-meet-intensively |title=To Reduce Conflicts, Indonesia and Malaysia Should Meet Intensively |publisher=Universitas Gadjah Mada |access-date=26 October 2010 |archive-date=25 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225091836/http://www.ugm.ac.id/en/?q=news%2Fto-reduce-conflicts-indonesia-and-malaysia-should-meet-intensively |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite book|last1 = Prescott|first1 = John Robert Victor|last2 = Schofield|first2 = Clive H|title = Undelimited maritime boundaries of the Asian Rim in the Pacific Ocean|publisher = International Boundaries Research Unit|year = 2001|page = 53|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=-RT2lGdMZucC|isbn = 978-1-897643-43-3|access-date = 2 June 2020|archive-date = 27 July 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230727120523/https://books.google.com/books?id=-RT2lGdMZucC|url-status = live}}</ref> The land borders are defined in large part by geological features such as the ], the ] and the Pagalayan Canal, whilst some of the maritime boundaries are the subject of ongoing contention.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> Brunei forms what is almost an enclave in Malaysia,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brunei/ |title=Brunei |publisher=CIA |access-date=13 September 2011 |archive-date=21 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721102115/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bx.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with the state of Sarawak dividing it into two parts. Malaysia is the only country with territory on both the Asian mainland and the Malay archipelago.<ref name="Marshall" /> The ], lying between ] and Peninsular Malaysia, is one of the most important thoroughfares in global commerce, carrying 40 per cent of the world's trade.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Schuman |first=Michael |url= http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1893032,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090423052721/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1893032,00.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 23 April 2009 |title=Waterway To the World&nbsp;– Summer Journey |magazine=Time |location=New York |date=22 April 2009 |access-date=16 August 2011}}</ref>


The two parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the ], share a largely similar landscape in that both Peninsular and East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to hills and mountains.<ref name="CIA Fact Book" /> Peninsular Malaysia, containing 40 per cent of Malaysia's land area,<ref name="Marshall" /> extends {{convert|740|km|abbr=on}} from north to south, and its maximum width is {{convert|322|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Swee-Hock">{{Cite book|last = Saw|first = Swee-Hock|title = The population of Peninsular Malaysia|publisher = Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|year = 2007|pages = 1–2|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=e4Yp2QJNVWgC|isbn = 978-981-230-730-9}}</ref> It is divided between its east and west coasts by the ],<ref>{{Cite book|last = Stevens|first = Alan M.|title = Kamus Lengkap Indonesia Inggris|publisher = Ohio University Press|year = 2004|page = 89|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=cF97F--suNAC|isbn = 978-979-433-387-7}}</ref> rising to a peak elevation of {{Convert|2183|m|ft}} at ],<ref name="AZ">{{Cite book |title=The A to Z of Malaysia |page=lxxxii |last=Ooi Keat Gin |first=Gin |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-8108-7641-5 }}</ref> part of a series of mountain ranges running down the centre of the peninsula.<ref name="Marshall" /> These mountains are heavily forested,<ref>{{cite book|last=Nations|first=F.A.O.U.|title=Soil Atlas of Asia|publisher=Publications Office of the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations|series=JRC soil atlas series|year=2023|isbn=978-92-5-137882-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9pjtEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA152|access-date=5 December 2024|page=152}}</ref> and mainly composed of ] and other igneous rocks. Much of it has been eroded, creating a ] landscape.<ref name="Marshall" /> The range is the origin of some of Peninsular Malaysia's river systems.<ref>{{cite book|last=Harun|first=S.|last2=Othman|first2=I.K.|last3=Jamal|first3=M.H.|title=Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Water Resources (ICWR) – Volume 1: Current Research in Water Resources, Coastal and Environment|publisher=Springer Nature Singapore|series=Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering|year=2022|isbn=978-981-19-5947-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A_aVEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA139|access-date=5 December 2024|page=139}}</ref> The coastal plains surrounding the peninsula reach a maximum width of {{convert|50|km|mi|0}}, and the peninsula's coastline is nearly {{convert|1931|km|abbr=on}} long, although harbours are only available on the western side.<ref name="Swee-Hock" />
{{multiple image
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| header=Biodiversity of Malaysia
| image1=Malaysian Red Hibiscus.jpg
| alt1=
| caption1=], national flower
| width1={{#expr: (120 * 512 / 384) round 0}}
| image2=Gunung Kinabalu.jpg
| alt2=
| caption2=], ]
| width2={{#expr: (120 * 512 / 384) round 0}}
| image3=Panthera Tigris Jacksoni (Malayan Tiger).jpg
| alt3=
| caption3=], national animal
| width3={{#expr: (120 * 512 / 384) round 0}}
| image4=Taman Negara (Malaysian National Park).jpg
| alt4=
| caption4=] in ]
| width4={{#expr: (135 * 520 / 389) round 0}}
}}


East Malaysia, on the island of ], has a coastline of {{convert|2607|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="CIA Fact Book" /> It is divided between coastal regions, hills and valleys, and a mountainous interior.<ref name="Marshall" /> The ] extends northwards from Sarawak,<ref name="Marshall" /> dividing the state of Sabah. It is the location of the {{convert|4095|m|adj=on|abbr=on}} high ],<ref name="Richmond">{{Cite book|title = Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei |last = Richmond|first = Simon |isbn = 978-1-74104-887-2 |publisher =Lonely Planet |year =2010 |pages = –75 |url = https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781741048872|url-access = registration }}</ref><ref name="Thiessen">{{Cite book |title=Borneo: Sabah – Brunei – Sarawak |last=Thiessen |first=Tamara |isbn=978-1-84162-390-0 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |access-date=23 April 2014 |year=2012 |page=192 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DCDkRTYwN5AC&pg=PA192}}</ref> the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Mount Kinabalu is located in the ], which is protected as one of the four UNESCO ]s ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/mount-kinabalu.htm |title=Mount Kinabalu&nbsp;– revered abode of the dead |publisher=Ecology Asia |access-date=17 September 2010 |archive-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921002507/http://ecologyasia.com/html-loc/mount-kinabalu.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The highest mountain ranges form the border between Malaysia and Indonesia. Sarawak contains the Mulu Caves, the largest cave system in the world, in the ] which is also a World Heritage Site.<ref name="Marshall" /> The largest river in Malaysia is the ].
==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Malaysia}}
] car. Malaysia is the only country in ] which manufactures indigenously designed automobiles.]]
Malaysia is a relatively ] state-oriented and ] ].<ref>{{cite web|last = Boulton | first = WilliaM |last2 = Pecht |first2 = Michael |last3 = Tucker |first3 = William |last4 = Wennberg |first4 = Sam |url=http://www.wtec.org/loyola/em/04_07.htm |title=Electronics Manufacturing in the Pacific Rim, World Technology Evaluation Center, Chapter 4: Malaysia |publisher=The World Technology Evaluation Center, Inc |date = May 1997|accessdate=1 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infernalramblings.com/articles/Malaysian_Economy/436/ |title=Malaysia, A Statist Economy |publisher=Infernalramblings |accessdate=1 November 2010}}</ref> The state plays a significant but declining role in guiding economic activity through macroeconomic plans. Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5 per cent annually from 1957 to 2005.<ref name="state.gov"/> In 2011, the GDP (PPP) was about $450 &nbsp;billion, the third largest economy in ASEAN and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2001rank.html |title=Country Comparison :: GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) |publisher=CIA |accessdate=1 July 2011}}</ref> In 1991, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, ] outlined his ideal in ], in which Malaysia would become a self-sufficient industrialized nation by 2020.<ref name="Mahathir's Speech">{{cite news| title=The Way Forward| url=http://www.pmo.gov.my/?menu=page&page=1904| publisher=Prime Minister’s Office| author= Mahathir Bin Mohamad| date= 2008-11-17}}</ref> ] said Malaysia could attain developed country status in 2018 much earlier from the actual target in 2020, he added the country has two program concept such as ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finance.detik.com/read/2013/07/04/125217/2292469/4/5-tahun-lagi-malaysia-pede-jadi-negara-maju-ri-kapan-ya|title=5 Tahun Lagi Malaysia Pede Jadi Negara Maju, RI Kapan Ya?|language=]|author=Herdaru Purnomo|publisher=Detik Finance|date=4 July 2013|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> Viktor Shvets, the managing director of ], has said “Malaysia has all the right ingredients to become a developed nation."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/5/7/business/11241892&sec=|title=Malaysia got what it takes to be developed nation|publisher=The Star|date=7 May 2012|accessdate=25 June 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/679h5|archivedate=13 April 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref>


Around these two halves of Malaysia are ], the largest of which is ].<ref>{{cite report|author=Daw, T.|title=Reef Fish Aggregations in Sabah, East Malaysia|url=http://scrfa.org/images/stories/pdf/scrfa/daw_e.malaysia.pdf|date=April 2004|publisher=Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations|series=Western Pacific Fisher Survey series|volume=5|page=17|access-date=1 February 2012|archive-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519182853/http://scrfa.org/images/stories/pdf/scrfa/daw_e.malaysia.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The local climate is ] and characterised by the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) ]s.<ref name="Swee-Hock" /> The temperature is moderated by the presence of the surrounding oceans.<ref name="Marshall" /> Humidity is usually high, and the average annual rainfall is {{convert|250|cm|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Swee-Hock" /> The climates of the Peninsula and the East differ, as the climate on the peninsula is directly affected by wind from the mainland, as opposed to the more maritime weather of the East. Local climates can be divided into three regions, highland, lowland, and coastal.<ref name="Marshall" /> ] will cause ] and increased rainfall, increasing flood risks and leading to droughts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Country: Malaysia |url=https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/ |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127191008/https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
] house the headquarters of the national oil company ] and are the tallest twin-towers in the world.]]
In the 1970s, the predominantly mining and agricultural-based economy began a transition towards a more multi-sector economy. Since the 1980s, the industrial sector, with a high level of investment, has led the country's growth.<ref name="state.gov"/><ref>{{cite book|author=H. Osman-Rani, Kin Woon Toh, Anuwar Ali|title=Effective mechanisms for the enhancement of technology and skills in Malaysia|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=Yy8V7K0jwsgC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA1#v=onepage&q&f=false|year=1986|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|page=1|isbn=978-9971-988-34-0}}</ref> The economy recovered from the ] earlier than neighbouring countries did, and has since recovered to the levels of the pre-crisis era with a GDP per capita of $14,800.<ref name=Globalization>{{Cite book|title=Globalization and the Transformation of Foreign Economic Policy |last=Bożyk |first=Paweł |chapter=Newly Industrialized Countries |page=164 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing Ltd |year=2006 |isbn=0-7546-4638-6}}</ref><ref name=Principles>{{Cite book|title=Principles of Economics|last=Mankiw |first=N. Gregory |year=2007 |edition=4 |isbn=0-324-22472-9}}</ref> Economic inequalities exist between different ethnic groups. The Chinese make up about one-third of the population, but accounts for 70 per cent of the country's market capitalisation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/EF07Aa01.html |title= Minority rule, majority hate |last=Chau |first=Amy |work=Asia Times |accessdate=15 November 2010}}</ref> Chinese businesses in Malaysia are part of the larger ], a network of ] businesses in the Southeast Asian market sharing common family and cultural ties.<ref name="Weidenbaum">{{cite book|author=Murray L Weidenbaum|title=The Bamboo Network: How Expatriate Chinese Entrepreneurs are Creating a New Economic Superpower in Asia|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=pcRlgZttsMUC|date=1 January 1996|publisher=Martin Kessler Books, Free Press|isbn=978-0-684-82289-1|pages=4–8}}</ref>


=== Biodiversity and conservation ===
International trade, facilitated by the shipping route in adjacent ], and manufacturing are the key sectors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.pmo.gov.my/WebNotesApp/tpmmain.nsf/6eb1bf73408d07794825674f0006897f/09ee4377fd049191482572aa00144782?OpenDocument|title=The Security of The Straits of Malacca and Its Implications to The South East Asia Regional Security |publisher=Office of The Prime Minister of Malaysia |accessdate=21 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=111 |title=BNM National Summary Data Page |publisher=Bank Negara Malaysia |date=30 September 2003 |accessdate=29 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1893032,00.html | work=Time | title=How to Defeat Pirates: Success in the Strait | first=Michael | last=Schuman | date=22 April 2009}}</ref> Malaysia is an exporter of natural and agricultural resources, and petroleum is a major export.<ref name="state.gov"/> Malaysia has once been the largest producer of ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.american.edu/TED/tin.htm|title=TED Case Studies: Tin Mining In Malaysia - Present And Future|publisher=American University|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> ] and ] in the world. Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=111 |title=BNM National Summary Data Page |publisher=Bank Negara Malaysia |accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> although Malaysia’s economic structure has been moving away from it.<ref name="WPRO">{{cite web|url=http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/2006/maa/political_and_socioeconomic_situation.htm |title=WHO Western Pacific Region&nbsp;– 2006&nbsp;– Malaysia&nbsp;– Political and socioeconomic situation |publisher=WHO |accessdate=18 October 2010 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100829135114/http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/2006/maa/political_and_socioeconomic_situation.htm <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archivedate=29 August 2010}}</ref> Malaysia remains one of the world's largest producers of palm oil.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3296977/Malaysia-defends-palm-oil-production.html |title=Malaysia defends palm oil production |work=The Telegraph |date=10 June 2007 |accessdate=28 November 2010 |first=Charles |last=Clover}}</ref>
{{Main|Wildlife of Malaysia|Environmental issues in Malaysia|List of national parks in Malaysia}}] in the ]]]


Malaysia signed the Rio ] on 12 June 1993, and became a party to the convention on 24 June 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbd.int/convention/parties/list/ |title=List of Parties |access-date=9 December 2012 |archive-date=24 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124005746/http://www.cbd.int/convention/parties/list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It has subsequently produced a ], which was received by the convention on 16 April 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arbec.com.my/NBP.pdf|title=Malaysia's National Policy on Biological Diversity|access-date=15 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820215449/http://arbec.com.my/NBP.pdf|archive-date=20 August 2013}}</ref> The country is ] with a high number of species and high levels of ].<ref name="megadiverse">{{cite web|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/biodiversity/biodiversity01-3.html |title=Biodiversity Theme Report |publisher=Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts |year=2001 |access-date=24 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208141905/http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/biodiversity/biodiversity01-3.html |archive-date=8 December 2008 }}</ref> It is estimated to contain 20&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of the world's animal species.<ref name="Alexander">{{Cite book|last = Alexander|first = James|title = Malaysia Brunei & Singapore|publisher = New Holland Publishers|year = 2006|pages = 46–50|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=KXaX4tUEOOsC|isbn = 978-1-86011-309-3}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> High levels of endemism are found on the diverse forests of Borneo's mountains, as species are isolated from each other by lowland forest.<ref name="Marshall">{{Cite book|title = World and Its Peoples: Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei|publisher = Marshall Cavendish Corporation|year = 2008|pages = 1160, 1166–1192, 1218–1222|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=72VwCFtYHCgC|isbn =978-0-7614-7642-9}}</ref>
In an effort to diversify the economy and make it less dependent on export goods, the government has pushed to increase ]. As a result, tourism has become Malaysia’s third largest source of foreign exchange, although it is threatened by the negative effects of the growing industrial economy, with large amounts of air and water pollution along with deforestation affecting tourism.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Heidi|first = Munan|last2 = Yee|first2 = Foo Yuk|title = Malaysia|publisher = Benchmark Books|year = 2001|pages = 28, 36–37|url =|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-7614-1351-0}}</ref>


There are about 210 mammal species in the country.<ref name="Richmond" /> Over 620 species of birds have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia,<ref name="Alexander" /> with many endemic to the mountains there. A high number of endemic bird species are also found in Malaysian Borneo.<ref name="Marshall" /> 250<!--Alexander gives 300--> reptile species have been recorded in the country, with about 150 species of snakes<ref name="Richmond2007">{{Cite book|last = Richmond|first = Simon|title = Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei|publisher = Lonely Planet|year = 2007|pages = –64|url = https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781740597081|url-access = registration|isbn = 978-1-74059-708-1}}</ref> and 80 species of lizards.<ref name="Richmond" /> There are about 150 species of frogs,<ref name="Richmond" /> and thousands of insect species.<ref name="Richmond" /> The ] is {{convert|334,671|km²|sqmi|abbr=on}} and 1.5 times larger than its land area. It is mainly in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|website=Sea Around Us &#124; Fisheries, Ecosystems and Biodiversity|url=http://www.seaaroundus.org/data/#/eez/608?eez=608|access-date=23 February 2023|title=Exclusive Economic Zones|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223181456/http://www.seaaroundus.org/data/#/eez/608?eez=608|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last = De Young|first = Cassandra|title = Review of the state of world marine capture fisheries management: Indian Ocean|publisher = ] of the United Nations|year = 2006|page = 143|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=_7JD1V3PijUC|isbn = 978-92-5-105499-4|access-date = 2 June 2020|archive-date = 27 July 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230727120547/https://books.google.com/books?id=_7JD1V3PijUC|url-status = live}}</ref> Some of its waters are in the ], a biodiversity hotspot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/coraltriangle/ |title=Coral Triangle |publisher=WWF |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923070411/http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/coraltriangle/? |url-status=live }}</ref> The waters around ] are the most biodiverse in the world.<ref name="Alexander" /> Bordering East Malaysia, the ] is a biodiversity hotspot, with around 600 coral species and 1200 fish species.<ref name="Gardeners">{{cite news|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20101207-307576/Saving-the-gardeners-of-the-ocean |title=Saving the gardeners of the ocean |work=Inquirer Global Nation |date=12 July 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210194709/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20101207-307576/Saving-the-gardeners-of-the-ocean |archive-date=10 December 2010 }}</ref> The unique biodiversity of Malaysian Caves always attracts lovers of ] from all over the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caves.res.in/journal/c.htm |title=Species diversity and food-web complexity in the caves of Malaysia |publisher=Ambient Science, 2014 Vol 1(2) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503002921/http://www.caves.res.in/journal/c.htm |archive-date=3 May 2014 }}</ref>
The country has developed into a centre of ], and is the country with the highest numbers of female workers in that industry.<ref name="iht001">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/business/global/27islamic.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=financial%20equality%20in%20banking&st=cse |title=A Path to Financial Equality in Malaysia |accessdate=27 September 2010 |publisher=The New York Times Company |work=International Herald Tribune |last=Gooch |first=Liz |year=2010 |month=September}}</ref> Knowledge-based services are also expanding.<ref name="WPRO" /> To create a self-reliant defensive ability and support national development, Malaysia privatised some of its military facilities in the 1970s. The privatization has created defence industry, which in 1999 was brought under the ]. The government continues to promote this sector and its competitiveness, actively marketing the defence industry.<ref name="Globalsecurity">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/malaysia/industry.htm |title=Malaysia Defence Industry |last=Pike |first=John |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |accessdate=24 September 2010}}</ref>


Nearly 4,000 species of fungi, including lichen-forming species have been recorded from Malaysia. Of the two fungal groups with the largest number of species in Malaysia, the ] and their asexual states have been surveyed in some habitats (decaying wood, marine and freshwater ecosystems, as parasites of some plants, and as agents of biodegradation), but have not been or have been only poorly surveyed in other habitats (as endobionts, in soils, on dung, as human and animal pathogens); the ] are only partly surveyed: ], and mushrooms and ]s have been studied, but Malaysian rust and smut fungi remain very poorly known. Without doubt, many more fungal species in Malaysia are yet to be recorded, and it is likely that many of those, when found, will be new to science.<ref>Lee, S.S.; Alias, S.A.; Jones, E.B.G.; Zainuddin, N. and Chan, H.T. (2012) ''Checklist of Fungi of Malaysia'' Research Pamphlet No. 132, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia.</ref>
] are regulated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of semiconductor devices, electrical devices, and IT and communication products.<ref name="state.gov" />
Malaysia began developing ] in 2002,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.angkasa.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=74|title=About Us - Our Organization|author=Agensi Angkasa Negara|publisher=Government of Malaysia, National Space Agency (ANGKASA)|accessdate=5 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4192166.stm |title=Malaysia has high hoped for moon |last=Kent |first=Jonathan |work=BBC News |date=28 August 2005 |accessdate=30 May 2011}}</ref> and in 2006, Russia agreed to transport ] to the ] as part of a multi-billion dollar purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets by the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20060519/48361024.html |title=Malaysian astronaut to fly to ISS in 2007 |work=Ria Novosti |date=19 May 2006 |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> The government has invested in building satellites in through the ] programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/9/9/nation/20110909201417&sec=nation|title=RM200mil for RazakSAT-2 satellite programme|date=9 September 2011|accessdate=7 August 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/NBUaD|archivedate=16 June 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref>


]'' can grow up to {{convert|1|m|abbr=on}} in diameter, making them the largest flowers in the world.]]
===Infrastructure===
About two&nbsp;thirds of Malaysia was covered in forest as of 2007,<ref name="Swee-Hock" /> with some forests believed to be 130&nbsp;million years old.<ref name="Richmond" /> The forests are dominated by ].<ref name="WWF">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwf.org.my/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests_main/the_malaysian_rainforest/ |title=The Malaysian Rainforest |publisher=WWF Malaysia |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928051709/https://www.wwf.org.my/about_wwf/what_we_do/forests_main/the_malaysian_rainforest/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lowland forest covers areas below {{convert|760|m|abbr=on}},<ref name="Swee-Hock" /> and formerly East Malaysia was covered in ],<ref name="WWF" /> which is supported by its hot wet climate.<ref name="Marshall" /> There are around 14,500 species of flowering plants and trees.<ref name="Richmond" /> Besides rainforests, there are over {{convert|1425|km2|abbr=on}} of ] in Malaysia,<ref name="Swee-Hock" /> and a large amount of peat forest. At higher altitudes, oaks, chestnuts, and rhododendrons replace dipterocarps.<ref name="Marshall" /> There are an estimated 8,500 species of ]s in Peninsular Malaysia, with another 15,000 in the East.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Oon|first = Helen|title = Globetrotter Wildlife Guide Malaysia|publisher = New Holland Publishers|year = 2008|page = 11|isbn = 978-1-84537-971-1}}</ref> The forests of East Malaysia are estimated to be the habitat of around 2,000 tree species, and are one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with 240 different species of trees every hectare.<ref name="Marshall" /> These forests host many members of the ] genus, the largest flowers in the world,<ref name="WWF" /> with a maximum diameter of {{convert|1|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Richmond2">{{Cite book|title = Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei |last = Richmond|first = Simon |isbn = 978-1-74104-887-2 |publisher =Lonely Planet |year =2010 |pages = –82 and 366 |url = https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781741048872|url-access = registration }}</ref>
{{See also|Transport in Malaysia|Energy policy of Malaysia}}
] of ], the dam is listed as the ] in the world.]]
The infrastructure of Malaysia is one of the most developed in Asia.<ref name="MIDAweb">{{cite web|url=http://www.mida.gov.my/env3/index.php?page=developed-infrastructure |title=Why Malaysia |publisher=Malaysia Industrial Development Authority |accessdate=20 August 2011}}</ref> Its ]s network is second only to Singapore's in Southeast Asia, with 4.7&nbsp;million fixed-line subscribers and more than 30&nbsp;million cellular subscribers.<ref name="Tele">{{cite web|url=http://www1.american.edu/initeb/ym6974a/telecom.htm |title=Malaysian Telecommunications Overview |publisher=American University |accessdate=25 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2151rank.html?countryName=Malaysia&countryCode=my&regionCode=eas&rank=31#my |title= Telephones&nbsp;– mobile celluar |publisher=CIA world factbook |accessdate=25 May 2011}}</ref> The country has seven international ports, the major one being the ]. There are 200 ]s along with specialised parks such as ] and ].<ref name="MIDA"/> Fresh water is available to over 95 per cent of the population. During the colonial period, development was mainly concentrated in economically powerful cities and in areas forming security concerns. Although rural areas have been the focus of great development, they still lag behind areas such as the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cirdap.org.sg/Paper3_KKLWDoc.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5zEXvKbnS|archivedate=2011-06-06 |title=Infrastructure and Rural Development in Malaysia |publisher=Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific |accessdate=25 May 2011}}</ref> The telecommunication network, although strong in urban areas, is less available to the rural population.<ref name="Tele"/>


], along with cultivation practices, has devastated tree cover, causing severe environmental degradation in the country. Over 80&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of Sarawak's rainforest has been logged.<ref name="Marshall" /> Floods in East Malaysia have been worsened by the loss of trees, and over 60&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of the peninsula's forest have been cleared.<ref name="Richmond2" /> With current rates of ], mainly for the ] industry, the forests are predicted to be extinct by 2020.<ref name="Marshall" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-plans-to-halt-all-expansion-of-palm-oil-plantations-minister-says |title=Malaysia plans to halt all expansion of oil palm plantations, minister says |date=4 March 2019 |newspaper=The Straits Times |location=Singapore |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526111351/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-plans-to-halt-all-expansion-of-palm-oil-plantations-minister-says |url-status=live }}</ref> ] is a major problem for animals, fungi and plants, having caused species such as '']'' to go extinct.<ref name="Tigers">{{cite web|last=McQuillan |first=Rebecca |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/can-global-summit-save-the-tiger-1.1070075 |title=Can global summit save the tiger |work=The Herald |location=Glasgow |date=22 November 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110514032814/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/can-global-summit-save-the-tiger-1.1070075 |archive-date=14 May 2011 }}</ref> Most remaining forest is found inside reserves and national parks.<ref name="Richmond2" /> Habitat destruction has proved a threat for marine life.<ref name="Gardeners" /> ] is another major threat,<ref name="Gardeners" /> with fishing methods such as ] and poisoning depleting marine ecosystems.<ref name="Artificial">{{cite news |url= http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=78528 |title=Artificial reefs to prevent illegal fishing |work=The Borneo Post |location= Kuching |date=4 December 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010}}</ref> ] numbers have dropped 98&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent since the 1950s.<ref name="Richmond2007" /> Hunting has also been an issue for some animals,<ref name="Richmond2" /> with ] and the use of animal parts for profit endangering many animals, from marine life<ref name="Gardeners" /> to tigers.<ref name="Tigers" /> Marine life is also detrimentally affected by uncontrolled tourism.<ref name="Go">{{cite news |url= http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Go_Adiver__8217_sparadise/Article/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110622063452/http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Go_Adiver__8217_sparadise/Article/ |archive-date=22 June 2011 |title=Go: A diver's paradise |work=New Straits Times |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=22 June 2011 |access-date=20 December 2010 |first=Ridzwan A. |last=Rahim}}</ref>
]]]
Malaysia's road network covers {{convert|98721|km|mi|0}} and includes {{convert|1821|km|mi|0}} of expressways.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> The longest highway of the country, the ], extends over {{convert|800|km|mi|0}} between the Thai border and Singapore. The road systems in East Malaysia are less developed and of lower quality in comparison to that of ].<ref>{{Cite book|last = Mody|first = Ashoka|title = Infrastructure strategies in East Asia: the untold story|publisher = The World Bank|year = 1997|page = 35|url = http://books.google.com/?id=jSVNQi3UZKgC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-8213-4027-1}}</ref> Malaysia has 118 airports, of which 38 are paved. The country's official airline is ], providing international and domestic air service alongside two other carriers. The railway system is state-run, and covers a total of {{convert|1849|km|mi|0}}.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> Relatively inexpensive elevated ] systems are used in some cities, such as Kuala Lumpur.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Richmond|first = Simon|last2 = Cambon|first2 = Marie|last3 = Harper|first3 = Damian|title = Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei|publisher = Lonely Planet|page = 10|url = http://books.google.com/?id=wprT8EAiMnIC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn =978-1-74059-357-1|year = 2004 }}</ref> The ] is a railway service that connects Kuala Lumpur to ], and is intended to eventually stretch from Singapore to China.<ref name="MIDAweb"/>


The Malaysian government aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection, but has been accused of favouring big business over the environment.<ref name="Richmond2" /> Some state governments are now trying to counter the environmental impact and pollution created by deforestation;<ref name="WWF" /> and the federal government is trying to cut logging by 10&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent each year. A total of ] have been established, 23 in East Malaysia and five in the peninsula.<ref name="Richmond2" /> Tourism has been limited in biodiverse areas such as Sipadan island.<ref name="Go" /> ] is a large issue, and the Malaysian government has held talks with the governments of Brunei and Indonesia to standardise anti-trafficking laws.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=80482 |title=Standardize illegal animal trafficking law&nbsp;– Ellron |work=The Borneo Post |location=Kuching |date=15 December 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010 |archive-date=12 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512014910/http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=80482 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Traditionally, energy production in Malaysia has been based on oil and natural gas.<ref name="Unimap">{{cite web|url=http://ppkas.unimap.edu.my/index.php/news/articles/29-renewable-energy-and-kyoto-protocol-adoption-in-malaysia|title=Renewable Energy and Kyoto Protocol: Adoption in Malaysia|author=Salsuwanda Selamat and Che Zulzikrami Azner Abidin|publisher=Universiti Malaysia Perlis|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> The country has 13 GW of electrical generation capacity.<ref name="GENI">{{cite web|url=http://www.geni.org/globalenergy/library/national_energy_grid/malaysia/index.shtml |title=National Energy Grid of Malaysia&nbsp;– National Electricity Transmission Grid of Malaysia |publisher=Global Energy Network Institute |date=28 June 2007 |accessdate=24 September 2010}}</ref> However, the country only has 33 years of natural gas reserves, and 19 years of oil reserves, while the demand for energy is increasing. In response, the government is expanding into renewable energy sources.<ref name="Unimap"/> Sixteen per cent of electricity generation is hydroelectric, the remaining 84 per cent being thermal.<ref name="GENI"/> The oil and gas industry is dominated by state owned ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.gov/countries/country-data.cfm?fips=MY|title=Malaysia|publisher=United States Energy Information Administration|date=3 September 2013|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> and the energy sector as a whole is regulated by the ], a statutory commission that governs the energy in the peninsula and Sabah, under the terms of the Electricity Commission Act of 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/about-us2/overview-of-the-energy-commission.html|title=Overview of Energy Commission|publisher=Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission)|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref>


==Demographics== == Economy ==
{{Main|Demographics of Malaysia}} {{Main|Economy of Malaysia}}
]
]
Malaysia is a relatively ] state-oriented and ] ].<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Boulton |first1 = William R. |last2 = Pecht |first2 = Michael |last3 = Tucker |first3 = William |last4 = Wennberg |first4 = Sam |url = http://www.wtec.org/loyola/em/04_07.htm |title = Electronics Manufacturing in the Pacific Rim, World Technology Evaluation Center, Chapter 4: Malaysia |publisher = The World Technology Evaluation Center, Inc |date = May 1997 |access-date = 1 November 2010 |archive-date = 15 December 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101215111543/http://www.wtec.org/loyola/em/04_07.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> It has the world's ] by nominal GDP and the ] by ]. In 2017, the large ] contributed to 53.6% of total ], the industrial sector 37.6%, and the small agricultural sector roughly 8.8%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gdp-composition-by-sector-of-origin|title=GDP – composition, by sector of origin|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=27 June 2022|archive-date=11 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611065600/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gdp-composition-by-sector-of-origin|url-status=live}}</ref> Malaysia has a low official ] of 3.9%.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Malaysia – Unemployment Rate|url=https://www.economy.com/malaysia-unemployment-rate|access-date=28 June 2022|work=]}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Its foreign exchange reserves are the world's ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bnm.gov.my/-/international-reserves-of-bank-negara-malaysia-as-at-31-march-2022|title=International Reserves of Bank Negara Malaysia as at 31 March 2022|date=7 April 2022|access-date=27 June 2022|work=] (Bank Negara Malaysia)|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615120550/https://www.bnm.gov.my/-/international-reserves-of-bank-negara-malaysia-as-at-31-march-2022|url-status=live}}</ref> It has a labour force of about 15 million, which is the world's ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/labor-force/country-comparison/ |title=Labor force – The World Factbook |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=16 June 2021 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329091229/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/labor-force/country-comparison/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Malaysia's large ] ranks as the world's ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oica.net/category/production-statistics/2021-statistics/ |title=2021 PRODUCTION STATISTICS |work=] |access-date=16 June 2021 |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517133344/https://www.oica.net/category/production-statistics/2021-statistics/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
As of the 2010 census, the population of Malaysia was 28,334,135,<ref name="Population">{{cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |title=Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristics |publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia |page=82 |accessdate=4 October 2011}}</ref> making it the ]. The population of Malaysia consists of many ethnic groups. In 2010, Malaysian citizens, of which '']'' were 67.4%, made up 91.8% of the population.<ref name="stat2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1215%3Apopulation-distribution-and-basic-demographic-characteristic-report-population-and-housing-census-malaysia-2010-updated-2972011&catid=130%3Apopulation-distribution-and-basic-demographic-characteristic-report-population-and-housing-census-malaysia-2010&Itemid=154&lang=en|title=Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic Report 2010 (Ethnic composition)|publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia|date=2010|accessdate=10 October 2013}}</ref> According to constitutional definition, Malays are ]s who practice Malay customs and culture. They play a dominant role politically.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7121534.stm|title=Malaysia's lingering ethnic divide|author=Robin Brant|publisher=BBC News|date=4 March 2008|accessdate=29 October 2013}}</ref> ''Bumiputera'' status is also accorded to certain non-Malay ], including ethnic ], ], ] and the natives of ] and ]. Non-Malay ''bumiputera'' make up more than half of Sarawak's population and over two thirds of Sabah's population.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> There also exist ] groups in much smaller numbers on the peninsula, where they are collectively known as the ].<ref>{{Cite book|last = Gomes|first = Alberto G.|title = Modernity and Malaysia: settling the Menraq forest nomads|publisher = Taylor & Francis Group|year = 2007|page = 10|url = http://books.google.com/?id=IiTgShFY2QEC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-203-96075-0}}</ref> Laws over who gets ''bumiputera'' status vary between states.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/4/nation/20091104194453&sec=nation|title=PM asked to clarify mixed-race bumiputra status|work=The Star|date=4 November 2009|accessdate=26 October 2010|archiveurl=http://archive.is/GvqO|archivedate=22 July 2012|deadurl=yes}}</ref>


Malaysia is the world's 23rd-largest ] and 25th-largest ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trademap.org/Country_SelProductCountry.aspx?nvpm=1%7c458%7c%7c%7c%7cTOTAL%7c%7c%7c2%7c1%7c1%7c2%7c1%7c%7c2%7c1%7c1%7c1|title=List of importing markets for the product exported by Malaysia in 2021|work=]|access-date=27 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627231223/https://www.trademap.org/Country_SelProductCountry.aspx?nvpm=1%7C458%7C%7C%7C%7CTOTAL%7C%7C%7C2%7C1%7C1%7C2%7C1%7C%7C2%7C1%7C1%7C1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trademap.org/Country_SelProductCountry.aspx?nvpm=1%7c458%7c%7c%7c%7cTOTAL%7c%7c%7c2%7c1%7c1%7c1%7c1%7c%7c2%7c1%7c1%7c1|title=List of supplying markets for the product imported by Malaysia in 2021|work=]|access-date=27 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627230958/https://www.trademap.org/Country_SelProductCountry.aspx?nvpm=1%7C458%7C%7C%7C%7CTOTAL%7C%7C%7C2%7C1%7C1%7C1%7C1%7C%7C2%7C1%7C1%7C1|url-status=live}}</ref> However, economic inequalities exist between different ethnic groups.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wid.world/document/wid_issue_brief_2019_9-pdf/ |title=Income Inequality and Ethnic Cleavages in Malaysia {{!}} Evidence from Distributional National Accounts {{!}} (1984-2014) |publisher=] |last1=Khalid |first1=Muhammed Abdul |last2=Yang |first2=Li |date=July 2019 |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124022609/https://wid.world/document/wid_issue_brief_2019_9-pdf/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Chinese make up about one-quarter of the population, but account for 70 per cent of the country's market capitalisation.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/EF07Aa01.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030801205716/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/EF07Aa01.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=1 August 2003 |title= Minority rule, majority hate |last=Chau |first=Amy |work=Asia Times |access-date=15 November 2010}}</ref> Chinese businesses in Malaysia are part of the larger ], a network of ] businesses in the Southeast Asian market sharing common family and cultural ties.<ref name="Weidenbaum">{{cite book|author=Weidenbaum, Murray L |title=The Bamboo Network: How Expatriate Chinese Entrepreneurs are Creating a New Economic Superpower in Asia |url= https://archive.org/details/bamboonetworkhow00weid |url-access=registration |date=1996|publisher=Martin Kessler Books, Free Press |isbn=978-0-684-82289-1 |pages=–8}}</ref>
]
Other minorities who lack ''bumiputera'' status make up a large amount of the population. 24.6 per cent of the population are ], while ] comprise 7.3 per cent of the population.<ref name="stat2010"/> The Chinese have historically been dominant in the business and commerce community, and form a plurality of the population of ]. Indians began migrating to Malaysia in the early 19th century.<ref>{{cite web|author=Baradan Kuppusamy |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HC24Ae01.html |title=Racism alive and well in Malaysia |work=Asia Times |date=24 March 2006 |accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> The majority of the Indian community are ].<ref name="Barbara">{{Cite book|last = West|first = Barbara A.|title = Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia and Oceania, Volume 1|publisher = Facts on File inc|year = 2009|page = 486|url = http://books.google.com/?id=pCiNqFj3MQsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-8160-7109-8}}</ref>


International trade, facilitated by the shipping route in adjacent ], and manufacturing are the key sectors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.pmo.gov.my/WebNotesApp/tpmmain.nsf/6eb1bf73408d07794825674f0006897f/09ee4377fd049191482572aa00144782?OpenDocument|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304044303/http://www3.pmo.gov.my/WebNotesApp/tpmmain.nsf/6eb1bf73408d07794825674f0006897f/09ee4377fd049191482572aa00144782?OpenDocument|archive-date=4 March 2014|title=The Security of The Straits of Malacca and Its Implications to The South East Asia Regional Security |publisher=Office of The Prime Minister of Malaysia |access-date=21 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=111 |title=BNM National Summary Data Page |publisher=Bank Negara Malaysia |date=30 September 2003 |access-date=29 October 2010 |archive-date=6 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206205012/http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=111 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1893032,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090423052721/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1893032,00.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 23 April 2009 |magazine=Time |title=How to Defeat Pirates: Success in the Strait |first=Michael |last=Schuman |date=22 April 2009}}</ref> Malaysia is an exporter of natural and agricultural resources, and petroleum is a major export.<ref name="state.gov" /> Malaysia has once been the largest producer of ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.american.edu/TED/tin.htm|title=TED Case Studies: Tin Mining In Malaysia – Present And Future|publisher=American University|access-date=15 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130185311/http://www1.american.edu/TED/tin.htm|archive-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> ] and ] in the world. Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=111 |title=BNM National Summary Data Page |publisher=Bank Negara Malaysia |access-date=27 October 2010 |archive-date=6 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206205012/http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=111 |url-status=dead }}</ref> although Malaysia's economic structure has been moving away from it.<ref name="WPRO">{{cite web |url= http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/2006/maa/political_and_socioeconomic_situation.htm |title=WHO Western Pacific Region&nbsp;– 2006&nbsp;– Malaysia&nbsp;– Political and socioeconomic situation |publisher=WHO |access-date=18 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829135114/http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/2006/maa/political_and_socioeconomic_situation.htm <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=29 August 2010}}</ref> Malaysia remains one of the world's largest producers of palm oil.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3296977/Malaysia-defends-palm-oil-production.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201030531/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3296977/Malaysia-defends-palm-oil-production.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 December 2009 |title=Malaysia defends palm oil production |work=The Telegraph |date=10 June 2007 |access-date=28 November 2010 |first=Charles |last=Clover}}</ref>
] is not automatically granted to those born in Malaysia, but is granted to a child born of two Malaysian parents outside Malaysia. Dual citizenship is not permitted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,IRBC,,MYS,47d6546928,0.html |title=Malaysia: Citizenship laws, including methods by which a person may obtain citizenship; whether dual citizenship is recognized and if so, how it is acquired; process for renouncing citizenship and related documentation; grounds for revoking citizenship |publisher=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |date=16 November 2007 |accessdate=25 July 2011}}</ref> Citizenship in the states of ] and ] in ] are distinct from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. Every citizen is issued a biometric smart chip ] known as '']'' at the age of 12, and must carry the card at all times.<ref>{{cite news|author=Leow Yong May|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/30/nation/18649549&sec=nation|title=More than just a card|work=The Star|date=30 August 2007|accessdate=27 October 2010|archiveurl=http://archive.is/MZOk7|archivedate=15 October 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref>


] is the third-largest contributor to Malaysia's GDP, after the manufacturing and commodities sectors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mida.gov.my/smart-tourism-future-of-tourism-in-malaysia/|title=SMART TOURISM: FUTURE OF TOURISM IN MALAYSIA|work=]|date=13 June 2021|access-date=28 June 2022|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620112052/https://www.mida.gov.my/smart-tourism-future-of-tourism-in-malaysia|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, the sector contributed about 15.9 per cent to the total GDP. According to the ], Malaysia was the fourteenth-most visited country in the world, and the fourth-most visited country in Asia in 2019, with over 26.1 million visits.<ref name="tourism">{{Cite journal|title=UNWTO World Tourism Barometer and Statistical Annex, December 2020|journal=UNWTO World Tourism Barometer |date=December 2020|publisher=]|volume=18|issue=7|pages=1–36 |doi=10.18111/wtobarometereng.2020.18.1.7 |s2cid=241989515 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Malaysia was ranked 38th in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021 - Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future|date=May 2022|publisher=]|url=https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Travel_Tourism_Development_2021.pdf|access-date=28 June 2022|archive-date=3 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703090138/https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Travel_Tourism_Development_2021.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Its international tourism receipts in 2019 amounted to $19.8 billion.<ref name="tourism"/>
The ] features a non-compulsory kindergarten education followed by six years of compulsory primary education, and five years of optional secondary education.<ref>{{Cite book|author=M. Nozawa, C. Wing, S. Chaiyasook|title=Secondary Education Regional Information Base: Country Profile – Malaysia|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002147/214736e.pdf|year=2011|location=Bangkok|publisher=UNESCO|page=4 (12)|isbn=978-92-9223-374-7|format=PDF|postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref> Schools in the primary education system are divided into two categories: national primary schools, which teach in Malay, and vernacular schools, which teach in Chinese or Tamil.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mustafa |first=Shazwan |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malay-groups-want-vernacular-schools-abolished/ |title=Malay groups want vernacular schools abolished |work=The Malaysian Insider |date=22 August 2010 |accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref> Secondary education is conducted for five years. In the final year of secondary education, students sit for the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Education%20and%20Learning/Non%20Citizen/nTheNationalEducationSystem/nSecondaryEducation/Pages/SecondarySchoolEducation.aspx|title=Secondary School Education|publisher=Malaysian government|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> Since the introduction of the ] in 1999, students who completed the 12-month programme in matriculation colleges can enroll in local universities. However, in the matriculation system, only 10 per cent of places are open to non-''bumiputera'' students.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Saw|first = Swee-Hock|last2 = Kesavapany|first2 = K.|title = Malaysia: recent trends and challenges|publisher = Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|year = 2006|page = 259|url = http://books.google.com/?id=EHtO7JdRLO0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 981-230-339-1}}</ref>


The country has developed into a centre of ], and has the highest numbers of female workers in that industry.<ref name="iht001">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/business/global/27islamic.html |title=A Path to Financial Equality in Malaysia |access-date=27 September 2010 |work=International Herald Tribune |last=Gooch |first=Liz |date=September 2010 |archive-date=3 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203095950/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/business/global/27islamic.html? |url-status=live }}</ref> Knowledge-based services are also expanding.<ref name="WPRO" /> In 2020, Malaysia exported high-tech products worth $92.1 billion, the second-highest in ASEAN, after Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/TX.VAL.TECH.CD?locations=SG-MY-TH-ID|title=High-technology exports (current US$) - Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia &#124; Data|website=data.worldbank.org|access-date=28 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628112132/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/TX.VAL.TECH.CD?locations=SG-MY-TH-ID|url-status=live}}</ref> Malaysia was ranked 33rd in the ] in 2024, and 32nd in the ] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite book |author=] |year=2024 |title=Global Innovation Index 2024: Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=www.wipo.int |page=18 |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.50062 |isbn=978-92-805-3681-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imd.org/centers/world-competitiveness-center/rankings/world-competitiveness/|title=World Competitiveness Ranking|publisher=]|access-date=28 June 2022|archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006153740/https://www.imd.org/centers/world-competitiveness-center/rankings/world-competitiveness|url-status=live}}</ref>
]
The ] in 2009 was 6 deaths per 1000 births, and life expectancy at birth in 2009 was 75 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/malaysia_statistics.html |title=Malaysia&nbsp;– Statistics |publisher=UNICEF |accessdate=22 May 2011}}</ref> With the aim of developing Malaysia into a medical tourism destination, 5 per cent of the government social sector development budget is spent on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myhealthcare.gov.my/en/index.asp?page=MHTC&subpage=MHTC_mission |title=Mission, Vision & Background |publisher=Ministry of Health Malaysia |date=3 July 2009 |accessdate=17 September 2010}}</ref> The population in concentrated on Peninsular Malaysia<ref>{{Cite book|last = Hassan|first = Asan Ali Golam|title = Growth, structural change, and regional inequality in Malaysia|publisher = Ashgate Publishing Ltd|year = 2004|page = 12|url = http://books.google.com/?id=TtKxDem7CrsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-7546-4332-8}}</ref> where 20&nbsp;million of approximately 28&nbsp;million Malaysians live.<ref name="state.gov"/> 70 per cent of the population is urban.<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> ] is the capital<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> and the largest city in Malaysia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.tourism.gov.my/trade.asp?page=marketing_training&subpage=map_malaysia|title=Tourism Malaysia Corporate Website|publisher=Tourism Malaysia|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> as well as its main commercial and financial centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dbkl.gov.my/pskl2020/english/vision_and_goals_of_kl/index.htm|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090507232103/http://www.dbkl.gov.my/pskl2020/english/vision_and_goals_of_kl/index.htm|archivedate=7 May 2009 |title=Vision & Goals of Kuala Lumpur |publisher=Portal Rasmi Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur |accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref> ], a purpose-built city constructed from 1999, is the seat of government,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Main/MsianGov/PutrajayaFederalAdminCapital/Pages/PutrajayaFederalAdminCapital.aspx|title=Putrajaya&nbsp;– Federal Administrative Capital|publisher=Malaysian Government|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> as many executive and judicial branches of the federal government were moved there to ease growing congestion within Kuala Lumpur.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eprints.utm.my/6622/ |title=Putrajaya&nbsp;– Administrative Centre of Malaysia&nbsp;– Planning Concept and Implementation |last=Ho |first=Chin Siong|year=2006|accessdate=18 September 2010}}</ref>


=== Infrastructure ===
Due to the rise in labour intensive industries,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/business/worldbusiness/13iht-labor.4.7496516.html?_r=1 |title=As Malaysia deports illegal workers, employers run short |work=New York Times |date=13 July 2009 |accessdate=26 October 2010 |first=Soraya |last=Permatasari}}</ref> the country is estimated to have over 3&nbsp;million migrant workers; about 10 per cent of the population.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kent |first=Jonathan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3964511.stm |title=Illegal workers leave Malaysia |work=BBC News |date=29 October 2004 |accessdate=26 October 2010}}</ref> Sabah-based NGOs estimate that out of the 3&nbsp;million that make up the population of Sabah, 2&nbsp;million are illegal immigrants.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/opinions/46691 |title=Demographic implosion in Sabah? Really? |last=Quek |first=Kim |work=Malaysiakini |accessdate=21 June 2010}}</ref> Malaysia hosts a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 171,500. Of this population, approximately 79,000 are from Burma, 72,400 from the Philippines, and 17,700 from Indonesia. Malaysian officials are reported to have turned deportees directly over to human smugglers in 2007, and Malaysia employs ], a volunteer militia with a history of controversies, to enforce its immigration law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,USCRI,,IDN,,4a40d2adc,0.html |title=World Refugee Survey 2008 |publisher=United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants |date=17 June 2009 |accessdate=10 June 2011}}</ref>
{{Largest cities of Malaysia}} {{See also|Transport in Malaysia}}{{multiple image
| perrow = 1/1
| total_width = 220
| image1 = NorthSouth-Expressway.jpg
| alt1 = Expressway
| caption1 = ]
| image2 = KLIA MTB&Tower.jpg
| alt2 = Airport
| caption2 = ]
}}
] is state-run, and spans some {{convert|2783|km|mi|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IS.RRS.TOTL.KM?locations=MY|title=Rail lines (total route-km) - Malaysia|work=]|access-date=6 July 2022|archive-date=5 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705191524/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IS.RRS.TOTL.KM?locations=MY|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2016}}, Malaysia has the world's ], with some {{convert|238823|km|mi|0}} of roads. Malaysia's inland waterways are the world's ], and total {{convert|7200|km|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/waterways/country-comparison |title=Waterways – The World Factbook |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=12 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412005407/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/waterways/country-comparison |url-status=live }}</ref> Among ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/airports/country-comparison |title=Airports – The World Factbook |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=15 June 2021 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403171702/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/airports/country-comparison/ |url-status=live }}</ref> among which the ] is ] located south of Kuala Lumpur in ], which is also the ] in Asia. Among the 7 federal ports, the major one is ],<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Jeevan|first1=Jagan|last2=Ghaderi|first2=Hadi|last3=Bandara|first3=Yapa M|last4=Hamid|first4=Saharuddin Abdul|last5=Othman|first5=Mohamad Rosni|title=The Implications of the Growth of Port Throughput on the Port Capacity: the Case of Malaysian Major Container Seaports|date=December 2015|doi=10.1016/j.enavi.2015.12.008|volume=3|number=8|pages=84–98|journal=International Journal of E-Navigation and Maritime Economy|doi-access=free}}</ref> which is the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldshipping.org/top-50-ports|title=The Top 50 Container Ports|work=]|location=]|access-date=6 July 2022|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813193707/https://www.worldshipping.org/top-50-ports|url-status=live}}</ref> Malaysia's ] is ], providing international and domestic air services.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Bowen|first1=John T. Jr.|last2=Leinbach|first2=Thomas R.|title=The State and Liberalization: The Airline Industry in the East Asian NICs|jstor=2564511|volume=85|number=3|pages=468–493|publisher=]|journal=]|year=1995 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-8306.1995.tb01809.x }}</ref>


Malaysia's ]s network is second only to Singapore's in Southeast Asia, with 4.7&nbsp;million fixed-line subscribers and more than 30&nbsp;million cellular subscribers.<ref name="Tele">{{cite web |url=http://www1.american.edu/initeb/ym6974a/telecom.htm |title=Malaysian Telecommunications Overview |publisher=American University |access-date=25 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504165602/http://www1.american.edu/initeb/ym6974a/telecom.htm |archive-date=4 May 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2151rank.html?countryName=Malaysia&countryCode=my&regionCode=eas&rank=31#my |title=Telephones&nbsp;– mobile cellular |work=The World Factbook |access-date=25 May 2011 |archive-date=16 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116085719/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2151rank.html?countryName=Malaysia&countryCode=my&regionCode=eas&rank=31#my |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are 200 ]s along with specialised parks such as ] and ].<ref name="MIDA" /> ] is available to over 95% of the population, with ] accounting for 90% of the freshwater resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2018/12/440092/water-life-use-it-wisely-dont-waste-it|title=Water is life, use it wisely, don't waste it|last=Sobian|first=Azrina|publisher=New Straits Times|date=13 December 2018|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920054242/https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2018/12/440092/water-life-use-it-wisely-dont-waste-it|archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fao.org/3/ab776e/ab776e02.htm|title=Malaysia's Water Vision: The Way Forward – The Malaysian Water Partnership|publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations|date=13 December 2018|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920054706/http://www.fao.org/3/ab776e/ab776e02.htm|archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Although rural areas have been the focus of great development, they still lag behind areas such as the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cirdap.org.sg/Paper3_KKLWDoc.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514133723/http://www.cirdap.org.sg/Paper3_KKLWDoc.pdf |archive-date=14 May 2011 |title=Infrastructure and Rural Development in Malaysia |publisher=Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific |access-date=25 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The telecommunication network, although strong in urban areas, is less available to the rural population.<ref name="Tele" />
===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in Malaysia}}
]
The Malaysian constitution guarantees ] while making ] the state religion.<ref name="MSU"/> According to the Population and Housing Census 2010 figures, ethnicity and religious beliefs correlate highly. Approximately 61.3% of the population practice ], 19.8% practice ], 9.2% ], 6.3% ] and 1.3% practice ], ] and other traditional ]. 0.7% declared no religion and the remaining 1.4% practised other religions or did not provide any information.<ref name="Population"/> Sunnis form the majority with ] being the second largest group of Muslims at 18%.<ref> retrieved 4 September 2013</ref>


] infrastructure sector is largely dominated by ], the largest ] company in Southeast Asia. Customers in ] are connected to electricity through the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tenaga Nasional Berhad 500kV Transmission System, Phase 1 |url=http://www.ranhill.com.my/tenaganasional.asp |publisher=Ranhill Berhad |access-date=23 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227183633/http://www.ranhill.com.my/tenaganasional.asp |archive-date=27 February 2009 }}</ref> The other two electric utility companies in the country are ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://malaysia.asiatradehub.com/Infrastructure/1474/Power|title=Malaysia – Power Sector|publisher=AsiaTradeHub.com|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118073823/https://malaysia.asiatradehub.com/Infrastructure/1474/Power|archive-date=18 January 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, Malaysia's total power generation capacity was over 29,728 ]. Total electricity generation was 140,985.01 ] and total electricity consumption was 116,087.51 GWh.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/industry/statistics-reports.html |title=Energy Commission | access-date=11 April 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150509023944/http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/industry/statistics-reports.html | archive-date=9 May 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> ] in Malaysia is largely based on oil and natural gas, owing to Malaysia's oil and natural gas reserves, which are the fourth largest in the ] region.<ref name="Unimap">{{cite web |url= http://ppkas.unimap.edu.my/index.php/news/articles/29-renewable-energy-and-kyoto-protocol-adoption-in-malaysia |title=Renewable Energy and Kyoto Protocol: Adoption in Malaysia |author1=Selamat, Salsuwanda |author2=Abidin, Che Zulzikrami Azner |name-list-style=amp |publisher=Universiti Malaysia Perlis |access-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130904032630/http://ppkas.unimap.edu.my/index.php/news/articles/29-renewable-energy-and-kyoto-protocol-adoption-in-malaysia |archive-date=4 September 2013 }}</ref>
] in Kota Bharu is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, dating to early 18th century.]]
All ] are considered Muslim by ] of the Constitution.<ref name="MSU">{{cite web|url=http://asia.isp.msu.edu/wbwoa/southeast_asia/malaysia/religion.htm |title=Malaysia&nbsp;– Religion |publisher=Asian Studies Center - Michigan State University |accessdate=13 July 2011}}</ref> Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 83.6% of the Chinese population identify as Buddhist, with significant numbers of adherents following Taoism (3.4%) and Christianity (11.1%), along with small ] populations in areas like Penang. The majority of the Indian population follow Hinduism (86.2%), with a significant minority identifying as Christians (6.0%) or Muslims (4.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion of the non-Malay ''bumiputera'' community (46.5%) with an additional 40.4% identifying as Muslims.<ref name="Population"/>


== Demographics ==
] are obliged to follow the decisions of ] courts in matters concerning their religion. The Islamic judges are expected to follow the ] legal school of Islam, which is the main '']'' of Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Peletz|first = Michael G.|title = Islamic modern: religious courts and cultural politics in Malaysia|publisher = Princeton University Press|year = 2002|pages = 84–85|url = http://books.google.com/?id=q4TA4hjqjJ0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-691-09508-6}}</ref> The jurisdiction of ]h courts is limited to Muslims in matters such as ], ], ], ], ], and custody among others. No other criminal or civil offences are under the jurisdiction of the Shariah courts, which have a similar hierarchy to the ]. Despite being the supreme courts of the land, the Civil Courts do not hear matters related to Islamic practices.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mahathir |first=Marina |url=http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=28311&lan=en&sid=1&sp=0&isNew=0 |title=Malaysia moving forward in matters of Islam and women by Marina Mahathir |publisher=Common Ground News Service |date=17 August 2010 |accessdate=14 September 2010}}</ref>
{{Main|Demographics of Malaysia}}
] ]
According to the Malaysian Department of Statistics, the country's population was 32,447,385 in 2020,<ref name="Population2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522234002/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-date=22 May 2014 |title=Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristics |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |page=82 |access-date=4 October 2011}}</ref> making it the ]. According to a 2012 estimate, the population is increasing by 1.54 per cent per year. Malaysia has an average population density of 96 people per km<sup>2</sup>, ranking it ] for population density. People within the 15–64 ] constitute 69.5 per cent of the total population; the 0–14 age group corresponds to 24.5 per cent; while senior citizens aged 65 years or older make up 6.0 per cent. In 1960, when the first official census was recorded in Malaysia, the population was 8.11&nbsp;million. 91.8 per cent of the population are Malaysian citizens.<ref name="stat2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1215%3Apopulation-distribution-and-basic-demographic-characteristic-report-population-and-housing-census-malaysia-2010-updated-2972011&catid=130%3Apopulation-distribution-and-basic-demographic-characteristic-report-population-and-housing-census-malaysia-2010&Itemid=154&lang=en |title=Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic Report 2010 (Ethnic composition) |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |year=2010 |access-date=10 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008005500/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1215%3Apopulation-distribution-and-basic-demographic-characteristic-report-population-and-housing-census-malaysia-2010-updated-2972011&catid=130%3Apopulation-distribution-and-basic-demographic-characteristic-report-population-and-housing-census-malaysia-2010&Itemid=154&lang=en |archive-date=8 October 2013 }}</ref>


Malaysian citizens are divided along local ethnic lines, with 69.7 per cent considered '']''.<ref name="Q12021">{{cite web |url=https://www.mycensus.gov.my/index.php/125-newsletter-infographics/343-infographics#gallery9c2ef0eed8-2 |title=Infographics |publisher=Department of Statistics |access-date=13 August 2021 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002053818/https://www.mycensus.gov.my/index.php/125-newsletter-infographics/343-infographics#gallery9c2ef0eed8-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> The largest group of bumiputera are ], who are defined in the constitution as ]s who practise Malay customs and culture. They play a dominant role politically.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7121534.stm|title=Malaysia's lingering ethnic divide|author=Brant, Robin|work=BBC News|date=4 March 2008|access-date=29 October 2013|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803200852/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7121534.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Bumiputera status is also accorded to the non-Malay indigenous groups of Sabah and Sarawak: which includes ] (], ], ]), ], ], ] and others. Non-Malay bumiputeras make up more than half of Sarawak's population and over two thirds of Sabah's population.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.mst.dk/udgiv/publications/2001/87-7944-557-8/html/kap02_eng.htm|title=2. Socio-Economic and National Context |work=Malaysian-Danish Country Programme for Cooperation in Environment and Development (2002–2006)|publisher=Miljøstyrelsens Informationscenter|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040921231939/https://www2.mst.dk/udgiv/publications/2001/87-7944-557-8/html/kap02_eng.htm|archive-date=21 September 2004|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/who-are-malaysias-bumiputera|title=Who are Malaysia's bumiputera?|last=Leong|first=Trinna|publisher=The Straits Times|date=3 August 2017|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920055010/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/who-are-malaysias-bumiputera|archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also indigenous or aboriginal groups in much smaller numbers on the peninsular, where they are collectively known as the ].<ref>{{Cite book|last = Gomes|first = Alberto G.|title = Modernity and Malaysia: settling the Menraq forest nomads|publisher = Taylor & Francis Group|year = 2007|page = 10|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=IiTgShFY2QEC|isbn = 978-0-203-96075-2|access-date = 2 June 2020|archive-date = 27 July 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230727120523/https://books.google.com/books?id=IiTgShFY2QEC|url-status = live}}</ref> Laws over who gets bumiputera status vary between states.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/4/nation/20091104194453&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107061431/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F11%2F4%2Fnation%2F20091104194453&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 November 2009 |title=PM asked to clarify mixed-race bumiputra status |work=The Star |date=4 November 2009 |access-date=26 October 2010 }}</ref>
===Language===
{{main|Languages of Malaysia}}
] is used on a public transportation sign board along with an ] translation. The sign says "Koc Wanita" which means "Ladies ]".]]
The official language of Malaysia is ],<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/> a standardised form of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=zsm |title=Malay, Standard |publisher=Ethnologue |year=2009 |accessdate=25 July 2011}}</ref> The terminology as per government policy is ''Bahasa Malaysia'' (literally "Malaysian language")<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=86783|title=Mahathir regrets govt focussing too much on Bahasa|work=]|date=2 October 2013|accessdate=16 October 2013}}</ref> but legislation continues to refer to the official language as ''Bahasa Melayu'' (literally "Malay language").<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jac.gov.my/jac/images/stories/akta/federalconstitution.pdf |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/679mGikZK |archivedate=2012-04-24 |title=Federal Constitution |publisher=Judicial Appointments Commission |accessdate=29 November 2011}}</ref> Historically English was the de facto administrative language, with Malay becoming predominant after the 1969 race riots.<ref name="History">{{Cite book|last = Andaya|first = Barbara Watson|last2 = Andaya|first2 = Leonard Y.|title = A History of Malaysia|publisher = MacMillan Press Ltd|year = 1982|pages = 26–28, 61, 151–152, 242–243, 254–256, 274, 278|url = http://books.google.com/?id=5GSBCcNn1fsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-333-27672-8}}</ref> Under the National Language Act 1967, "The script of the national language shall be the Rumi script: provided that this shall not prohibit the use of the Malay script, more commonly known as the ], of the national language."<ref name="National Language Act 1967"></ref>


There are also two other non-Bumiputera local ethnic groups. 22.8 per cent of the population are ], while 6.8 per cent are ].<ref name="Q12021"/> The local Chinese have historically been more dominant in the business community. Local Indians are mostly of ] descent.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kuppusamy, Baradan |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HC24Ae01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060324183428/http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HC24Ae01.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=24 March 2006 |title=Racism alive and well in Malaysia |work=Asia Times |date=24 March 2006 |access-date=27 October 2010}}</ref><ref name="Barbara">{{Cite book|last = West|first = Barbara A.|title = Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia and Oceania, Volume 1|publisher = Facts on File inc|year = 2009|page = 486|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=pCiNqFj3MQsC|isbn = 978-0-8160-7109-8|access-date = 2 June 2020|archive-date = 27 July 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230727121024/https://books.google.com/books?id=pCiNqFj3MQsC|url-status = live}}</ref> ] is not automatically granted to those born in Malaysia, but is granted to a child born of two Malaysian parents outside Malaysia. Dual citizenship is not permitted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,IRBC,,MYS,47d6546928,0.html |title=Malaysia: Citizenship laws, including methods by which a person may obtain citizenship; whether dual citizenship is recognized and if so, how it is acquired; process for renouncing citizenship and related documentation; grounds for revoking citizenship |publisher=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |date=16 November 2007 |access-date=25 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124045542/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher%2CIRBC%2C%2CMYS%2C47d6546928%2C0.html |archive-date=24 November 2011 }}</ref> Citizenship in the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo are distinct from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. Every citizen is issued a biometric smart chip ] known as '']'' at the age of 12, and must carry the card at all times.<ref>{{cite news|author=May, Leow Yong |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/30/nation/18649549&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105101826/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F8%2F30%2Fnation%2F18649549&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2009 |title=More than just a card |work=The Star |date=30 August 2007 |access-date=27 October 2010 }}</ref>
English remains an active ], with its use allowed for some official purposes under the National Language act 1967,<ref name="National Language Act 1967"/> and serves as the medium of instruction for maths and sciences in all public schools.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/9/nation/6630852&sec=nation|title=PAGE hands in second memorandum|accessdate=8 September 2010|work=The Star|date=9 July 2010|quote=Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced last year that the policy of Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (known by its Malay acronym, PPSMI) would be scrapped from 2012.|archiveurl=http://archive.is/A925|archivedate=15 July 2012|deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/world/asia/09iht-malay.html?_r=0|title=Malaysia Ends Use of English in Science and Math Teaching|publisher=The New York Times|date=8 July 2009|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> ], also known as Malaysian Standard English, is a form of English derived from ]. Malaysian English is widely used in business, along with ], which is a colloquial form of English with heavy ], Chinese, and ] influences. The government discourages the use of non-standard Malay but still have no power to issue compounds or fines to those who use improper Malay on their advertisements.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zimmer |first=Benjamin |url=http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/003643.html |title=Language Log: Malaysia cracks down on "salad language" |publisher=University of Pennsylvania |date=5 October 2006 |accessdate=14 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/dewan-bahasa-champions-use-of-bm-in-ads-1.375207|title=Dewan Bahasa champions use of BM in ads|publisher=New Straits Times|date=14 October 2013|accessdate=16 October 2013}}</ref>


The population is concentrated on Peninsular Malaysia,<ref>{{Cite book|last = Hassan|first = Asan Ali Golam|title = Growth, structural change, and regional inequality in Malaysia|publisher = Ashgate Publishing|year = 2004|page = 12|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=TtKxDem7CrsC|isbn = 978-0-7546-4332-6|access-date = 2 June 2020|archive-date = 27 July 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230727120523/https://books.google.com/books?id=TtKxDem7CrsC|url-status = live}}</ref> where 20&nbsp;million out of approximately 28&nbsp;million Malaysians live.<ref name="state.gov" /> 70 per cent of the population is urban.<ref name="CIA Fact Book" /> Due to the rise in labour-intensive industries,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/business/worldbusiness/13iht-labor.4.7496516.html |title=As Malaysia deports illegal workers, employers run short |work=The New York Times |date=13 July 2009 |access-date=26 October 2010 |first=Soraya |last=Permatasari |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222193637/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/business/worldbusiness/13iht-labor.4.7496516.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the country is estimated to have over 3&nbsp;million migrant workers; about 10 per cent of the population.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kent |first=Jonathan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3964511.stm |title=Illegal workers leave Malaysia |work=BBC News |date=29 October 2004 |access-date=26 October 2010 |archive-date=2 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202140657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3964511.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Sabah-based NGOs estimate that out of the 3&nbsp;million that make up the population of Sabah, 2&nbsp;million are illegal immigrants.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/opinions/46691 |title=Demographic implosion in Sabah? Really? |last=Quek |first=Kim |work=Malaysiakini |access-date=21 June 2010 |archive-date=15 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515042623/http://www.malaysiakini.com/opinions/46691 |url-status=live }}</ref> Malaysia hosts a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 171,500. Of this population, approximately 79,000 are from Burma, 72,400 from the Philippines, and 17,700 from Indonesia. Malaysian officials are reported to have turned deportees directly over to human smugglers in 2007, and Malaysia employs ], a volunteer militia with a history of controversies, to enforce its immigration law.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?page=search&docid=4a40d2adc&skip=0&query=World%20Refugee%20Survey&coi=MYS |title=World Refugee Survey 2009 |publisher=United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=10 June 2011 |archive-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512224536/http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?page=search&docid=4a40d2adc&skip=0&query=World%20Refugee%20Survey&coi=MYS |url-status=live }}</ref>
Many other languages are used in Malaysia, which contains speakers of 137 living languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=MY |title=Ethnologue report for Malaysia |publisher=Ethnologue |accessdate=18 October 2010}}</ref> Peninsular Malaysia contains speakers of 41 of these languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=MYP|title=Ethnologue report for Malaysia (Peninsular)|publisher=Ethnologue|accessdate=18 October 2010|archiveurl=http://archive.ethnologue.com/16/show_country.asp?name=MYP|archivedate=2010|deadurl=yes}}</ref> The native tribes of East Malaysia have their own languages which are related to, but easily distinguishable from, Malay. ] is the main tribal language in ] while ] are spoken by the natives in ].<ref>{{Cite book|last = Adelaar|first = Alexander|last2 = Himmelmann|first2 = Nikolaus P.|title = The Austronesian languages of Asia and Madagascar|publisher = Taylor and Francis Group|year = 2005|pages = 56, 397|url = http://books.google.com/?id=5i1aMcmLWlMC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-7007-1286-0}}</ref> Chinese Malaysians predominately speak Chinese dialects from the southern provinces of China. The more common dialects in the country are ], ], ], ], ], and ]. ] is used predominantly by Tamils, who form a majority of Malaysian Indians. Other south Asian languages are also widely spoken in Malaysia, as well as ]<ref name="CIA Fact Book"/>
{{Largest cities of Malaysia|class=info}}
A small number of Malaysians have ] ancestry and speak ]s, such as the Portuguese based ],<ref>{{cite journal |title=Malaysian Creole Portuguese: Asian, African or European? |publisher=University of Texas |year=1975 |jstor=30027570 |pages=211–236 |last1=Hancock |first1=I. F. |volume=17 |issue=5 |journal=Anthropological Linguistics}}</ref> and the Spanish based ].<ref>{{Cite book|last = Michaelis|first = Susanne|title = Roots of Creole structures|publisher = John Benjamins Publishing Co|year = 2008|page = 279|url = http://books.google.com/?id=pPUeQLcGMOMC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 978-90-272-5255-5}}</ref>


=== Religion ===
{{wide image|Distribution of Malaysia Families Languages.png|750px|The distribution of language families of Malaysia shown by colours:
{{Main|Religion in Malaysia}}
]:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=akliVWdIa2g3Y2VubTVSMkxmYXp1UT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09 |title=Launching of report on the key findings population and housing census of Malaysia 2020 |date=14 February 2022 |publisher=] |access-date=26 June 2022 |archive-date=22 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822014403/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=akliVWdIa2g3Y2VubTVSMkxmYXp1UT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<br />
Dark green: Muslim majority > 50%
<br />
Light green: Muslim plurality < 50%
<br />
Blue: Christian majority > 50%
]]
The constitution grants freedom of religion, while establishing Islam as the "religion of the Federation".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ibrahim |first1=Zawawi |last2=Mohd Rasid |first2=Imram |date=October 2019 |title=Country Profile Malaysia |url=http://grease.eui.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/10/Malaysia-Country-Profile.pdf |website=GREASE: Religion, Diversity and Radicalisation |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019065339/http://grease.eui.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/10/Malaysia-Country-Profile.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="malaysianbar.org.my">{{cite web|url=http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/press_statement_malaysia_a_secular_state.html|title=PRESS STATEMENT: Malaysia a secular state|author=Ambiga Sreenevasan|publisher=The Malaysian Bar|date=18 July 2007|access-date=6 September 2017|author-link=Ambiga Sreenevasan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228154440/http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/press_statement_malaysia_a_secular_state.html|archive-date=28 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the Population and Housing Census 2020 figures, ethnicity and religious beliefs correlate highly. Approximately 63.5% of the population practise ], 18.7% practise ], 9.1% ], 6.1% ] and 1.3% practise ], ] and other traditional ]. 2.7% declared no religion or practised other religions or did not provide any information.<ref name="Population2010" /> The states of ], ] and the federal territory of ] have non-Muslim majorities.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=akliVWdIa2g3Y2VubTVSMkxmYXp1UT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09 | title=Department of Statistics Malaysia Official Portal | access-date=26 June 2022 | archive-date=22 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822014403/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=akliVWdIa2g3Y2VubTVSMkxmYXp1UT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ucanews.com/amp/malaysia-christians-pray-for-peace-equality-freedom/98155 | title=Malaysia Christians pray for peace, equality, freedom - UCA News | access-date=31 July 2022 | archive-date=31 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731164001/https://www.ucanews.com/amp/malaysia-christians-pray-for-peace-equality-freedom/98155 | url-status=live }}</ref>

] of the ] school of ] is the dominant branch of ],<ref name="Peletz2002">{{cite book|author=Peletz, Michael G. |title=Islamic Modern: Religious Courts and Cultural Politics in Malaysia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q4TA4hjqjJ0C|year=2002|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-09508-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/#identity|title=Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation|publisher=]|date=9 August 2012|access-date=4 September 2013|archive-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226113158/http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/#identity|url-status=live}}</ref> while 18% are ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/|title=Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation|date=9 August 2012|access-date=5 October 2016|archive-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226113158/http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Malaysian constitution strictly defines what makes a "Malay", defining Malays as those who are Muslim, speak Malay regularly, practise Malay customs, and lived in or have ancestors from Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore.<ref name="Marshall" /> Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 83.6% of the Chinese population identify as Buddhist, with significant numbers of adherents following Taoism (3.4%) and Christianity (11.1%), along with small Muslim populations in areas like Penang. The majority of the Indian population follows Hinduism (86.2%), with a significant minority identifying as Christians (6.0%) or Muslims (4.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion of the non-Malay ''bumiputera'' community (46.5%), while 40.4% identify as Muslims.<ref name="Population2010" />

] are obliged to follow the decisions of ]s (i.e. Shariah courts) in matters concerning their religion. The Islamic judges are expected to follow the Shafi'i legal school of Islam, which is the main '']'' of Malaysia.<ref name="Peletz2002" /> The jurisdiction of Syariah courts is limited to Muslims in matters such as ], ], ], ], ], custody and limited Islamic criminal law. No other criminal or civil offences are under the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts, which have a similar hierarchy to the ]. The civil courts do not hear matters related to Islamic practices.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mahathir |first=Marina |url=http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=28311&lan=en&sid=1&sp=0&isNew=0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222100655/http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=28311&lan=en&sid=1&sp=0&isNew=0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 December 2010 |title=Malaysia moving forward in matters of Islam and women by Marina Mahathir |publisher=Common Ground News Service |date=17 August 2010 |access-date=14 September 2010 }}</ref>

=== Languages ===
{{Main|Languages of Malaysia}}

[[File:Distribution of Malaysia Families Languages.png|thumb|The distribution of language families of Malaysia shown by colours:
{{legend|#FF006E|]}} {{legend|#FF006E|]}}
{{legend|#FF984F|]}} {{legend|#FF984F|]}}
Line 310: Line 310:
{{legend|#4CFF00|]}} {{legend|#4CFF00|]}}
{{legend|#B200FF|]}} {{legend|#B200FF|]}}
{{legend|#FFD800|]}} {{legend|#FFD800|]}}
{{legend|#A0A0A0|Areas with multiple languages}}}} {{legend|#A0A0A0|Areas with multiple languages}}]]


The official and national language of Malaysia is ],<ref name="CIA Fact Book" /> a standardised form of the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=zsm |title=Malay, Standard |publisher=Ethnologue |year=2009 |access-date=25 July 2011 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116212712/http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=zsm |url-status=live }}</ref> The previous official terminology was {{lang|ms|Bahasa Malaysia}} ({{lit|Malaysian language}})<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=86783 |title=Mahathir regrets govt focussing too much on Bahasa |work=Daily Express |location=Kota Kinabalu |date=2 October 2013 |access-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140712044336/http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=86783 |archive-date=12 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/30118?language=my |title=Bahasa Rasmi |publisher=Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit |access-date=19 April 2021 |language=ms |quote=Perkara 152 Perlembagaan Persekutuan menjelaskan bahawa bahasa Melayu yang dikenali juga sebagai bahasa Malaysia adalah bahasa rasmi yang tidak boleh dipertikai fungsi dan peranannya sebagai Bahasa Kebangsaan. |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115123259/https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/30118?language=my |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ikim.gov.my/new-wp/index.php/2007/08/08/malay-language-malay-identity/ |title=Malay Language Malay Identity |author=Encik Md. Asham bin Ahmad |publisher=Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia |date=8 August 2007 |access-date=19 April 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115123301/https://www.ikim.gov.my/new-wp/index.php/2007/08/08/malay-language-malay-identity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but now government policy uses {{lang|ms|"Bahasa Melayu"}} (Malay language) to refer to the official language<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jac.gov.my/jac/images/stories/akta/federalconstitution.pdf |title=Federal Constitution |publisher=Judicial Appointments Commission |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324042906/http://www.jac.gov.my/jac/images/stories/akta/federalconstitution.pdf |archive-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and both terms remain in use.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.expatgo.com/my/2016/06/01/-history-bahasa-melayu-malaysia |title=The history of Bahasa Melayu / Malaysia: The language of the Malay(sian) people |last=Fernandez |first=Kathleen |date=1 June 2016 |access-date=19 April 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115124803/https://www.expatgo.com/my/2016/06/01/-history-bahasa-melayu-malaysia/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Williamson |first1=Thomas |title=Incorporating a Malaysian Nation |journal=Cultural Anthropology |date=August 2002 |volume=17 |issue=3 |page=401 |doi=10.1525/can.2002.17.3.401 |url=https://courses.washington.edu/globfut/Project%20Readings/Williamson.pdf |access-date=19 April 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115123258/https://courses.washington.edu/globfut/Project%20Readings/Williamson.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The National Language Act 1967 specifies the ] as the official ] of the national language, but does not prohibit the use of the traditional ].<ref name="National Language Act 1967">{{cite act|title=National Language Act 1963/67|url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/GOVERNMENT%20PUBLICATION/Publication%20Laws%20of%20Malaysia%20(L.O.M)/National%20Language%20Act%201963-67%20%5BAct%2032%5D.pdf|type=Act|legislature=]|index=32|year=1967}}</ref>
==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Malaysia}}
], a type of pancake mixed with eggs, small pieces of meat and onions, in Kuala Lumpur.]]
Malaysia has a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. The original culture of the area stemmed from indigenous tribes that inhabited it, along with the ] who later moved there. Substantial influence exists from ] and ] culture, dating back to when foreign trade began. Other cultural influences include the ], ], and ] cultures. Due to the structure of the government, coupled with the ] theory, there has been minimal ] of ethnic minorities.<ref>{{Cite news |periodical=Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde |author=R. Raghavan |title=Ethno-racial marginality in West Malaysia: The case of the Peranakan Hindu Melaka or Malaccan Chitty community |year=1977 (No. 4) |issn=0006-2294 |volume=133 |publisher=Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies |pages=438–458 |url=http://kitlv.library.uu.nl/index.php/btlv/article/viewFile/2168/2929 |accessdate=7 October 2010}}</ref>


English remains an active ], with its use allowed for some official purposes under the National Language Act of 1967.<ref name="National Language Act 1967" /> In Sarawak, English is an official state language alongside Malay.<ref name="lang1">{{cite news |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/sarawak-makes-english-official-language-along-with-bm |title=Sarawak makes English official language along with BM |author=Sulok Tawie |newspaper=Malay Mail |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=18 November 2015 |access-date=18 November 2015 |archive-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402114111/http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/sarawak-makes-english-official-language-along-with-bm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="lang2">{{cite news |url= http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/11/18/sarawak-to-recognise-english-as-official-language-besides-bahasa-malaysia/ |title=Sarawak to recognise English as official language besides Bahasa Malaysia |newspaper=Borneo Post |location= Kuching |date=18 November 2015 |access-date=18 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305082141/http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/11/18/sarawak-to-recognise-english-as-official-language-besides-bahasa-malaysia/ |archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="lang3">{{cite news |url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1615945 |title=Sarawak adopts English as official language |newspaper=] |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=19 November 2015 |access-date=19 November 2015 |archive-date=20 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020223741/http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1615945 |url-status=live }}</ref> Historically, English was the de facto administrative language; Malay became predominant after the 1969 race riots (]).<ref name="History">{{Cite book |last1= Andaya |first1= Barbara Watson |last2= Andaya |first2= Leonard Y.|title = A History of Malaysia |publisher = MacMillan |year = 1982|pages = 26–28, 61, 151–152, 242–243, 254–256, 274, 278 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5GSBCcNn1fsC|isbn = 978-0-333-27672-3}}</ref> ], also known as Malaysian Standard English, is a form of English derived from ]. Malaysian English is widely used in business, along with ], which is a colloquial form of English with heavy Malay, Chinese, and ] influences. The government discourages the use of non-standard Malay but has no power to issue compounds or fines to those who use what is perceived as improper Malay on their advertisements.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zimmer |first=Benjamin |url=http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/003643.html |title=Language Log: Malaysia cracks down on "salad language" |publisher=University of Pennsylvania |date=5 October 2006 |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-date=20 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620134708/http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/003643.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/dewan-bahasa-champions-use-of-bm-in-ads-1.375207 |title=Dewan Bahasa champions use of BM in ads |work=New Straits Times |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=14 October 2013 |access-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131024015500/http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/dewan-bahasa-champions-use-of-bm-in-ads-1.375207 |archive-date=24 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 1971, the government created a "National Cultural Policy", defining Malaysian culture. It stated that Malaysian culture must be based on the culture of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, that it may incorporate suitable elements from other cultures, and that Islam must play a part in it.<ref name="Papers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hbp.usm.my/tourism/Papers/paper_cultural.htm |title=Cultural Tourism Promotion and policy in Malaysia |publisher=School of Housing, Building and Planning |date=22 October 1992 |accessdate=6 November 2010}}</ref> It also promoted the Malay language above others.<ref name="Cinema">{{Cite book|last = Van der Heide|first = William|title = Malaysian cinema, Asian film: border crossings and national cultures|publisher = Amsterdam University Press|year = 2002|pages = 98–99|url = http://books.google.com/?id=k3HTdu1HuWQC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 90-5356-580-9}}</ref> This government intervention into culture has caused resentment among non-Malays who feel their cultural freedom was lessened. Both Chinese and Indian associations have submitted memorandums to the government, accusing it of formulating an undemocratic culture policy.<ref name="Papers"/>

Many other languages are used in Malaysia, which contains speakers of 137 living languages.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=MY |title=Ethnologue report for Malaysia |publisher=Ethnologue |access-date=18 October 2010 |archive-date=18 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018162010/http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=MY |url-status=live }}</ref> Peninsular Malaysia contains speakers of 41 of these languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=MYP |title=Ethnologue report for Malaysia (Peninsular) |publisher=Ethnologue |access-date=18 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510095800/http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=MYP |archive-date=10 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The native tribes of East Malaysia have their own languages which are related to, but easily distinguishable from, Malay. ] is the main tribal language in Sarawak while ] and ] languages are spoken by the natives in Sabah.<ref>{{Cite book|last1 = Adelaar|first1 = Alexander|last2 = Himmelmann|first2 = Nikolaus P.|title = The Austronesian languages of Asia and Madagascar|publisher = Taylor and Francis Group|year = 2005|pages = 56, 397|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5i1aMcmLWlMC|isbn = 978-0-7007-1286-1|access-date = 2 June 2020|archive-date = 5 August 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200805193042/https://books.google.com/books?id=5i1aMcmLWlMC|url-status = live}}</ref> Chinese Malaysians predominantly speak Chinese dialects from the ] of China. The more common ] in the country are ], ], ], and so on.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gerhard |first1=Leitner |last2=Azirah |first2=Hashim |last3=Hans-Georg |first3=Wolf |last4=Xiaomei |first4=W. |title=Communicating with Asia: The Future of English as a Global Language |date=2016 |section=The Chinese language in the Asian diaspora: A Malaysian experience |section-url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/communicating-with-asia/chinese-language-in-the-asian-diaspora-a-malaysian-experience/49346DD6BC03DB6394B681335BD11280 |isbn=978-1-107-06261-0 |publisher=] |pages=205–215 |doi=10.1017/CBO9781107477186.014 |access-date=13 June 2022 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204010907/https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/communicating-with-asia/chinese-language-in-the-asian-diaspora-a-malaysian-experience/49346DD6BC03DB6394B681335BD11280 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] is used predominantly by the majority of Malaysian Indians.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schiffman|first=Harold F.|title=Malaysian Tamils and Tamil Linguistic Culture|publisher=]|date=31 December 1998|url=http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/messeas/maltamil/MALAYSIA.html|access-date=13 June 2022|archive-date=25 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825024104/http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/messeas/maltamil/MALAYSIA.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A small number of Malaysians have ] and speak ]s, such as the Portuguese-based ],<ref>{{cite journal |title=Malaysian Creole Portuguese: Asian, African or European? |year=1975 |jstor=30027570 |pages=211–236 |last1=Hancock |first1=I. F. |volume=17 |issue=5 |journal=Anthropological Linguistics}}</ref> and the Spanish-based ].<ref>{{Cite book|last = Michaelis|first = Susanne|title = Roots of Creole structures|publisher = John Benjamins Publishing Co|year = 2008|page = 279|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=pPUeQLcGMOMC|isbn = 978-90-272-5255-5}}</ref>

=== Health ===
{{main|Health in Malaysia}}
Malaysia operates an efficient and widespread ] system, consisting of a ] system and a co-existing private healthcare system; provided by highly subsidized healthcare through its extensive network of public hospitals and clinics.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Chua|first1=Hong Teck|last2=Cheah|first2=Julius Chee Ho|title=Financing Universal Coverage in Malaysia: a case study|date=22 June 2012|volume=12|number=S7|journal=BMC Public Health|pages=S7 |doi=10.1186/1471-2458-12-S1-S7|pmid=22992444 |pmc=3381695 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The ] is the main provider of healthcare services to the country's population.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Health care delivery in Malaysia: changes, challenges and champions|last1=Thomas|first1=Susan|last2=Beh|first2=LooSeh|last3=Nordin|first3=Rusli Bin|pmid=28299064|volume=2|number=2|doi=10.4081/jphia.2011.e23|journal=Journal of Public Health in Africa|date=5 September 2011|page=23 |pmc=5345496 |quote=The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH), being the main provider of health services...}}</ref> Malaysia's healthcare system is considered to be among the most developed in Asia, which contributes to its thriving ].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ormond|first1=Meghann|last2=Mun|first2=Wong Kee|last3=Khoon|first3=Chang Chee|title=Medical tourism in Malaysia: how can we better identify and manage its advantages and disadvantages?|doi=10.3402/gha.v7.25201|journal=]|number=7|date=10 September 2014|volume=7 |page=25201 |pmid=25215912|pmc=4161948 }}</ref>

Malaysia spent 3.83% of its GDP on healthcare in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS?locations=MY|title=Current healthcare expenditure (% of GDP) - Malaysia|work=]|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626124645/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS?locations=MY|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the overall ] in Malaysia at birth was 76 years (74 years for males and 78 years for females),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=MY|title=Life expectancy at birth, total (years) - Malaysia|work=]|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628132953/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=MY|url-status=live}}</ref> and it had an ] of 7 deaths per 1000 births.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.IMRT.IN?Locations=RU&locations=MY|title=Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births) - Malaysia|work=]|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=7 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807184522/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.IMRT.IN?Locations=RU&locations=MY|url-status=live}}</ref> Malaysia had a ] of 2.0 in 2020, which is just below the ] of 2.1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?locations=MY|title=Fertility rate, total (births per woman) - Malaysia|work=]|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=3 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703165835/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?locations=MY|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the country's crude ] was 16 per 1000 people, and the crude ] was 5 per 1000 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.CBRT.IN?locations=MY|title=Birth rate, crude (per 1000 people) - Malaysia|work=]|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153008/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.CBRT.IN?locations=MY|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.CDRT.IN?locations=MY|title=Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) - Malaysia|work=]|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153007/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.CDRT.IN?locations=MY|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, the principal cause of death among Malaysian adults was ], representing 17% of the medically certified deaths in 2020—being followed by ]; which accounted for 11% of the deaths.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=401&bul_id=R3VrRUhwSXZDN2k4SGN6akRhTStwQT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09|title=Statistics on Causes of Death, Malaysia 2021|date=16 November 2021|publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=23 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623002209/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=401&bul_id=R3VrRUhwSXZDN2k4SGN6akRhTStwQT09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09|url-status=live}}</ref> ] are considered a major health hazard, as Malaysia, relative to its population, has one of the ] in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scienceimpact.mit.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Abdelfatah_0.pdf|title=TRAFFIC FATALITY CAUSES AND TRENDS IN MALAYSIA|publisher=]|last=Abdelfatah|first=Akmal|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=7 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807131158/https://scienceimpact.mit.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Abdelfatah_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ] is also considered a major health issue across the country.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Smoking in Malaysia: Main issues and ways to overcome|doi=10.31436/imjm.v20i3.1727|volume=20|number=3|date=July 2021|journal=IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia|last1=Nawi|first1=Azmawati Mohammed|last2=Jetly|first2=Kavita|last3=Ramli|first3=Nur Suhada|s2cid=238829234|url=https://journals.iium.edu.my/kom/index.php/imjm/article/view/1727/1200|doi-access=free|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626124419/https://journals.iium.edu.my/kom/index.php/imjm/article/view/1727/1200|url-status=live}}</ref>

Malaysia's score on the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) is <mark>12.7</mark>, which ranks it 61st out of 127 countries. This score indicates a moderate level of hunger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Hunger Index Scores by 2024 GHI Rank |url=https://www.globalhungerindex.org/ranking.html |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Global Hunger Index (GHI) - peer-reviewed annual publication designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels |language=en}}</ref>

=== Education ===
{{main|Education in Malaysia}}
], Putrajaya]]
The education system of Malaysia features a non-compulsory kindergarten education followed by six years of compulsory primary education, and five years of optional secondary education.<ref>{{Cite book|author1=Nozawa, M.|author2=Wing, C.|author3=Chaiyasook, S.|title=Secondary Education Regional Information Base: Country Profile – Malaysia|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002147/214736e.pdf|year=2011|location=Bangkok|publisher=UNESCO|page=4 (12)|isbn=978-92-9223-374-7|access-date=1 February 2012|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002147/214736e.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Schools in the primary education system are divided into two categories: national primary schools, which teach in Malay, and vernacular schools, which teach in Chinese or Tamil.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mustafa |first=Shazwan |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malay-groups-want-vernacular-schools-abolished/ |title=Malay groups want vernacular schools abolished |work=The Malaysian Insider |date=22 August 2010 |access-date=18 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825032917/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malay-groups-want-vernacular-schools-abolished |archive-date=25 August 2010 }}</ref> Secondary education is conducted for five years. In the final year of secondary education, students sit for the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Education%20and%20Learning/Non%20Citizen/nTheNationalEducationSystem/nSecondaryEducation/Pages/SecondarySchoolEducation.aspx |title=Secondary School Education |publisher=Malaysian Government |access-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231163459/http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Education%20and%20Learning/Non%20Citizen/nTheNationalEducationSystem/nSecondaryEducation/Pages/SecondarySchoolEducation.aspx |archive-date=31 December 2013 }}</ref> Since the introduction of the ] in 1999, students who completed the 12-month programme in matriculation colleges can enroll in local universities. However, in the matriculation system, only 10 per cent of places are open to non-''bumiputera''{{Technical inline|date=October 2022}} students.<ref>{{Cite book|last1 = Saw|first1 = Swee-Hock|last2 = Kesavapany|first2 = K.|title = Malaysia: recent trends and challenges|publisher = Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|year = 2006|page = 259|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=EHtO7JdRLO0C|isbn = 978-981-230-339-4}}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Malaysia}}
]|left]]
Malaysia has a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. Substantial influence exists from ] and ] culture, dating back to when foreign trade began. Other cultural influences include the ], ], and ] cultures. Due to the structure of the government, coupled with the ] theory, there has been minimal ] of ethnic minorities.<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde |author=Raghavan, R.|title=Ethno-racial marginality in West Malaysia: The case of the Peranakan Hindu Melaka or Malaccan Chitty community |volume=133 |issue= 4 |pages=438–458 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41018027|doi=10.1163/22134379-90002605 |year=1977 |access-date=7 October 2010|doi-access=free }}</ref> Some cultural disputes exist between Malaysia and neighbouring countries, notably ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Schonhardt |first=Sara |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/KJ03Ae02.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005004204/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/KJ03Ae02.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=5 October 2009 |title=Indonesia cut from a different cloth |work=Asia Times |date=3 October 2009 |access-date=6 November 2010}}</ref>


In 1971, the government created a "National Cultural Policy", defining Malaysian culture. It stated that Malaysian culture must be based on the culture of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, that it may incorporate suitable elements from other cultures, and that Islam must play a part in it.<ref name="Papers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hbp.usm.my/tourism/Papers/paper_cultural.htm |title=Cultural Tourism Promotion and policy in Malaysia |publisher=School of Housing, Building and Planning |date=22 October 1992 |access-date=6 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529013206/http://www.hbp.usm.my/tourism/Papers/paper_cultural.htm |archive-date=29 May 2010 }}</ref> It also promoted the Malay language above others.<ref name="Cinema">{{Cite book|last = Van der Heide|first = William|title = Malaysian cinema, Asian film: border crossings and national cultures|publisher = Amsterdam University Press|year = 2002|pages = 98–99|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=k3HTdu1HuWQC|isbn = 978-90-5356-580-3|access-date = 2 June 2020|archive-date = 22 August 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230822090116/https://books.google.com/books?id=k3HTdu1HuWQC|url-status = live}}</ref> This government intervention into culture has caused resentment among non-Malays who feel their cultural freedom was lessened. Both Chinese and Indian associations have submitted memorandums to the government, accusing it of formulating an undemocratic culture policy.<ref name="Papers" />
Some cultural disputes exist between Malaysia and neighbouring countries, notably Indonesia. The two countries have a similar cultural heritage, sharing many traditions and items. However, disputes have arisen over things ranging from culinary dishes to Malaysia's national anthem. Strong feelings exist in Indonesia about protecting their national heritage.<ref name="AsiaTimes">{{cite web|last=Schonhardt |first=Sara |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/KJ03Ae02.html |title=Indonesia cut from a different cloth |work=Asia Times |date=3 October 2009 |accessdate=6 November 2010}}</ref> The Malaysian government and the Indonesian government have met to defuse some of the tensions resulting from the overlaps in culture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6760905.html |title=Indonesia, Malaysia agree to cool tension on cultural heritage dispute |publisher=People Daily |date=17 September 2009 |accessdate=6 November 2010}}</ref> Feelings are not as strong in Malaysia, where most recognise that many cultural values are shared.<ref name="AsiaTimes"/>


===Fine arts=== === Fine arts ===
{{Main|Malaysian art}}
{{See also|Music of Malaysia|Malaysian literature}} {{See also|Music of Malaysia|Malaysian literature}}
], ] are usually patterned with floral motifs with light colouring.]] ]. ] is usually patterned with floral motifs with light colouring.|left]]
Traditional Malaysian art was mainly centred around the areas of carving, weaving, and silversmithing.<ref>{{cite book|author=George Dunford|title=Southeast Asia on a Shoestring|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CW09gFJ64CwC&pg=PA419|year=2006|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74104-444-7|pages=419–}}</ref> Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts. Common artworks included ornamental ], ] sets, and woven ] and ] fabrics. Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their wooden masks.<ref name="Marshall"/> Each ethnic group have distinct performing arts, with little overlap between them. However, Malay art does show some North Indian influence due to the historical influence of India.<ref name="Garland">{{Cite book|last = Miller|first = Terry E.|last2 = Williams|first2 = Sean|title = The Garland handbook of Southeast Asian music|publisher = Taylor and Francis Group|year = 2008|pages = 223–224|url = http://books.google.com/?id=XDm80zCZGKAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 0-203-93144-0}}</ref>


Traditional Malaysian art was mainly centred on the areas of carving, weaving, and silversmithing.<ref>{{cite book|author=Dunford, George|title=Southeast Asia on a Shoestring|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CW09gFJ64CwC&pg=PA419|year=2006|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74104-444-7|pages=419–|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=19 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119151922/https://books.google.com/books?id=CW09gFJ64CwC&pg=PA419|url-status=live}}</ref> Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts. Common artworks included ornamental ], ] sets, and woven ] and ] fabrics. Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their wooden masks.<ref name="Marshall" /> Each ethnic group have distinct performing arts, with little overlap between them. However, Malay art does show some North Indian influence due to the historical influence of India.<ref name="Garland">{{Cite book|last1 = Miller|first1 = Terry E.|last2 = Williams|first2 = Sean|title = The Garland handbook of Southeast Asian music|publisher = Taylor and Francis Group|year = 2008|pages = 223–224|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=XDm80zCZGKAC|isbn = 978-0-203-93144-8}}</ref>
].]]
Traditional Malay music and performing arts appear to have originated in the ]-] region with influences from India, China, Thailand and Indonesia. The music is based around percussion instruments,<ref name="Garland"/> the most important of which is the ] (drum). There are at least 14 types of traditional drums.<ref name="Asiapac">{{Cite book|title = Gateway to Malay culture|publisher = Asiapac Books Ptd Ltd|year = 2003|page = 110|url = http://books.google.com/?id=1qIhB0I3Pq0C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 981-229-326-4}}</ref> Drums and other traditional percussion instruments and are often made from natural materials.<ref name="Asiapac"/> Music is traditionally used for storytelling, celebrating life-cycle events, and occasions such as a harvest.<ref name="Garland"/> It was once used as a form of long-distance communication.<ref name="Asiapac"/> In ], ]-based musical ensembles such as ] and ] are commonly used in ceremonies such as funerals and weddings.<ref name="Matusky">{{Cite book|title=The Music of Malaysia: The Classical, Folk, and Syncretic Traditions |author1=Matusky, Patricia Ann |author2=Sooi Beng Tan |publisher=Ashgate Publishing Ltd |year=2004 |url=http://books.google.com.my/books?id=x06nBdEkAOMC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false|pages=177–187 |accessdate=1 November 2010|isbn=978-0-7546-0831-8}}</ref> These ensembles are also common in neighbouring regions such as in the southern Philippines, ] in Indonesia, and Brunei.<ref name="Matusky" />


Traditional Malay music and performing arts appear to have originated in the ]-] region with influences from India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The music is based around percussion instruments,<ref name="Garland" /> the most important of which is the ] (drum). There are at least 14 types of traditional drums.<ref name="Asiapac">{{Cite book|title = Gateway to Malay culture|publisher = Asiapac Books Ptd Ltd|year = 2003|page = 110|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=1qIhB0I3Pq0C|isbn = 978-981-229-326-8}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Drums and other traditional percussion instruments and are often made from natural materials.<ref name="Asiapac" /> Music is traditionally used for storytelling, celebrating life-cycle events, and occasions such as a harvest.<ref name="Garland" /> It was once used as a form of long-distance communication.<ref name="Asiapac" /> In East Malaysia, ]-based musical ensembles such as ] and ] are commonly used in ceremonies such as funerals and weddings.<ref name="Matusky">{{Cite book|title=The Music of Malaysia: The Classical, Folk, and Syncretic Traditions |author1=Matusky, Patricia Ann |author2=Tan, Sooi Beng |publisher=Ashgate Publishing Ltd |year=2004 |url=https://archive.org/details/musicofmalaysiac0000matu|url-access=registration |pages=–187 |isbn=978-0-7546-0831-8}}</ref> These ensembles are also common in neighbouring regions such as in ] in the Philippines, ] in Indonesia, and Brunei.<ref name="Matusky" />
Malaysia has a strong oral tradition that has existed since before the arrival of writing, and continues today. Each of the Malay Sultanates created their own literary tradition, influenced by pre-existing oral stories and by the stories that came with Islam.<ref name="EncyclopediaMy"/> The first Malay literature was in the Arabic script. The earliest known Malay writing is on the ], made in 1303.<ref name="Marshall"/> Chinese and Indian literature became common as the numbers of speakers increased in Malaysia, and locally produced works based in languages from those areas began to be produced in the 19th century.<ref name="EncyclopediaMy">{{cite web|author=Mohd Taib Osman |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com.my/volume9/literaryheritage.html |title=Languages and Literature |publisher=The Encyclopedia of Malaysia |accessdate=3 November 2010}}</ref> English has also become a common literary language.<ref name="Marshall"/> In 1971, the government took the step of defining the literature of different languages. Literature written in Malay was called "the national literature of Malaysia", literature in other ''bumiputera'' languages was called "regional literature", while literature in other languages was called "sectional literature".<ref name="Cinema"/> Malay poetry is highly developed, and uses many forms. The ''Hikayat'' form is popular, and the ''pantun'' has spread from Malay to other languages.<ref name="EncyclopediaMy"/>


Malaysia has a strong oral tradition that has existed since before the arrival of writing, and continues today. Each of the Malay Sultanates created their own literary tradition, influenced by pre-existing oral stories and by the stories that came with Islam.<ref name="EncyclopediaMy" /> The first Malay literature was in the Arabic script. The earliest known Malay writing is on the ], made in 1303.<ref name="Marshall" /> Chinese and Indian literature became common as the numbers of speakers increased in Malaysia, and locally produced works based in languages from those areas began to be produced in the 19th century.<ref name="EncyclopediaMy">{{cite web|author=Osman, Mohd Taib |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com.my/volume9/literaryheritage.html |title=Languages and Literature |publisher=The Encyclopedia of Malaysia |access-date=3 November 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106024444/http://www.encyclopedia.com.my/volume9/literaryheritage.html |archive-date=6 January 2011 }}</ref> English has also become a common literary language.<ref name="Marshall" /> In 1971, the government took the step of defining the literature of different languages. Literature written in Malay was called "the national literature of Malaysia", literature in other ''bumiputera'' languages was called "regional literature", while literature in other languages was called "sectional literature".<ref name="Cinema" /> Malay poetry is highly developed, and uses many forms. The ''Hikayat'' form is popular, and the ''pantun'' has spread from Malay to other languages.<ref name="EncyclopediaMy" />
===Cuisine===
{{main|Malaysian cuisine}}
{{double image|right|Teh Tarik.jpg|110|Nasi lemak.jpg|190|], the national ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/61905|title=Lipton urges Malaysians to take pride in teh tarik, our national beverage|publisher=]|date=7 September 2012|accessdate=6 November 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/9deie|archivedate=6 November 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref>|], the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Travel/Malaysia/2011/04/07/Nasi-lemak-our-national-dish.aspx|title=Nasi lemak, our 'national dish'|author=Dwayne A. Rules|publisher=The Star|date=7 April 2011|accessdate=6 November 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/LnUK9|archivedate=6 November 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref>}}
Malaysia's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic makeup of its population.<ref name="Eckhardt">{{Cite book|last = Eckhardt|first = Robyn|title = Kuala Lumpur Melaka & Penang|publisher = Lonely Planet|date =1 June 2008|page = 42|url = http://books.google.com/?id=mzDloil93f4C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn =978-1-74104-485-0 }}</ref> Many cultures from within the country and from surrounding regions have greatly influenced the cuisine. Much of the influence comes from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures,<ref name="Marshall"/> largely due to the country being part of the ancient ].<ref name="Independent">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/far-eastern-cuisine-fancy-a-malaysian-2104800.html |title=Far Eastern cuisine: Fancy a Malaysian?&nbsp;– Features, Food & Drink |last=Jarvis |first=Alice-Azania |work=The Independent |date=13 October 2010 |accessdate=3 November 2010}}</ref> The cuisine is very similar to that of Singapore and Brunei,<ref name="Richmond">{{Cite book|last = Richmond|first = Simon|title = Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei|publisher = Lonely Planet|year =2010|pages = 70, 72|url = http://books.google.com/?id=VMKOuzRxOJsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn =978-1-74104-887-2}}</ref> and also bears resemblance to Filipino cuisine.<ref name="Marshall"/> The different states have varied dishes,<ref name="Richmond"/> and often the food in Malaysia is different from the original dishes.<ref name="Barbara"/>


=== Cuisine ===
Sometimes food not found in its original culture is assimilated into another; for example, Chinese restaurants in Malaysia often serve Malay dishes.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Wu|first = David Y. H.|last2 = Tan|first2 = Chee Beng|title = Changing Chinese foodways in Asia|publisher = The Chinese University of Hong Kong|year = 2001|page = 128|url = http://www.google.com/books?id=p5Mw_WTLhiYC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|doi =|id =|isbn = 962-201-914-5}}</ref> Food from one culture is sometimes also cooked using styles taken from another culture,<ref name="Richmond"/> This means that although much of Malaysian food can be traced back to a certain culture, they have their own identity.<ref name="Independent"/> Rice is popular in many dishes. Chili is commonly found in local cuisine, although this does not necessarily make them spicy.<ref name="Eckhardt"/>
{{Main|Malaysian cuisine}}
{{multiple image
| footer = The national drink and dish of Malaysia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/61905|title=Lipton urges Malaysians to take pride in the tarik, our national beverage|work=]|date=7 September 2012|access-date=6 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702212542/http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/61905|archive-date=2 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Travel/Malaysia/2011/04/07/Nasi-lemak-our-national-dish.aspx|title=Nasi lemak, our 'national dish'|author=Rules, Dwayne A.|work=The Star|date=7 April 2011|access-date=6 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702211527/http://www.thestar.com.my/Travel/Malaysia/2011/04/07/Nasi-lemak-our-national-dish.aspx/|archive-date=2 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| align = right
| direction =
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Teh Tarik.jpg
| alt1 = A glass of Teh tarik
| caption1 = '']''
| image2 = Nasi lemak.jpg
| alt2 = Nasi lemak in a plate
| caption2 = '']''
| total_width = 300
}}


Malaysia's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic makeup of its population.<ref name="Eckhardt">{{Cite book|last = Eckhardt|first = Robyn|title = Kuala Lumpur Melaka & Penang|publisher = Lonely Planet|date =1 June 2008|page = 42|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=mzDloil93f4C|isbn =978-1-74104-485-0}}</ref> Many cultures from within the country and from surrounding regions have greatly influenced the cuisine. Much of the influence comes from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures,<ref name="Marshall" /> largely due to the country being part of the ancient ].<ref name="Independent">{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/far-eastern-cuisine-fancy-a-malaysian-2104800.html |title=Far Eastern cuisine: Fancy a Malaysian? |last=Jarvis |first=Alice-Azania |work=The Independent |location= London |date=13 October 2010 |access-date=3 November 2010}}</ref> The cuisine is very similar to that of Singapore and Brunei,<ref name="Richmond2" /> and also bears resemblance to Filipino cuisine.<ref name="Marshall" /> The different states have varied dishes,<ref name="Richmond2" /> and often the food in Malaysia is different from the original dishes.<ref name="Barbara" />
===Media===
{{main|Media of Malaysia}}
] newspapers with some pro-government newspapers on sale in Kuala Lumpur, from bottom ], ], Suara Keadilan and ].]]
Malaysia's main newspapers are owned by the government and political parties in the ruling coalition,<ref>{{cite news|last=Ahmad |first=Razak |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6140N720100205 |title=Malaysian media shapes battleground in Anwar trial |work=Reuters |date=5 February 2010 |accessdate=3 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7959518.stm |title=Malaysian opposition media banned |work=BBC News |date=23 March 2009 |accessdate=3 November 2010}}</ref> although some major opposition parties also have their own, which are openly sold alongside regular newspapers. A divide exists between the media in the two halves of the country. Peninsular-based media gives low priority to news from the East, and often treats the eastern states as colonies of the Peninsula.<ref name="Mirror"/> The media have been blamed for increasing tension between Indonesia and Malaysia, and giving Malaysians a bad image of Indonesians.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/09/28/comment-anwar-blames-malaysian-media.html |title=Comment: Anwar blames Malaysian media |work=The Jakarta Post |date=28 September 2010 |accessdate=3 November 2010}}</ref> The country has Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil dailies.<ref name="Mirror"/>


Sometimes food not found in its original culture is assimilated into another; for example, Chinese restaurants in Malaysia often serve Malay dishes.<ref>{{Cite book|last1 = Wu|first1 = David Y. H.|last2 = Tan|first2 = Chee Beng|title = Changing Chinese foodways in Asia|publisher = The Chinese University of Hong Kong|year = 2001|page = 128|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=p5Mw_WTLhiYC|isbn = 978-962-201-914-0}}</ref> Food from one culture is sometimes also cooked using styles taken from another culture,<ref name="Richmond2" /> For example, ''] belacan'' (]) are commonly used as ingredients by Chinese restaurants to create the ] (''kangkung belacan'').<ref>{{cite news|url=http://travel.kompas.com/read/2011/01/30/12335049/Menikmati.Kuliner.Peranakan|title=Menikmati Kuliner Peranakan|author=Yulia Sapthiani|language=id|newspaper=]|date=30 January 2011|access-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624020202/http://travel.kompas.com/read/2011/01/30/12335049/Menikmati.Kuliner.Peranakan|archive-date=24 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> This means that although much of Malaysian food can be traced back to a certain culture, they have their own identity.<ref name="Independent" /> Rice is a staple food, and an important constituent of the country's culture.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hwa|first=Cheng Siok|title=The Rice Industry of Malaya: A Historical Survey|jstor=41491996|volume=42|number=2|date=December 1969|pages=130–144|publisher=]|journal=]}}</ref> Chili is commonly found in local cuisine, although this does not necessarily make them spicy.<ref name="Eckhardt" />
There is very little ], leading to very little government accountability.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dap-freedom-of-press-ensures-government-accountability/ |title=DAP: Freedom of press ensures government accountability |author=Shazwan Mustafa Kamal |work=The Malaysian Insider |date=3 May 2011 |accessdate=24 May 2011}}</ref> The government has previously tried to crack down on opposition papers before elections.<ref name="BBC"/> In 2007, a government agency issued a directive to all private television and radio stations to refrain from broadcasting speeches made by opposition leaders,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/69331|title=Opposition muzzled&nbsp;– here's black and white proof |date=29 June 2007 |work=Malaysiakini}}</ref> a move condemned by politicians from the opposition ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/69226|title=TV station denies censoring opposition news |date=28 June 2007 |work=Malaysiakini |first=G |last=Vikneswary}}</ref> Sabah, where all tabloids but one are independent of government control, has the freest press in Malaysia.<ref name="Mirror">{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysianmirror.com/featuredetail/140-sabah/49237-the-east-west-divide-of-malaysian-media|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110722182744/http://www.malaysianmirror.com/featuredetail/140-sabah/49237-the-east-west-divide-of-malaysian-media|archivedate=22 July 2011 |title=The East-West divide of Malaysian media |work=Malaysian Mirror |date=9 September 2010 |accessdate=3 November 2010}}</ref> Laws such as the ] have also been cited as curtailing freedom of expression.<ref name="McAdams">{{cite web|url=http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/how-press-censorship-works/ |title=How Press Censorship Works |publisher=Mindy McAdams |last=McAdams |first=Mindy |accessdate=25 May 2011}}</ref>


===Holidays and festivals=== === Media ===
{{main|Public holidays in Malaysia}} {{Main|Mass media in Malaysia}}
], the country's main public broadcaster]]
] in ]—illuminated in preparation for the ]]]
Malaysia's main newspapers are owned by the government and political parties in the ruling coalition,<ref>{{cite news|last=Ahmad |first=Razak |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6140N720100205 |title=Malaysian media shapes battleground in Anwar trial |work=Reuters |date=5 February 2010 |access-date=3 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7959518.stm |title=Malaysian opposition media banned |work=BBC News |date=23 March 2009 |access-date=3 November 2010}}</ref> although some major opposition parties also have their own, which are openly sold alongside regular newspapers. A divide exists between the media in the two halves of the country. Peninsular-based media gives low priority to news from the East, and often treats the eastern states as colonies of the peninsula.<ref name="Mirror" /> As a result of this, East Malaysia region of Sarawak launched ] as internet streaming beginning in 2014, and as TV station on 10 October 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=Abdul Taib launches TV Sarawak {{!}} Malay Mail|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/10/11/abdul-taib-launches-tv-sarawak/1911761|access-date=26 July 2021|website=www.malaymail.com|date=11 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> to overcome the low priority and coverage of Peninsular-based media and to solidify the representation of East Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 November 2017|title=Sarawak macam anak tiri stesen TV siaran percuma|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/sarawak-macam-anak-tiri-stesen-tv-siaran-percuma-161367|access-date=26 July 2021|website=www.astroawani.com|language=Malay}}</ref> The media have been blamed for increasing tension between Indonesia and Malaysia, and giving Malaysians a bad image of Indonesians.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/09/28/comment-anwar-blames-malaysian-media.html |title=Comment: Anwar blames Malaysian media |work=The Jakarta Post |date=28 September 2010 |access-date=3 November 2010}}</ref> The country has Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil dailies.<ref name="Mirror" /> Kadazandusun and Bajau news are only available via TV broadcast Berita RTM.<ref name="Berita RTM">{{cite web |url=https://rtmklik.rtm.gov.my/jadual|title=Jadual RTM |trans-title=RTM program|publisher=]|language=ms}}</ref> Written Kadazan news was once included in publications such as ], the Borneo Mail, the ], and the ], but publication has ceased with the newspaper or as a section.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/01/daily-express-ends-kadazan-section |title='Daily Express' ends Kadazan section |last=Lee |first=Stephanie |work=The Star|date=1 June 2020 |access-date=7 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Farewell, New Sabah Times |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2020/12/30/farewell-new-sabah-times/ |access-date=6 January 2022 |work=Borneo Post Online|language=en-US}}</ref>
Malaysians observe a number of holidays and festivities throughout the year. Some are federally gazetted ] and some are observed by individual states. Other festivals are observed by particular ethnic or religion groups, and the main holiday of each major group has been declared a public holiday. The most observed national holiday is '']'' (Independence Day) on 31 August, commemorating the independence of the ] in 1957.<ref name="Marshall"/> ] on 16 September commemorates federation in 1963.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/19/nation/20091019103509&sec=nation|title=Malaysia Day now a public holiday, says PM|author=Yeng Ai Chun|date=19 October 2009|accessdate=7 May 2011|archiveurl=http://archive.is/C40pK|archivedate=15 October 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref> Other notable national holidays are ] (1 May) and the King's birthday (first week of June).<ref name="Marshall"/>


] is limited, with numerous restrictions on publishing rights and information dissemination.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2013/malaysia |title=Malaysia |work=Freedom House |year=2013 |access-date=30 March 2014 |archive-date=7 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085849/http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2013/malaysia |url-status=dead }}</ref> The government has previously tried to crack down on opposition papers before elections.<ref name="BBC" /> In 2007, a government agency issued a directive to all private television and radio stations to refrain from broadcasting speeches made by opposition leaders,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/69331|title=Opposition muzzled&nbsp;– here's black and white proof |date=29 June 2007 |work=Malaysiakini}}</ref> a move condemned by politicians from the opposition ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/69226|title=TV station denies censoring opposition news |date=28 June 2007 |work=Malaysiakini |first=G |last=Vikneswary}}</ref> Sabah, where all tabloids but one are independent of government control, has the freest press in Malaysia.<ref name="Mirror">{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysianmirror.com/featuredetail/140-sabah/49237-the-east-west-divide-of-malaysian-media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722182744/http://www.malaysianmirror.com/featuredetail/140-sabah/49237-the-east-west-divide-of-malaysian-media|archive-date=22 July 2011 |title=The East-West divide of Malaysian media |work=Malaysian Mirror |date=9 September 2010 |access-date=3 November 2010}}</ref> Laws such as the ] have also been cited as curtailing freedom of expression.<ref name="McAdams">{{cite web |url=http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/how-press-censorship-works/ |title=How Press Censorship Works |publisher=Mindy McAdams |last=McAdams |first=Mindy |access-date=25 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630161559/http://mindymcadams.com/tojou/2007/how-press-censorship-works/ |archive-date=30 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
] are prominent as Islam is the state religion; ''Hari Raya Puasa'' (also called ''Hari Raya Aidilfitri'', Malay for ]), '']'' (also called ''Hari Raya Aidiladha'', the translation of ]), '']'' (birthday of the Prophet), and others being observed.<ref name="Marshall"/> ] celebrate festivals such as ] and others relating to traditional Chinese beliefs. Hindus in Malaysia celebrate '']'', the festival of lights,<ref name="MSU"/> while '']'' is a religious rite which sees pilgrims from all over the country converge at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/Web-Page/Places/States-of-Malaysia/Selangor/Batu-Caves|title=Batu Caves, Selangor |publisher=Tourism Malaysia|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> Malaysia's Christian community celebrates most of the holidays observed by Christians elsewhere, most notably Christmas and Easter. East Malaysians also celebrate a harvest festival known as '']''.<ref>{{Cite book | last = Hutton | first = Wendy | title = East Malaysia and Brunei|publisher = Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd | year = 1997 | page = 169 | url = http://books.google.com/?id=FWiU5VBALicC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | doi = | id = | isbn = 962-593-180-5}}</ref> Despite most festivals being identified with a particular ethnic or religious group, celebrations are universal. In a custom known as "open house" Malaysians participate in the celebrations of others, often visiting the houses of those who identify with the festival.<ref name="MIDA">{{Cite book|title = Guidebook on Expatriate Living in Malaysia|publisher = Malaysia Industrial Development Authority|date = May 2009|pages = 8–9, 69|url = http://www.mida.gov.my/env3/uploads/Publications_pdf/ExpatriateLiving/expatriate2009.pdf}}</ref>


=== Holidays and festivals ===
{{Clear}}
{{Main|Public holidays in Malaysia}}
]—] in ]—illuminated in preparation for the ]]]
Malaysians observe a number of holidays and festivities throughout the year. Some are federally gazetted ] and some are observed by individual states. Other festivals are observed by particular ethnic or religion groups, and the main holiday of each major group has been declared a public holiday. The most observed national holiday is '']'' (Independence Day) on 31 August, commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.<ref name="Marshall" /> ] on 16 September commemorates federation in 1963.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/19/nation/20091019103509&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020113957/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F10%2F19%2Fnation%2F20091019103509&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2009 |title=Malaysia Day now a public holiday, says PM |author=Chun, Yeng Ai |date=19 October 2009 |access-date=7 May 2011 }}</ref> Other notable national holidays are ] (1 May) and the King's birthday (first week of June).<ref name="Marshall" />


] are prominent as Islam is the state religion; ''Hari Raya Puasa'' (also called ''Hari Raya Aidilfitri'', Malay for ]), ''Hari Raya Haji'' (also called ''Hari Raya Aidiladha'', Malay for ]), '']'' (birthday of the Prophet), and others being observed.<ref name="Marshall" /> Malaysian Chinese celebrate festivals such as ] and others relating to traditional Chinese beliefs. ] Day is observed and celebrated by Buddhists. Hindus in Malaysia celebrate '']'', the festival of lights,<ref name="MSU">{{cite web |url=http://asia.isp.msu.edu/wbwoa/southeast_asia/malaysia/religion.htm |title=Malaysia&nbsp;– Religion |publisher=Asian Studies Center – Michigan State University |access-date=13 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809081015/http://asia.isp.msu.edu/wbwoa/southeast_asia/malaysia/religion.htm |archive-date=9 August 2011 }}</ref> while '']'' is a religious rite which sees pilgrims from all over the country converge at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/Web-Page/Places/States-of-Malaysia/Selangor/Batu-Caves|title=Batu Caves, Selangor|publisher=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=15 October 2013|archive-date=25 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625042929/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/selangor/batu-caves|url-status=dead}}</ref> Malaysia's Christian community celebrates most of the holidays observed by Christians elsewhere, most notably Christmas and Easter. In addition to this, the Dayak community in Sarawak celebrate a harvest festival known as '']'',<ref>{{Cite book | last = Hutton | first = Wendy | title = East Malaysia and Brunei|publisher = Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd | year = 1997 | page = 169 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=FWiU5VBALicC | isbn = 978-962-593-180-7}}</ref> and the Kadazandusun community celebrate '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/05/28/pm-kaamatan-gawai-celebrations-time-for-people-to-feel-thankful-for-achievements/ |title=PM: Kaamatan, Gawai celebrations, time for people to feel thankful for achievements |agency=Bernama |newspaper=The Borneo Post |location=Kuching |date=28 May 2016 |access-date=24 June 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160624013409/http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/05/28/pm-kaamatan-gawai-celebrations-time-for-people-to-feel-thankful-for-achievements/ |archive-date=24 June 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite most festivals being identified with a particular ethnic or religious group, celebrations are universal. In a custom known as "open house" Malaysians participate in the celebrations of others, often visiting the houses of those who identify with the festival.<ref name="MIDA">{{Cite book|title = Guidebook on Expatriate Living in Malaysia|publisher = Malaysia Industrial Development Authority|date = May 2009|pages = 8–9, 69|url = http://www.mida.gov.my/env3/uploads/Publications_pdf/ExpatriateLiving/expatriate2009.pdf|access-date = 20 August 2011|archive-date = 28 September 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110928100352/http://www.mida.gov.my/env3/uploads/Publications_pdf/ExpatriateLiving/expatriate2009.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref>
===Sports===

=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Malaysia}} {{Main|Sport in Malaysia}}
] track, the ].]]
Popular sports in Malaysia include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="MIDA"/> Football is the most popular sport in Malaysia and Malaysia is studying the possibility of bidding as a joint host for 2034 ].<ref>{{cite web|title='Asean to bid for 2034 FIFA World Cup'|url=http://www.bt.com.bn/2013/05/16/asean-bid-2034-fifa-world-cup|publisher=]|date=16 May 2013|accessdate=15 October 2013|archiveurl=http://archive.is/GBYUS|archivedate=29 October 2013|deadurl=yes}}</ref> Badminton matches attract thousands of spectators, and since 1948 Malaysia has been one of three countries to hold the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsknowhow.com/badminton/history/badminton-history-2.shtml |title=History of Badminton |publisher=SportsKnowHow.com |accessdate=11 June 2011}}</ref> The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation was registered in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110707070937/http://my.88db.com/Sports-Fitness/Club-Association/ad-77790/ |archivedate=7 July 2011|url=http://my.88db.com/Sports-Fitness/Club-Association/ad-77790/ |title=Malaysia Lawn Bowls Federation |publisher=88DB.com |accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref> Squash was brought to the country by members of the British army, with the first competition being held in 1939.<ref>{{cite book|author1=John Nauright|author2=Charles Parrish|title=Sports Around the World: History, Culture, and Practice|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=IkLYDgTnMxEC&pg=PA250|year=2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-300-2|pages=250–}}</ref> The ] was created on 25 June 1972.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malaysiasquash.com.my/index.php/about/about-sram/|title=History of SRAM|publisher=Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref> Malaysia has proposed a Southeast Asian football league.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sports/article/malaysia-indonesia-propose-southeast-asia-football-league/ |title=Malaysia, Indonesia propose Southeast Asia football league |work=The Malaysian Insider |date=31 July 2010 |accessdate=27 September 2010}}</ref> The men's ] ranked 13th in the world as of December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fih.ch/files/Sport/World%20Ranking/FIH%20Mens%20World%20Rankings%2010%20December%202012.pdf |title=FIH Men's World Rankings - 10 December 2012 |publisher=International Hockey Federation |date=10 December 2012 |accessdate=1 July 2013}}</ref> The 3rd ] was hosted at ] in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the 10th cup.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/hockey-world-cup/history/History-of-Hockey-World-Cup/articleshow/5624571.cms |title=History of Hockey World Cup |work=Times of India |date=27 February 2010 |accessdate=1 November 2010}}</ref> The country also has its own ] track–the ]. It runs for {{convert|310.408|km|mi|2}}, and held its first ] in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allf1.info/tracks/index.php |title=Formula One Grand Prix Circuits |last=Novikov |first=Andrew |publisher=All Formula One Info |accessdate=27 September 2010}}</ref>


], persist alongside modern sports.]]
The Federation of Malaya Olympic Council was formed in 1953, and received recognition by the IOC in 1954. It first participated in the ]. The council was renamed the ] in 1964, and ] in all but one Olympic games since its inception. The largest number of athletes ever sent to the Olympics was 57 to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olympic.org.my/web/gamesrecords/olympicg/history.htm |title=Olympic Games&nbsp;– History |publisher=The Olympic Council of Malaysia |accessdate=27 September 2010}}</ref> Malaysian athletes have won a total of six Olympic medals, five in Badminton, one in Platform diving.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olympic.org.my/web/gamesrecords/olympicg/medaltally.htm |title=Previous Olympic Games Medal Tally |publisher=Olympic Council of Malaysia |accessdate=17 October 2013}}</ref> The country has competed at the ] since 1950 as Malaya, and 1966 as Malaysia, and the games were hosted in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/node/138479|title=Doing Malaysia proud|author=Rueben Dudley|publisher=The Sun Daily|date=13 September 2010|accessdate=15 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cygpune2008.com/history-tradition/history-tradition.php |title=Commonwealth Games Federation, History and Tradition of Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh, Bendigo, Pune |publisher=Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 |date=14 August 2000 |accessdate=27 September 2010}}</ref> Two styles of martial arts are being practiced in Malaysia; ] and Malaysian kickboxing, called ].
Popular sports in Malaysia include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="MIDA" /> Football is the most popular sport in Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=BAT flouts tobacco-free World Cup policy |last=Assunta |first=Mary |journal=Tobacco Control |volume=11 |issue=3 |pages=277–278 |year=2006 |doi=10.1136/tc.11.3.277|pmid=12198283 |pmc=1759036 }}</ref> Badminton matches also attract thousands of spectators, and since 1948 Malaysia has been one of four countries to hold the ], the world team championship trophy of men's badminton.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportsknowhow.com/badminton/history/badminton-history-2.shtml |title=History of Badminton |publisher=SportsKnowHow.com |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629004258/http://www.sportsknowhow.com/badminton/history/badminton-history-2.shtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation was registered in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707070937/http://my.88db.com/Sports-Fitness/Club-Association/ad-77790/ |archive-date=7 July 2011|url=http://my.88db.com/Sports-Fitness/Club-Association/ad-77790/ |title=Malaysia Lawn Bowls Federation |publisher=88DB.com |access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref> Squash was brought to the country by members of the British army, with the first competition being held in 1939.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Nauright |first1=John |last2=Parrish |first2=Charles |title=Sports Around the World: History, Culture, and Practice |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=IkLYDgTnMxEC&pg=PA250 |year=2012 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-300-2 |pages=250–}}</ref> The ] was created on 25 June 1972.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.malaysiasquash.com.my/index.php/about/about-sram/ |title=History of SRAM |publisher=Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia |access-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131015034511/http://www.malaysiasquash.com.my/index.php/about/about-sram/ |archive-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref> The men's ] ranked ] {{as of|2022|June|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fih.ch/rankings/outdoor/ |title=FIH Men's and Women's World Ranking |publisher=International Hockey Federation |access-date=14 June 2022 }}</ref> The 3rd ] was hosted at ] in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the 10th cup.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/hockey-world-cup/history/History-of-Hockey-World-Cup/articleshow/5624571.cms |title=History of Hockey World Cup |work=The Times of India |date=27 February 2010 |access-date=1 November 2010}}</ref> The country also has its own ] track – the ], with the first ] held in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allf1.info/tracks/index.php |title=Formula One Grand Prix Circuits |last=Novikov |first=Andrew |publisher=All Formula One Info |access-date=27 September 2010 |archive-date=2 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302231012/http://allf1.info/tracks/index.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Traditional sports include ], the most common style of martial arts practised by ].<ref>{{cite book |last=Minahan |first=James B. |title=Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=fOQkpcVcd9AC&pg=PT76 |date=30 August 2012 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-660-7 |pages=76–}}</ref>


The Federation of Malaya Olympic Council was formed in 1953, and received recognition by the IOC in 1954. It first participated in the ]. The council was renamed the ] in 1964, and ] in all but one Olympic games since its inception. The largest number of athletes ever sent to the Olympics was 57 to the ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.olympic.org.my/web/gamesrecords/olympicg/history.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130807033456/http://www.olympic.org.my/web/gamesrecords/olympicg/history.htm |archive-date=7 August 2013 |title=Olympic Games&nbsp;– History |publisher=The Olympic Council of Malaysia |access-date=27 September 2010}}</ref> Besides the Olympic Games, Malaysia also participates in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.paralympic.org.my/sports.html#introduction|title=Sports|website=www.paralympic.org.my}}</ref> Malaysia has competed at the ] since 1950 as Malaya, and 1966 as Malaysia, and the games were hosted in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.<ref>{{cite news |archive-date=31 October 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141031191031/http://www.thesundaily.my/node/138479 |url= http://www.thesundaily.my/node/138479 |title=Doing Malaysia proud |last=Dudley |first=Rueben |work=The Sun |location=Kuala Lumpur |date=13 September 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cygpune2008.com/history-tradition/history-tradition.php |title=Commonwealth Games Federation, History and Tradition of Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh, Bendigo, Pune |publisher=Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 |date=14 August 2000 |access-date=27 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101008183946/http://www.cygpune2008.com/history-tradition/history-tradition.php |archive-date=8 October 2010}}</ref>
==See also==

== See also ==
{{portal|Malaysia|Asia}} {{portal|Malaysia|Asia}}
{{Misplaced Pages books|Malaysia}} * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]{{Clear}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
{{clear}}


==References== == Notes ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} {{reflist|group=fn}}
{{Notelist}}


==External links== == References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Sister project links}}
; Government
* &nbsp;– Malaysian government portal
*
*
*


== External links ==
; General information
{{Sister project links|voy=Malaysia}}
* at ]
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Malay Peninsula |volume= 17 |last= Clifford |first= Hugh Charles | pages = 471&ndash;475 |short= 1 }}
* {{CIA World Factbook link|my|Malaysia}}
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Malays |volume= 17 |last= Clifford |first= Hugh Charles | pages = 475&ndash;478 |short= 1}}
* from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Malay States (British) |volume= 17 |last1= Clifford |first1= Hugh Charles |last2= Graham |first2= Walter Armstrong | pages = 478&ndash;484 |short= 1 }}
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Malaysia}}
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Malay States (Siamese) |volume= 17 |last= Graham |first= Walter Armstrong | page = 484 |short= 1}}
* from the ]
* from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
* from the ]
* {{Wikiatlas|Malaysia}} * {{Wikiatlas|Malaysia}}
* from ]

; Travel
*
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}
*

; Education
*
*


<!-- Templates --> <!-- Templates -->
{{Malaysia topics|state=expanded}} {{Malaysia topics}}
{{Navboxes {{Navboxes
|title = Geographic locale |title = Articles relating to Malaysia
|list = |list =
{{States and Federal Territories of Malaysia |titlestyle=background:#ddf; |groupstyle=background:#eef;}} {{States and Federal Territories of Malaysia}}
{{Monarchies}}
{{Countries and territories of Southeast Asia}} {{Countries and territories of Southeast Asia}}
{{Countries of Asia}} {{Countries of Asia}}
{{Countries of the Malay Archipelago}}
{{The Commonwealth}}
}}
{{Monarchies}}
{{Navboxes
|title = International membership
|list =
{{Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)}} {{Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)}}
{{East Asia Summit (EAS)}} {{East Asia Summit (EAS)}}
{{Commonwealth of Nations}} {{The Commonwealth}}
{{G-15 nations}} {{G-15 nations}}
{{Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation}} {{Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation}}
{{Non-Aligned Movement}} {{Non-Aligned Movement}}
{{Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|state=collapsed}} {{Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|state=collapsed}}
{{Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)|state=collapsed}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Languages
|list =
{{English official language clickable map}}
}} }}


{{Good article}} {{Authority control}}
{{Coord|2|N|112|E|type:country_region:MY|display=title}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]

{{Link FA|ms}}

Latest revision as of 15:54, 24 December 2024

Country in Southeast Asia Not to be confused with Malesia.

Malaysia
A blue rectangle with a gold star and crescent in the canton, with 14 horizontal red and white stripes on the rest of the flag Flag Shield showing the symbols of the Malaysian states with a star and crescent above and a motto below, supported by two tigers Coat of arms
Motto: Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu
برسکوتو برتمبه موتو‎ (Jawi)
"Unity is Strength"
Anthem: "Negaraku"
"My Country"
Show globeShow map of Southeast AsiaLocation of Malaysia (dark green)

– in Asia (dark gray & white)
– in ASEAN (dark gray)

Capitaland largest cityKuala Lumpur
3°8′N 101°41′E / 3.133°N 101.683°E / 3.133; 101.683
Administrative centerPutrajaya
2°56′N 101°42′E / 2.933°N 101.700°E / 2.933; 101.700
National languages (official)Malay (de jure)
Recognized languagesEnglish (de facto)
Ethnic groups (2023)
Religion (2020)
Demonym(s)Malaysian
GovernmentFederal parliamentary constitutional elective monarchy
• Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ibrahim Iskandar
• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
LegislatureParliament
• Upper houseDewan Negara
• Lower houseDewan Rakyat
Independence from the United Kingdom
• Federation of Malaya 31 August 1957
• Sarawak self-governance 22 July 1963
• North Borneo self-governance 31 August 1963
• Proclamation of Malaysia 16 September 1963
Area
• Total330,803 km (127,724 sq mi) (67th)
• Water (%)0.3
Population
• 2024 estimate34,564,810 (43rd)
• 2020 census32,447,385
• Density101/km (261.6/sq mi) (116th)
GDP (PPP)2024 estimate
• TotalIncrease $1.306 trillion (30th)
• Per capitaIncrease $39,030 (53rd)
GDP (nominal)2024 estimate
• TotalIncrease $445.519 billion (36th)
• Per capitaIncrease $13,315 (67th)
Gini (2021)Positive decrease 40.7
medium inequality
HDI (2022)Increase 0.807
very high (63rd)
CurrencyMalaysian ringgit (RM) (MYR)
Time zoneUTC+8 (MST)
Date formatdd-mm-yyyy
Calling code+60
ISO 3166 codeMY
Internet TLD.my

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. A federal constitutional monarchy, it consists of 13 states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo's East Malaysia. Peninsular Malaysia shares a land and maritime border with Thailand and maritime borders with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. East Malaysia shares land borders with Brunei and Indonesia, as well as a maritime border with the Philippines and Vietnam. Kuala Lumpur is the national capital, the country's largest city, and the seat of the legislative branch of the federal government. Putrajaya is the administrative centre, which represents the seat of both the executive branch (the Cabinet, federal ministries, and federal agencies) and the judicial branch of the federal government. With a population of over 34 million, the country is the world's 43rd-most populous country. Malaysia is tropical and is one of 17 megadiverse countries; it is home to numerous endemic species. Tanjung Piai in the Malaysian state of Johor is the southernmost point of continental Eurasia.

The country has its origins in the Malay kingdoms, which, from the 18th century on, became subject to the British Empire, along with the British Straits Settlements protectorate. During World War Two, British Malaya, along with other nearby British and American colonies, was occupied by the Empire of Japan. Following three years of occupation, Peninsular Malaysia was briefly unified as the Malayan Union in 1946 until 1948 when it was restructured as the Federation of Malaya. The country achieved independence on 31 August 1957. On 16 September 1963, independent Malaya united with the then British crown colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore to become Malaysia. In August 1965, Singapore was expelled from the federation and became a separate, independent country.

The country is multiethnic and multicultural, which has a significant effect on its politics. About half the population is ethnically Malay, with minorities of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous peoples. The official language is Malaysian Malay, a standard form of the Malay language. English remains an active second language. While recognising Islam as the official religion, the constitution grants freedom of religion to non-Muslims. The government is modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system, and the legal system is based on common law. The head of state is an elected monarch, chosen from among the nine state sultans every five years. The head of government is the prime minister.

The country's economy has traditionally been driven by its natural resources but is expanding into commerce, tourism, and medical tourism. The country has a newly industrialised market economy, which is relatively open and state-oriented. The country is a founding member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Etymology

The name Malaysia is a combination of the word Malays and the Latin-Greek suffix -ia/-ία which can be translated as 'land of the Malays'. Similar-sounding variants have also appeared in accounts older than the 11th century, as toponyms for areas in Sumatra or referring to a larger region around the Strait of Malacca. The Sanskrit text Vayu Purana, thought to have been in existence since the first millennium CE, mentioned a land named 'Malayadvipa' which was identified by certain scholars as the modern Malay Peninsula. Other notable accounts are by the 2nd-century Ptolemy's Geographia that used the name Malayu Kulon for the west coast of Golden Chersonese, and the 7th-century Yijing's account of Malayu.

At some point, the Melayu Kingdom took its name from the Sungai Melayu. Melayu then became associated with Srivijaya, and remained associated with various parts of Sumatra, especially Palembang, where the founder of the Malacca Sultanate is thought to have come from. It is only thought to have developed into an ethnonym as Malacca became a regional power in the 15th century. Islamisation established an ethnoreligious identity in Malacca, with the term Melayu beginning to appear as interchangeable with Melakans. It may have specifically referred to local Malays speakers thought loyal to the Malaccan Sultan. The initial Portuguese use of Malayos reflected this, referring only to the ruling people of Malacca. The prominence of traders from Malacca led Melayu to be associated with Muslim traders, and from there became associated with the wider cultural and linguistic group. Malacca and later Johor claimed they were the centre of Malay culture, a position supported by the British which led to the term Malay becoming more usually linked to the Malay peninsula rather than Sumatra.

Before the onset of European colonisation, the Malay Peninsula was known natively as Tanah Melayu ('Malay Land'). Under a racial classification created by a German scholar Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, the natives of maritime Southeast Asia were grouped into a single category, the Malay race. Following the expedition of French navigator Jules Dumont d'Urville to Oceania in 1826, he later proposed the terms of Malaysia, Micronesia and Melanesia to the Société de Géographie in 1831, distinguishing these Pacific cultures and island groups from the existing term Polynesia. Dumont d'Urville described Malaysia as "an area commonly known as the East Indies". In 1850, the English ethnologist George Samuel Windsor Earl, writing in the Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia, proposed naming the islands of Southeast Asia as "Melayunesia" or "Indunesia", favouring the former. The name Malaysia gained some use to label what is now the Malay Archipelago. In modern terminology, Malay remains the name of an ethnoreligious group of Austronesian people predominantly inhabiting the Malay Peninsula and portions of the adjacent islands of Southeast Asia, including the east coast of Sumatra, the coast of Borneo, and smaller islands that lie between these areas.

The state that gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1957 took the name the Federation of Malaya, chosen in preference to other potential names such as Malaysia and Langkasuka, after the historic kingdom located at the upper section of the Malay Peninsula in the first millennium CE. Nonetheless, the name Malaysia was adopted in 1963 when the existing states of the Federation of Malaya, plus Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak formed a new federation. One theory posits the name was chosen so that si represented the inclusion of Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak to Malaya in 1963. Politicians in the Philippines contemplated renaming their state Malaysia before the modern country took the name.

History

Main article: History of Malaysia
Map showing the extent of the Malacca Sultanate, covering much of the Malay Peninsula and some of Sumatra
The Malacca Sultanate played a major role in spreading Islam throughout the Malay Archipelago.

Evidence of modern human habitation in Malaysia dates back 40,000 years. In the Malay Peninsula, the first inhabitants are thought to be Negritos. Areas of Malaysia participated in the Maritime Jade Road between 2000 BC to 1000 AD. Traders and settlers from India and China arrived as early as the first century AD, establishing trading ports and coastal towns in the second and third centuries. Their presence resulted in strong Indian and Chinese influences on the local cultures, and the people of the Malay Peninsula adopted the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Sanskrit inscriptions appear as early as the fourth or fifth century. The Kingdom of Langkasuka arose around the second century in the northern area of the Malay Peninsula, lasting until about the 15th century. Between the 7th and 13th centuries, much of the southern Malay Peninsula was part of the maritime Srivijayan empire. By the 13th and the 14th century, the Majapahit empire had successfully wrested control over most of the peninsula and the Malay Archipelago from Srivijaya. In the early 15th century, Parameswara, a runaway king of the former Kingdom of Singapura linked to the old Srivijayan court, founded the Malacca Sultanate. The spread of Islam increased following Parameswara's conversion to that religion. Malacca was an important commercial centre during this time, attracting trade from around the region.

Dutch fleet vs Portuguese armada
The Dutch fleet battling with the Portuguese armada as part of the Dutch–Portuguese War in 1606 to gain control of Malacca

In 1511, Malacca was conquered by Portugal, after which it was taken by the Dutch in 1641. In 1786, the British Empire established a presence in Malaya, when the Sultan of Kedah leased Penang Island to the British East India Company. The British obtained the town of Singapore in 1819, and in 1824 took control of Malacca following the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. By 1826, the British directly controlled Penang, Malacca, Singapore, and the island of Labuan, which they established as the crown colony of the Straits Settlements. By the 20th century, the states of Pahang, Selangor, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan, known together as the Federated Malay States, had British residents appointed to advise the Malay rulers, to whom the rulers were bound to defer by treaty. The remaining five states on the peninsula, known as the Unfederated Malay States, while not directly under British rule, also accepted British advisers around the turn of the 20th century. Development on the peninsula and Borneo were generally separate until the 19th century. Under British rule the immigration of Chinese and Indians to serve as labourers was encouraged. The area that is now Sabah came under British control as North Borneo when both the Sultan of Brunei and the Sultan of Sulu transferred their respective territorial rights of ownership, between 1877 and 1878. In 1842, Sarawak was ceded by the Sultan of Brunei to James Brooke, whose successors ruled as the White Rajahs over an independent kingdom until 1946, when it became a crown colony.

In the Second World War, the Japanese Army invaded and occupied Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore for over three years. During this time, ethnic tensions were raised and nationalism grew. Popular support for independence increased after Malaya was reconquered by Allied forces. Post-war British plans to unite the administration of Malaya under a single crown colony called the Malayan Union met with strong opposition from the Malays, who opposed the weakening of the Malay rulers and the granting of citizenship to the ethnic Chinese. The Malayan Union, established in 1946, and consisting of all the British possessions in the Malay Peninsula with the exception of Singapore, was quickly dissolved and replaced on 1 February 1948 by the Federation of Malaya, which restored the autonomy of the rulers of the Malay states under British protection.

Leader of the Malayan Communist Party Lee Meng holding a rifle during the Malayan Emergency, 1951

During this time, the mostly ethnically Chinese rebels under the leadership of the Malayan Communist Party launched guerrilla operations designed to force the British out of Malaya. The Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) involved a long anti-insurgency campaign by Commonwealth troops in Malaya. On 31 August 1957, Malaya became an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Subsequently, a comprehensive plan was devised to unite Malaya with the crown colonies of North Borneo (known as Sabah upon joining), Sarawak, and Singapore. The envisioned federation was originally intended to take place on 31 August 1963, to coincide with the commemoration of Malayan independence. However, due to the necessity of conducting a survey on the level of support for the federation in Sabah and Sarawak by the United Nations, as requested by opponents of the federation such as Indonesia's Sukarno and the Sarawak United Peoples' Party, the date of the federation was postponed until 16 September 1963.

The federation brought heightened tensions including a conflict with Indonesia as well as continual conflicts against the Communists in Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, which escalated to the Sarawak Communist Insurgency and Second Malayan Emergency together with several other issues such as the cross-border attacks into Sabah by Moro pirates from the southern islands of the Philippines, Singapore being expelled from the Federation in 1965, and racial strife. This strife culminated in the 13 May race riots in 1969. After the riots, the controversial New Economic Policy was launched by Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, trying to increase the share of the economy held by the bumiputera. Under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad there was a period of rapid economic growth and urbanization beginning in the 1980s. The economy shifted from being agriculturally based to one based on manufacturing and industry. Numerous mega-projects were completed, such as the Petronas Towers, the North–South Expressway, the Multimedia Super Corridor, and the new federal administrative capital of Putrajaya.

In the late 1990s, the Asian financial crisis impacted the country, nearly causing their currency, stock, and property markets to crash; however, they later recovered. The 1MDB scandal was a major global corruption scandal that implicated then-Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2015. The scandal contributed to the first change in the ruling political party since independence in the 2018 general election. In the 2020s, the country was gripped by a political crisis that coincided with health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This was then followed by an earlier general election in November 2022, which resulted in the first hung parliament in the nation's history. On 24 November 2022, Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, leading a grand coalition government.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Malaysia and Government of Malaysia
White tall building and two arches
The Parliament of Malaysia, the building that houses the members of the Dewan Rakyat

Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy; 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. The other four states, which have titular Governors, do not participate in the selection. By informal agreement the position is rotated among the nine, and has been held by Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor since 31 January 2024. The King's role has been largely ceremonial since changes to the constitution in 1994, picking ministers and members of the upper house.

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. The 222-member House of Representatives is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies. All 70 senators sit for three-year terms; 26 are elected by the 13 state assemblies, and the remaining 44 are appointed by the King upon the Prime Minister's recommendation. The parliament follows a multi-party system and the government is elected through a first-past-the-post system. Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years. Before 2018, only registered voters aged 21 and above could vote for the members of the House of Representatives and, in most of the states, for the state legislative chamber. Voting is not mandatory. In July 2019, a bill to lower the voting age to 18 years old was officially passed.

Large building with a series of flags in front of it
The Perdana Putra houses the office of Malaysia's Prime Minister.

Executive power is vested in the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. The prime minister must be a member of the House of Representatives, who in the opinion of His Majesty the King, commands the support of a majority of members. The Cabinet is chosen from members of both houses of Parliament. The Prime Minister is both the head of cabinet and the head of government. As a result of the 2018 general election Malaysia was governed by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) political alliance, although Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad resigned amid a political crisis in 2020. In March 2020, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition formed under Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, before Muhyiddin lost majority support and was replaced by deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, a veteran politician from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), in August 2021. As a result of the 2022 Malaysian general election, a hung parliament was elected. Anwar Ibrahim of the PH coalition was appointed as the new Prime Minister to lead the coalition government of PH, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and several other political parties and independents. Meanwhile, PN, the only political coalition not in the coalition government became the Opposition.

Malaysia's legal system is based on common law. Although the judiciary is theoretically independent, its independence has been called into question and the appointment of judges lacks accountability and transparency. 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. Malaysia also has a special court to hear cases brought by or against royalty.

Race is a significant force in politics. Affirmative actions such as the New Economic Policy and the National Development Policy which superseded it, were implemented to advance the standing of the bumiputera, consisting of Malays and the indigenous tribes who are considered the original inhabitants of Malaysia, over non-bumiputera such as Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indians. These policies provide preferential treatment to bumiputera in employment, education, scholarships, business, and access to cheaper housing and assisted savings. However, it has generated greater interethnic resentment. There is ongoing debate over whether the laws and society of Malaysia should reflect Islamism or secularism. Islamic criminal laws passed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party with the support of UMNO state assemblymen in the state legislative assembly of Kelantan have been unenforced by the federal government on the basis that criminal laws are the responsibility of the federal government.

After UMNO lost power at the 2018 Malaysian general election, Malaysia's ranking increased by 9 places in the 2019 Democracy Index to 43rd compared to the previous year and is classified as a 'flawed democracy'. Malaysia's ranking in the 2020 Press Freedom Index increased by 22 places to 101st compared to the previous year, making it one of two countries in Southeast Asia without a 'Difficult situation' or 'Very Serious situation' with regards to press freedom. However, it fell 18 places the following year due to the policies of the PN government.

Malaysia is marked at 48th and 62nd place according to the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating above average levels of corruption. Freedom House noted Malaysia as "partly free" in its 2018 survey. A lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice alleged that at least $3.5 billion involving former prime minister Najib Razak had been stolen from Malaysia's 1MDB state-owned fund, known as the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: States and federal territories of Malaysia and Local government in Malaysia
Perlis Kedah Penang Kelantan Terengganu Perak Selangor Negeri Sembilan Malacca Johor Pahang Sarawak Sabah Labuan Kuala Lumpur Putrajaya West Malaysia East Malaysia (Blue) States (Red) Federal Territories South China Sea Strait
of
Malacca
Gulf of Thailand Sulu Sea Celebes Sea Brunei Indonesia Indonesia Indonesia Philippines Singapore Thailand

Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. Out of these, eleven 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. Governance of the states is divided between the federal and the state governments, with different powers reserved for each, and the federal government has direct administration of the federal territories. Each state has a unicameral State Legislative Assembly whose members are elected from single-member constituencies. State governments are led by Chief Ministers, who are state assembly members from the majority party in the assembly. In each of the states with a hereditary ruler, the Chief Minister is normally required to be a Malay, appointed by the ruler upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Until 2018, state elections were held concurrently with the federal election by convention, except for those in Sarawak. Following the 2020–2022 political crisis, only Pahang, Perak and Perlis opted to conduct their state elections simultaneously with the federal elections.

Positioned below the federal and state governments, local governments represent the lowest tier of governance in Malaysia. As of 2024, Malaysia is divided between 19 cities, 40 municipalities, 91 district-level councils and four statutory agencies. While the federal constitution assigns local authorities to the exclusive jurisdiction of state governments, in practice, the federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government oversees the regulation of local laws and policies. Mayors (or presidents for municipal and district councils) and councillors are appointed by the respective state governments, or in the case of the federal territories, by the federal government.

Federal laws assign land matters, including the delineation of districts, to the purview of state governments. With the exception of Perlis and the federal territories, each state is divided into districts, which are further subdivided into mukims. In Sabah and Sarawak, districts are grouped into divisions. In contrast to local governments that manage municipal administration and infrastructure development, districts are solely utilised for land taxation.

The 13 states are based on historical Malay kingdoms, and 9 of the 11 Peninsular states, known as the Malay states, retain their royal families. The King is elected by and from the nine rulers to serve a five-year term. This King appoints governors serving a four-year term for the states without monarchies, after consultations with the chief minister of that state. Each state has its own written constitution. Sabah and Sarawak have considerably more autonomy than the other states, most notably having separate immigration policies and controls, and a unique residency status. Federal intervention in state affairs, lack of development, and disputes over oil royalties have occasionally led to statements about secession from leaders in several states such as Penang, Johor, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak, although these have not been followed up and no serious independence movements exist.

States

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

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

Foreign relations and military

Main articles: Foreign relations of Malaysia and Malaysian Armed Forces
With Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related meetings in Vientiane, Laos, 2024

A founding member of ASEAN and OIC, the country participates in many international organisations such as the United Nations (U.N.), APEC, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, and NAM. It has chaired ASEAN, OIC, and NAM in the past. A former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth. Kuala Lumpur was the site of the first EAS in 2005.

Malaysia's foreign policy is officially based on the principle of neutrality and maintaining peaceful relations with all countries, regardless of their political system. The government attaches a high priority to the security and stability of Southeast Asia, and seeks to further develop relations with other countries in the region. Historically the government has tried to portray Malaysia as a progressive Islamic nation while strengthening relations with other Islamic states. A strong tenet of Malaysia's policy is national sovereignty and the right of a country to control its domestic affairs. Malaysia signed the U.N. treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

US Marines with Malaysian soldiers
US Marines with Malaysian soldiers during the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Exercise CARAT) in 2012

The Spratly Islands are disputed by many states in the area, and a large portion of the South China Sea is claimed by China. Unlike its neighbours of Vietnam and the Philippines, Malaysia historically avoided conflicts with China. However, after the encroachment of Chinese ships in Malaysian territorial waters, and breach of airspace by their military aircraft, Malaysia has become active in condemning China. Brunei and Malaysia in 2009 announced an end to claims of each other's land, and committed to resolve issues related to their maritime borders. The Philippines has a dormant claim to the eastern part of Sabah. Singapore's land reclamation has caused tensions, and minor maritime and land border disputes exist with Indonesia.

Sukhoi Su-30MKM of RMAF

The Malaysian Armed Forces have three branches: the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. There is no conscription, and the required age for voluntary military service is 18. The military uses 1.5% of the country's GDP, and employs 1.23% of Malaysia's manpower. Malaysian peacekeeping forces have contributed to many U.N. peacekeeping missions, such as in Congo, Iran–Iraq, Namibia, Cambodia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia, Kosovo, East Timor and Lebanon.

The Five Power Defence Arrangements is a regional security initiative which has been in place for almost 40 years. It involves joint military exercises held among Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Joint exercises and war games have also been held with Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States. Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam have agreed to host joint security force exercises to secure their maritime border and tackle issues such as illegal immigration, piracy, and smuggling. Previously there were fears that extremist militant activities in the Muslim areas of the southern Philippines and southern Thailand would spill over into Malaysia. Because of this, Malaysia began to increase its border security.

Human rights

See also: Human rights in Malaysia and LGBT rights in Malaysia

Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, and authorities have imposed punishments such as caning and imprisonment. Human trafficking and sex trafficking in Malaysia are significant problems. There have also been cases of vigilante executions and beatings against LGBT individuals in Malaysia. The illegality of homosexuality in Malaysia has also been the forefront of Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trials, which Anwar has called politically motivated, a characterization supported by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, along with Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch.

The death penalty is in use for serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, drug trafficking, and kidnapping, but in June 2022, Malaysian law minister Wan Junaidi pledged to abolish capital punishment and replace it with other punishments at the discretion of the court.

In July 2023, The 1975 lead singer Matty Healy slammed the country's anti-LGBTQ laws by kissing bandmate Ross MacDonald on stage at a music festival in Kuala Lumpur causing the Ministry of Communications and Digital to cancel the 3 day event.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Malaysia
Relief map of Malaysia
Topographic map of Malaysia; Mount Kinabalu is the highest summit in the country.

Malaysia is the 66th largest country by total land area, with a total area of 330,803 km (127,724 sq mi). It has land borders with Thailand in West Malaysia, and Indonesia and Brunei in East Malaysia. It is linked to Singapore by a narrow causeway and a bridge. The country also has maritime boundaries with Vietnam and the Philippines. The land borders are defined in large part by geological features such as the Perlis River, the Golok River and the Pagalayan Canal, whilst some of the maritime boundaries are the subject of ongoing contention. Brunei forms what is almost an enclave in Malaysia, with the state of Sarawak dividing it into two parts. Malaysia is the only country with territory on both the Asian mainland and the Malay archipelago. The Strait of Malacca, lying between Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, is one of the most important thoroughfares in global commerce, carrying 40 per cent of the world's trade.

The two parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the South China Sea, share a largely similar landscape in that both Peninsular and East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to hills and mountains. Peninsular Malaysia, containing 40 per cent of Malaysia's land area, extends 740 km (460 mi) from north to south, and its maximum width is 322 km (200 mi). It is divided between its east and west coasts by the Titiwangsa Mountains, rising to a peak elevation of 2,183 metres (7,162 ft) at Mount Korbu, part of a series of mountain ranges running down the centre of the peninsula. These mountains are heavily forested, and mainly composed of granite and other igneous rocks. Much of it has been eroded, creating a karst landscape. The range is the origin of some of Peninsular Malaysia's river systems. The coastal plains surrounding the peninsula reach a maximum width of 50 kilometres (31 mi), and the peninsula's coastline is nearly 1,931 km (1,200 mi) long, although harbours are only available on the western side.

East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, has a coastline of 2,607 km (1,620 mi). It is divided between coastal regions, hills and valleys, and a mountainous interior. The Crocker Range extends northwards from Sarawak, dividing the state of Sabah. It is the location of the 4,095 m (13,435 ft) high Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Mount Kinabalu is located in the Kinabalu National Park, which is protected as one of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia. The highest mountain ranges form the border between Malaysia and Indonesia. Sarawak contains the Mulu Caves, the largest cave system in the world, in the Gunung Mulu National Park which is also a World Heritage Site. The largest river in Malaysia is the Rajang.

Around these two halves of Malaysia are numerous islands, the largest of which is Banggi. The local climate is equatorial and characterised by the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons. The temperature is moderated by the presence of the surrounding oceans. Humidity is usually high, and the average annual rainfall is 250 cm (98 in). The climates of the Peninsula and the East differ, as the climate on the peninsula is directly affected by wind from the mainland, as opposed to the more maritime weather of the East. Local climates can be divided into three regions, highland, lowland, and coastal. Climate change will cause sea level rise and increased rainfall, increasing flood risks and leading to droughts.

Biodiversity and conservation

Main articles: Wildlife of Malaysia, Environmental issues in Malaysia, and List of national parks in Malaysia
Tiger resting on an artificial log platform
A Malayan tiger in the National Zoo of Malaysia

Malaysia signed the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity on 12 June 1993, and became a party to the convention on 24 June 1994. It has subsequently produced a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which was received by the convention on 16 April 1998. The country is megadiverse with a high number of species and high levels of endemism. It is estimated to contain 20 per cent of the world's animal species. High levels of endemism are found on the diverse forests of Borneo's mountains, as species are isolated from each other by lowland forest.

There are about 210 mammal species in the country. Over 620 species of birds have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, with many endemic to the mountains there. A high number of endemic bird species are also found in Malaysian Borneo. 250 reptile species have been recorded in the country, with about 150 species of snakes and 80 species of lizards. There are about 150 species of frogs, and thousands of insect species. The Exclusive economic zone of Malaysia is 334,671 km (129,217 sq mi) and 1.5 times larger than its land area. It is mainly in the South China Sea. Some of its waters are in the Coral Triangle, a biodiversity hotspot. The waters around Sipadan island are the most biodiverse in the world. Bordering East Malaysia, the Sulu Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, with around 600 coral species and 1200 fish species. The unique biodiversity of Malaysian Caves always attracts lovers of ecotourism from all over the world.

Nearly 4,000 species of fungi, including lichen-forming species have been recorded from Malaysia. Of the two fungal groups with the largest number of species in Malaysia, the Ascomycota and their asexual states have been surveyed in some habitats (decaying wood, marine and freshwater ecosystems, as parasites of some plants, and as agents of biodegradation), but have not been or have been only poorly surveyed in other habitats (as endobionts, in soils, on dung, as human and animal pathogens); the Basidiomycota are only partly surveyed: bracket fungi, and mushrooms and toadstools have been studied, but Malaysian rust and smut fungi remain very poorly known. Without doubt, many more fungal species in Malaysia are yet to be recorded, and it is likely that many of those, when found, will be new to science.

Red flower made of 5 petals surrounding a depressed centre, on the forest floor surrounded by dead leaves and small green plants
Some species of Rafflesia can grow up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in diameter, making them the largest flowers in the world.

About two thirds of Malaysia was covered in forest as of 2007, with some forests believed to be 130 million years old. The forests are dominated by dipterocarps. Lowland forest covers areas below 760 m (2,490 ft), and formerly East Malaysia was covered in such rainforest, which is supported by its hot wet climate. There are around 14,500 species of flowering plants and trees. Besides rainforests, there are over 1,425 km (550 sq mi) of mangroves in Malaysia, and a large amount of peat forest. At higher altitudes, oaks, chestnuts, and rhododendrons replace dipterocarps. There are an estimated 8,500 species of vascular plants in Peninsular Malaysia, with another 15,000 in the East. The forests of East Malaysia are estimated to be the habitat of around 2,000 tree species, and are one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with 240 different species of trees every hectare. These forests host many members of the Rafflesia genus, the largest flowers in the world, with a maximum diameter of 1 m (3 ft 3 in).

Logging, along with cultivation practices, has devastated tree cover, causing severe environmental degradation in the country. Over 80 per cent of Sarawak's rainforest has been logged. Floods in East Malaysia have been worsened by the loss of trees, and over 60 per cent of the peninsula's forest have been cleared. With current rates of deforestation, mainly for the palm oil industry, the forests are predicted to be extinct by 2020. Deforestation is a major problem for animals, fungi and plants, having caused species such as Begonia eiromischa to go extinct. Most remaining forest is found inside reserves and national parks. Habitat destruction has proved a threat for marine life. Illegal fishing is another major threat, with fishing methods such as dynamite fishing and poisoning depleting marine ecosystems. Leatherback turtle numbers have dropped 98 per cent since the 1950s. Hunting has also been an issue for some animals, with overconsumption and the use of animal parts for profit endangering many animals, from marine life to tigers. Marine life is also detrimentally affected by uncontrolled tourism.

The Malaysian government aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection, but has been accused of favouring big business over the environment. Some state governments are now trying to counter the environmental impact and pollution created by deforestation; and the federal government is trying to cut logging by 10 per cent each year. A total of 28 national parks have been established, 23 in East Malaysia and five in the peninsula. Tourism has been limited in biodiverse areas such as Sipadan island. Wildlife trafficking is a large issue, and the Malaysian government has held talks with the governments of Brunei and Indonesia to standardise anti-trafficking laws.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Malaysia
Development of real GDP per capita, 1820 to 2018

Malaysia is a relatively open state-oriented and newly industrialised market economy. It has the world's 36th-largest economy by nominal GDP and the 31st-largest by PPP. In 2017, the large service sector contributed to 53.6% of total GDP, the industrial sector 37.6%, and the small agricultural sector roughly 8.8%. Malaysia has a low official unemployment rate of 3.9%. Its foreign exchange reserves are the world's 24th-largest. It has a labour force of about 15 million, which is the world's 34th-largest. Malaysia's large automotive industry ranks as the world's 22nd-largest by production.

Malaysia is the world's 23rd-largest exporter and 25th-largest importer. However, economic inequalities exist between different ethnic groups. The Chinese make up about one-quarter of the population, but account for 70 per cent of the country's market capitalisation. Chinese businesses in Malaysia are part of the larger bamboo network, a network of overseas Chinese businesses in the Southeast Asian market sharing common family and cultural ties.

International trade, facilitated by the shipping route in adjacent Strait of Malacca, and manufacturing are the key sectors. Malaysia is an exporter of natural and agricultural resources, and petroleum is a major export. Malaysia has once been the largest producer of tin, rubber and palm oil in the world. Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy, although Malaysia's economic structure has been moving away from it. Malaysia remains one of the world's largest producers of palm oil.

Tourism is the third-largest contributor to Malaysia's GDP, after the manufacturing and commodities sectors. In 2019, the sector contributed about 15.9 per cent to the total GDP. According to the World Tourism Organization, Malaysia was the fourteenth-most visited country in the world, and the fourth-most visited country in Asia in 2019, with over 26.1 million visits. Malaysia was ranked 38th in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019. Its international tourism receipts in 2019 amounted to $19.8 billion.

The country has developed into a centre of Islamic banking, and has the highest numbers of female workers in that industry. Knowledge-based services are also expanding. In 2020, Malaysia exported high-tech products worth $92.1 billion, the second-highest in ASEAN, after Singapore. Malaysia was ranked 33rd in the Global Innovation Index in 2024, and 32nd in the Global Competitiveness Report in 2022.

Infrastructure

See also: Transport in MalaysiaExpresswayNorth–South ExpresswayAirportKuala Lumpur International Airport

Railway transport in Malaysia is state-run, and spans some 2,783 kilometres (1,729 mi). As of 2016, Malaysia has the world's 26th-largest road network, with some 238,823 kilometres (148,398 mi) of roads. Malaysia's inland waterways are the world's 22nd-longest, and total 7,200 km (4,474 mi). Among Malaysia's 114 airports, among which the busiest is Kuala Lumpur International Airport located south of Kuala Lumpur in Sepang District, which is also the twelfth-busiest airport in Asia. Among the 7 federal ports, the major one is Port Klang, which is the thirteenth-busiest container port. Malaysia's flag carrier is Malaysia Airlines, providing international and domestic air services.

Malaysia's telecommunications network is second only to Singapore's in Southeast Asia, with 4.7 million fixed-line subscribers and more than 30 million cellular subscribers. There are 200 industrial parks along with specialised parks such as Technology Park Malaysia and Kulim Hi-Tech Park. Fresh water is available to over 95% of the population, with ground water accounting for 90% of the freshwater resources. Although rural areas have been the focus of great development, they still lag behind areas such as the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The telecommunication network, although strong in urban areas, is less available to the rural population.

Malaysia's energy infrastructure sector is largely dominated by Tenaga Nasional, the largest electric utility company in Southeast Asia. Customers in Peninsular Malaysia are connected to electricity through the National Grid. The other two electric utility companies in the country are Sarawak Energy and Sabah Electricity. In 2013, Malaysia's total power generation capacity was over 29,728 megawatts. Total electricity generation was 140,985.01 GWh and total electricity consumption was 116,087.51 GWh. Energy production in Malaysia is largely based on oil and natural gas, owing to Malaysia's oil and natural gas reserves, which are the fourth largest in the Asia-Pacific region.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Malaysia
A map of Malaysia depicting the expected 2010 estimated population density.
Population density (person per km) in 2010
Percentage distribution of Malaysian population by ethnic group, 2010
The percentage distribution of Malaysian population by ethnic group based on 2010 census

According to the Malaysian Department of Statistics, the country's population was 32,447,385 in 2020, making it the 42nd most populated country. According to a 2012 estimate, the population is increasing by 1.54 per cent per year. Malaysia has an average population density of 96 people per km, ranking it 116th in the world for population density. People within the 15–64 age group constitute 69.5 per cent of the total population; the 0–14 age group corresponds to 24.5 per cent; while senior citizens aged 65 years or older make up 6.0 per cent. In 1960, when the first official census was recorded in Malaysia, the population was 8.11 million. 91.8 per cent of the population are Malaysian citizens.

Malaysian citizens are divided along local ethnic lines, with 69.7 per cent considered bumiputera. The largest group of bumiputera are Malays, who are defined in the constitution as Muslims who practise Malay customs and culture. They play a dominant role politically. Bumiputera status is also accorded to the non-Malay indigenous groups of Sabah and Sarawak: which includes Dayaks (Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu), Kadazan-Dusun, Melanau, Bajau and others. Non-Malay bumiputeras make up more than half of Sarawak's population and over two thirds of Sabah's population. There are also indigenous or aboriginal groups in much smaller numbers on the peninsular, where they are collectively known as the Orang Asli. Laws over who gets bumiputera status vary between states.

There are also two other non-Bumiputera local ethnic groups. 22.8 per cent of the population are Malaysian Chinese, while 6.8 per cent are Malaysian Indian. The local Chinese have historically been more dominant in the business community. Local Indians are mostly of Tamil descent. Malaysian citizenship is not automatically granted to those born in Malaysia, but is granted to a child born of two Malaysian parents outside Malaysia. Dual citizenship is not permitted. Citizenship in the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo are distinct from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. Every citizen is issued a biometric smart chip identity card known as MyKad at the age of 12, and must carry the card at all times.

The population is concentrated on Peninsular Malaysia, where 20 million out of approximately 28 million Malaysians live. 70 per cent of the population is urban. Due to the rise in labour-intensive industries, the country is estimated to have over 3 million migrant workers; about 10 per cent of the population. Sabah-based NGOs estimate that out of the 3 million that make up the population of Sabah, 2 million are illegal immigrants. Malaysia hosts a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 171,500. Of this population, approximately 79,000 are from Burma, 72,400 from the Philippines, and 17,700 from Indonesia. Malaysian officials are reported to have turned deportees directly over to human smugglers in 2007, and Malaysia employs RELA, a volunteer militia with a history of controversies, to enforce its immigration law.

  Largest cities and municipalities in Malaysia
Department of Statistics, Malaysia (2020)
Rank Name State Pop. Rank Name State Pop.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kajang
Kajang
1 Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory 1,982,112 11 Ipoh Perak 759,952 Seberang Perai
Seberang Perai
Subang Jaya
Subang Jaya
2 Kajang Selangor 1,047,356 12 Seremban Negeri Sembilan 681,541
3 Seberang Perai Penang 946,092 13 Iskandar Puteri Johor 575,977
4 Subang Jaya Selangor 902,086 14 Kuantan Pahang 548,014
5 Klang Selangor 902,025 15 Sungai Petani Kedah 545,053
6 Johor Bahru Johor 858,118 16 Ampang Jaya Selangor 531,904
7 Shah Alam Selangor 812,327 17 Kota Kinabalu Sabah 500,425
8 George Town Penang 794,313 18 Malacca City Malacca 453,904
9 Petaling Jaya Selangor 771,687 19 Sandakan Sabah 439,050
10 Selayang Selangor 764,327 20 Alor Setar Kedah 423,868

Religion

Main article: Religion in Malaysia
A Map of Malaysia showing religious statistics by state
Dominant religious confessions in Malaysia according to 2020 census:
Dark green: Muslim majority > 50%
Light green: Muslim plurality < 50%
Blue: Christian majority > 50%

The constitution grants freedom of religion, while establishing Islam as the "religion of the Federation". According to the Population and Housing Census 2020 figures, ethnicity and religious beliefs correlate highly. Approximately 63.5% of the population practise Islam, 18.7% practise Buddhism, 9.1% Christianity, 6.1% Hinduism and 1.3% practise Confucianism, Taoism and other traditional Chinese religions. 2.7% declared no religion or practised other religions or did not provide any information. The states of Sarawak, Penang and the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur have non-Muslim majorities.

Sunni Islam of the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence is the dominant branch of Islam in Malaysia, while 18% are nondenominational Muslims. The Malaysian constitution strictly defines what makes a "Malay", defining Malays as those who are Muslim, speak Malay regularly, practise Malay customs, and lived in or have ancestors from Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore. Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 83.6% of the Chinese population identify as Buddhist, with significant numbers of adherents following Taoism (3.4%) and Christianity (11.1%), along with small Muslim populations in areas like Penang. The majority of the Indian population follows Hinduism (86.2%), with a significant minority identifying as Christians (6.0%) or Muslims (4.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion of the non-Malay bumiputera community (46.5%), while 40.4% identify as Muslims.

Muslims are obliged to follow the decisions of Syariah Courts (i.e. Shariah courts) in matters concerning their religion. The Islamic judges are expected to follow the Shafi'i legal school of Islam, which is the main madh'hab of Malaysia. The jurisdiction of Syariah courts is limited to Muslims in matters such as marriage, inheritance, divorce, apostasy, religious conversion, custody and limited Islamic criminal law. No other criminal or civil offences are under the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts, which have a similar hierarchy to the civil courts. The civil courts do not hear matters related to Islamic practices.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Malaysia
The distribution of language families of Malaysia shown by colours:   Malayic   Bornean   Aslian   Land Dayak   Sama–Bajaw   Philippine   Chinese   Areas with multiple languages

The official and national language of Malaysia is Malaysian Malay, a standardised form of the Malay language. The previous official terminology was Bahasa Malaysia (lit. 'Malaysian language') but now government policy uses "Bahasa Melayu" (Malay language) to refer to the official language and both terms remain in use. The National Language Act 1967 specifies the Latin (Rumi) script as the official script of the national language, but does not prohibit the use of the traditional Jawi script.

English remains an active second language, with its use allowed for some official purposes under the National Language Act of 1967. In Sarawak, English is an official state language alongside Malay. Historically, English was the de facto administrative language; Malay became predominant after the 1969 race riots (13 May incident). Malaysian English, also known as Malaysian Standard English, is a form of English derived from British English. Malaysian English is widely used in business, along with Manglish, which is a colloquial form of English with heavy Malay, Chinese, and Tamil influences. The government discourages the use of non-standard Malay but has no power to issue compounds or fines to those who use what is perceived as improper Malay on their advertisements.

Many other languages are used in Malaysia, which contains speakers of 137 living languages. Peninsular Malaysia contains speakers of 41 of these languages. The native tribes of East Malaysia have their own languages which are related to, but easily distinguishable from, Malay. Iban is the main tribal language in Sarawak while Dusunic and Kadazan languages are spoken by the natives in Sabah. Chinese Malaysians predominantly speak Chinese dialects from the southern part of China. The more common Chinese varieties in the country are Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and so on. The Tamil language is used predominantly by the majority of Malaysian Indians. A small number of Malaysians have European ancestry and speak creole languages, such as the Portuguese-based Malaccan Creoles, and the Spanish-based Chavacano language.

Health

Main article: Health in Malaysia

Malaysia operates an efficient and widespread two-tier healthcare system, consisting of a universal healthcare system and a co-existing private healthcare system; provided by highly subsidized healthcare through its extensive network of public hospitals and clinics. The Ministry of Health is the main provider of healthcare services to the country's population. Malaysia's healthcare system is considered to be among the most developed in Asia, which contributes to its thriving medical tourism industry.

Malaysia spent 3.83% of its GDP on healthcare in 2019. In 2020, the overall life expectancy in Malaysia at birth was 76 years (74 years for males and 78 years for females), and it had an infant mortality rate of 7 deaths per 1000 births. Malaysia had a total fertility rate of 2.0 in 2020, which is just below the replacement level of 2.1. In 2020, the country's crude birth rate was 16 per 1000 people, and the crude death rate was 5 per 1000 people.

In 2021, the principal cause of death among Malaysian adults was coronary artery disease, representing 17% of the medically certified deaths in 2020—being followed by pneumonia; which accounted for 11% of the deaths. Transport accidents are considered a major health hazard, as Malaysia, relative to its population, has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the world. Smoking is also considered a major health issue across the country.

Malaysia's score on the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) is 12.7, which ranks it 61st out of 127 countries. This score indicates a moderate level of hunger.

Education

Main article: Education in Malaysia
Ministry of Education, Putrajaya

The education system of Malaysia features a non-compulsory kindergarten education followed by six years of compulsory primary education, and five years of optional secondary education. Schools in the primary education system are divided into two categories: national primary schools, which teach in Malay, and vernacular schools, which teach in Chinese or Tamil. Secondary education is conducted for five years. In the final year of secondary education, students sit for the Malaysian Certificate of Education examination. Since the introduction of the matriculation programme in 1999, students who completed the 12-month programme in matriculation colleges can enroll in local universities. However, in the matriculation system, only 10 per cent of places are open to non-bumiputera students.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Malaysia
The wooden frame of a house under construction, with the floor raised off the ground
A traditional house being built in Sabah

Malaysia has a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. Substantial influence exists from Chinese and Indian culture, dating back to when foreign trade began. Other cultural influences include the Persian, Arabic, and British cultures. Due to the structure of the government, coupled with the social contract theory, there has been minimal cultural assimilation of ethnic minorities. Some cultural disputes exist between Malaysia and neighbouring countries, notably Indonesia.

In 1971, the government created a "National Cultural Policy", defining Malaysian culture. It stated that Malaysian culture must be based on the culture of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, that it may incorporate suitable elements from other cultures, and that Islam must play a part in it. It also promoted the Malay language above others. This government intervention into culture has caused resentment among non-Malays who feel their cultural freedom was lessened. Both Chinese and Indian associations have submitted memorandums to the government, accusing it of formulating an undemocratic culture policy.

Fine arts

Main article: Malaysian art See also: Music of Malaysia and Malaysian literature
Making Malaysian batik
A craftsman making batik. Malaysian batik is usually patterned with floral motifs with light colouring.

Traditional Malaysian art was mainly centred on the areas of carving, weaving, and silversmithing. Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts. Common artworks included ornamental kris, beetle nut sets, and woven batik and songket fabrics. Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their wooden masks. Each ethnic group have distinct performing arts, with little overlap between them. However, Malay art does show some North Indian influence due to the historical influence of India.

Traditional Malay music and performing arts appear to have originated in the Kelantan-Pattani region with influences from India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The music is based around percussion instruments, the most important of which is the gendang (drum). There are at least 14 types of traditional drums. Drums and other traditional percussion instruments and are often made from natural materials. Music is traditionally used for storytelling, celebrating life-cycle events, and occasions such as a harvest. It was once used as a form of long-distance communication. In East Malaysia, gong-based musical ensembles such as agung and kulintang are commonly used in ceremonies such as funerals and weddings. These ensembles are also common in neighbouring regions such as in Mindanao in the Philippines, Kalimantan in Indonesia, and Brunei.

Malaysia has a strong oral tradition that has existed since before the arrival of writing, and continues today. Each of the Malay Sultanates created their own literary tradition, influenced by pre-existing oral stories and by the stories that came with Islam. The first Malay literature was in the Arabic script. The earliest known Malay writing is on the Terengganu stone, made in 1303. Chinese and Indian literature became common as the numbers of speakers increased in Malaysia, and locally produced works based in languages from those areas began to be produced in the 19th century. English has also become a common literary language. In 1971, the government took the step of defining the literature of different languages. Literature written in Malay was called "the national literature of Malaysia", literature in other bumiputera languages was called "regional literature", while literature in other languages was called "sectional literature". Malay poetry is highly developed, and uses many forms. The Hikayat form is popular, and the pantun has spread from Malay to other languages.

Cuisine

Main article: Malaysian cuisine A glass of Teh tarikTeh tarikNasi lemak in a plateNasi lemakThe national drink and dish of Malaysia

Malaysia's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic makeup of its population. Many cultures from within the country and from surrounding regions have greatly influenced the cuisine. Much of the influence comes from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures, largely due to the country being part of the ancient spice route. The cuisine is very similar to that of Singapore and Brunei, and also bears resemblance to Filipino cuisine. The different states have varied dishes, and often the food in Malaysia is different from the original dishes.

Sometimes food not found in its original culture is assimilated into another; for example, Chinese restaurants in Malaysia often serve Malay dishes. Food from one culture is sometimes also cooked using styles taken from another culture, For example, sambal belacan (shrimp paste) are commonly used as ingredients by Chinese restaurants to create the stir fried water spinach (kangkung belacan). This means that although much of Malaysian food can be traced back to a certain culture, they have their own identity. Rice is a staple food, and an important constituent of the country's culture. Chili is commonly found in local cuisine, although this does not necessarily make them spicy.

Media

Main article: Mass media in Malaysia
Logo of Radio Televisyen Malaysia, the country's main public broadcaster

Malaysia's main newspapers are owned by the government and political parties in the ruling coalition, although some major opposition parties also have their own, which are openly sold alongside regular newspapers. A divide exists between the media in the two halves of the country. Peninsular-based media gives low priority to news from the East, and often treats the eastern states as colonies of the peninsula. As a result of this, East Malaysia region of Sarawak launched TV Sarawak as internet streaming beginning in 2014, and as TV station on 10 October 2020 to overcome the low priority and coverage of Peninsular-based media and to solidify the representation of East Malaysia. The media have been blamed for increasing tension between Indonesia and Malaysia, and giving Malaysians a bad image of Indonesians. The country has Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil dailies. Kadazandusun and Bajau news are only available via TV broadcast Berita RTM. Written Kadazan news was once included in publications such as The Borneo Post, the Borneo Mail, the Daily Express, and the New Sabah Times, but publication has ceased with the newspaper or as a section.

Freedom of the press is limited, with numerous restrictions on publishing rights and information dissemination. The government has previously tried to crack down on opposition papers before elections. In 2007, a government agency issued a directive to all private television and radio stations to refrain from broadcasting speeches made by opposition leaders, a move condemned by politicians from the opposition Democratic Action Party. Sabah, where all tabloids but one are independent of government control, has the freest press in Malaysia. Laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act have also been cited as curtailing freedom of expression.

Holidays and festivals

Main article: Public holidays in Malaysia
Temple at night illuminated with light from decorations
Malaysia's largest Buddhist templeKek Lok Si in Penang—illuminated in preparation for the Chinese New Year

Malaysians observe a number of holidays and festivities throughout the year. Some are federally gazetted public holidays and some are observed by individual states. Other festivals are observed by particular ethnic or religion groups, and the main holiday of each major group has been declared a public holiday. The most observed national holiday is Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) on 31 August, commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957. Malaysia Day on 16 September commemorates federation in 1963. Other notable national holidays are Labour Day (1 May) and the King's birthday (first week of June).

Muslim holidays are prominent as Islam is the state religion; Hari Raya Puasa (also called Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Malay for Eid al-Fitr), Hari Raya Haji (also called Hari Raya Aidiladha, Malay for Eid al-Adha), Maulidur Rasul (birthday of the Prophet), and others being observed. Malaysian Chinese celebrate festivals such as Chinese New Year and others relating to traditional Chinese beliefs. Wesak Day is observed and celebrated by Buddhists. Hindus in Malaysia celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights, while Thaipusam is a religious rite which sees pilgrims from all over the country converge at the Batu Caves. Malaysia's Christian community celebrates most of the holidays observed by Christians elsewhere, most notably Christmas and Easter. In addition to this, the Dayak community in Sarawak celebrate a harvest festival known as Gawai, and the Kadazandusun community celebrate Kaamatan. Despite most festivals being identified with a particular ethnic or religious group, celebrations are universal. In a custom known as "open house" Malaysians participate in the celebrations of others, often visiting the houses of those who identify with the festival.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Malaysia
A woman and a man in black outfits with red belts practising the martial art of Silat Melayu
Traditional sports, such as the martial art style Silat Melayu, persist alongside modern sports.

Popular sports in Malaysia include association football, badminton, field hockey, bowls, tennis, squash, martial arts, horse riding, sailing, and skate boarding. Football is the most popular sport in Malaysia. Badminton matches also attract thousands of spectators, and since 1948 Malaysia has been one of four countries to hold the Thomas Cup, the world team championship trophy of men's badminton. The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation was registered in 1997. Squash was brought to the country by members of the British army, with the first competition being held in 1939. The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia was created on 25 June 1972. The men's national field hockey team ranked 10th in the world as of June 2022. The 3rd Hockey World Cup was hosted at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the 10th cup. The country also has its own Formula One track – the Sepang International Circuit, with the first Malaysian Grand Prix held in 1999. Traditional sports include Silat Melayu, the most common style of martial arts practised by ethnic Malays.

The Federation of Malaya Olympic Council was formed in 1953, and received recognition by the IOC in 1954. It first participated in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. The council was renamed the Olympic Council of Malaysia in 1964, and has participated in all but one Olympic games since its inception. The largest number of athletes ever sent to the Olympics was 57 to the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Besides the Olympic Games, Malaysia also participates in the Paralympic Games. Malaysia has competed at the Commonwealth Games since 1950 as Malaya, and 1966 as Malaysia, and the games were hosted in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

See also

Notes

  1. Constitutional capital, ceremonial and legislative
  2. Administrative and judicial
  1. Section 9 of the National Language Act 1963/67 states that "The script of the national language shall be the Rumi script: provided that this shall not prohibit the use of the Malay script, more commonly known as the Jawi script, of the national language".
  2. Section 2 of the National Language Act 1963/67 states that "Save as provided in this Act and subject to the safeguards contained in Article 152(1) of the Constitution relating to any other language and the language of any other community in Malaysia the national language shall be used for official purposes".
  3. ^ See Article 152 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia and National Language Act 1963/67.
  4. UK: /məˈleɪziə/ mə-LAY-zee-ə; US: /məˈleɪʒə/ mə-LAY-zhə; Malay: [malɛjsia]
  5. In English, the official name of the country is simply "Malaysia". In Malay, the name of the country as it appears on some official documents, including the oath of Yang di-Pertuan Agong is Persekutuan Malaysia, meaning "Federation of Malaysia". Despite this, the name Malaysia is mostly used officially, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution.

References

  1. "Malaysian Flag and Coat of Arms". Malaysian Government. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  2. "Minister: Census shows Malaysia's oldest man and woman aged 120 and 118; preliminary census findings to be released in Feb 2022". Malaymail. 17 January 2022. Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  3. Department of Statistics Malaysia (2021). "Current population and estimates, Malaysia 2021 Group". Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  4. MyGOV - The Government of Malaysia’s Official Portal. (n.d.). https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/30114
  5. "Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic Report 2020". Department of Statistics, Malaysia. 14 February 2020. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  6. "The States, Religion and Law of the Federation" (PDF). Constitution of Malaysia. Judicial Appointments Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017. Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.
  7. Mackay, Derek (2005). Eastern Customs: The Customs Service in British Malaya and the Opium Trade. The Radcliffe Press. pp. 240–. ISBN 978-1-85043-844-1. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  8. "31 Ogos 1963, Hari kemerdekaan Sabah yang rasmi". AWANI. 14 May 2021. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Laporan Kiraan Permulaan 2010". Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia. p. 27. Archived from the original on 27 December 2010. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  10. "Malaysia country profile". BBC News. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  11. "Malaysia". The World Factbook (2024 ed.). Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 24 September 2022. (Archived 2022 edition.)
  12. "Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020". Department of Statistics, Malaysia. p. 48. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  13. ^ "World Economic Outlook Database, April 2024 Edition. (Malaysia)". www.imf.org. International Monetary Fund. 16 April 2024. Archived from the original on 16 April 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  14. "World Bank Open Data".
  15. "Human Development Report 2023/2024" (PDF). United Nations Development Programme. 13 March 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  16. "Malaya in World War II". World War Two Database. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  17. Baten, Jörg (2016). A History of the Global Economy. From 1500 to the Present. Cambridge University Press. p. 290. ISBN 978-1-107-50718-0.
  18. Room, Adrian (2004). Placenames of the World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for Over 5000 Natural Features, Countries, Capitals, Territories, Cities and Historic Sites. McFarland & Company. p. 221. ISBN 978-0-7864-1814-5.
  19. ^ "The World Factbook – Malaysia". Central Intelligence Agency. 2020. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  20. ^ Barnard, Timothy P. (2004), Contesting Malayness: Malay identity across boundaries, Singapore: Singapore University press, pp. 3–10, ISBN 978-9971-69-279-7
  21. Pande, Govind Chandra (2005). India's Interaction with Southeast Asia: History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Vol. 1, Part 3. Munshiram Manoharlal. p. 266. ISBN 978-81-87586-24-1.
  22. Gopal, Lallanji (2000). The economic life of northern India: c. A.D. 700–1200. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 139. ISBN 978-81-208-0302-2.
  23. Ahir, D. C. (1995). A Panorama of Indian Buddhism: Selections from the Maha Bodhi journal, 1892–1992. Sri Satguru Publications. p. 612. ISBN 978-81-7030-462-3.
  24. Mukerjee, Radhakamal (1984). The culture and art of India. Coronet Books Inc. p. 212. ISBN 978-81-215-0114-9.
  25. Sarkar, Himansu Bhusan (1970). Some contributions of India to the ancient civilisation of Indonesia and Malaysia. Punthi Pustak. p. 8.
  26. Abdul Rashid Melebek; Amat Juhari Moain (2006), Sejarah Bahasa Melayu ("History of the Malay Language"), Utusan Publications & Distributors, pp. 9–10, ISBN 978-967-61-1809-7
  27. Milner, Anthony (2010), The Malays (The Peoples of South-East Asia and the Pacific), Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 18–19, ISBN 978-1-4443-3903-1
  28. ^ Andaya, Leonard Y. (October 2001). "The Search for the 'Origins' of Melayu". Journal of Southeast Asian Studies. 32 (3): 315–316, 324, 327–328, 330. doi:10.1017/S0022463401000169. ISSN 0022-4634. JSTOR 20072349. S2CID 62886471.
  29. Reid, Anthony (2010). Imperial alchemy : nationalism and political identity in Southeast Asia. Cambridge University Press. p. 95. ISBN 978-0-521-87237-9.
  30. Bernasconi, Robert; Lott, Tommy Lee (2000). The Idea of Race. Hackett Publishing. ISBN 978-0-87220-458-4.
  31. Painter, Nell Irvin (7–8 November 2003). "Collective Degradation: Slavery and the Construction of Race" (PDF). Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Gilder Lehrman Center International Conference at Yale University. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University. p. 18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  32. d'Urville, J. S. B. C. S. D.; Ollivier, I.; De Biran, A.; Clark, G. (2003). "On the Islands of the Great Ocean". The Journal of Pacific History. 38 (2): 163. doi:10.1080/0022334032000120512. S2CID 162374626.
  33. Earl, George S. W. (1850). "On The Leading Characteristics of the Papuan, Australian and Malay-Polynesian Nations". Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (JIAEA). IV: 119.
  34. Barrows, David P. (1905). A History of the Philippines. American Book Company. pp. 25–26. Archived from the original on 8 February 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  35. Clifford, Hugh Charles (1911). "Malays" . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 475–478.
  36. ^ "MALAYA'S FUTURE NAME". The Straits Times. 3 September 1956. p. 6.
  37. ^ Suarez, Thomas (1999). Early Mapping of Southeast Asia. Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd. pp. 46–47. ISBN 978-962-593-470-9.
  38. "Federation of Malaya Independence Act 1957 (c. 60)e". The UK Statute Law Database. 31 July 1957. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  39. ^ Spaeth, Anthony (9 December 1996). "Bound for Glory". Time. New York. Archived from the original on 17 March 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  40. "Federal Constitution" (PDF). Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM). Government of Malaysia. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  41. Sakai, Minako (2009). "Reviving Malay Connections in Southeast Asia" (PDF). In Cao, Elizabeth; Morrell (eds.). Regional Minorities and Development in Asia. Routledge. p. 124. ISBN 978-0-415-55130-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 October 2014.
  42. Holme, Stephanie (13 February 2012). "Getaway to romance in Malaysia". stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 29 November 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  43. Fix, Alan G. (June 1995). "Malayan Paleosociology: Implications for Patterns of Genetic Variation among the Orang Asli". American Anthropologist. New Series. 97 (2): 313–323. doi:10.1525/aa.1995.97.2.02a00090. JSTOR 681964.
  44. Yew, Chee-Wei; Lu, Dongsheng; Deng, Lian; Wong, Lai-Ping; Ong, Rick Twee-Hee; Lu, Yan; Wang, Xiaoji; Yunus, Yushimah; Aghakhanian, Farhang; Mokhtar, Siti Shuhada; Hoque, Mohammad Zahirul; Voo, Christopher Lok-Yung; Abdul Rahman, Thuhairah; Bhak, Jong; Phipps, Maude E.; Xu, Shuhua; Teo, Yik-Ying; Kumar, Subbiah Vijay; Hoh, Boon-Peng (February 2018). "Genomic structure of the native inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia and North Borneo suggests complex human population history in Southeast Asia". Human Genetics. 137 (2): 161–173. doi:10.1007/s00439-018-1869-0. PMID 29383489. S2CID 253969988. The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50-33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40-15 kya)...
  45. Tsang, Cheng-hwa (24 January 2008). "Recent advances in the Iron Age archaeology of Taiwan". Bulletin of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association. 20. doi:10.7152/bippa.v20i0.11751 (inactive 1 November 2024). ISSN 1835-1794.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)
  46. Turton, M. (2021). Notes from central Taiwan: Our brother to the south. Taiwan's relations with the Philippines date back millennia, so it's a mystery that it's not the jewel in the crown of the New Southbound Policy. Taiwan Times.
  47. Everington, K. (2017). Birthplace of Austronesians is Taiwan, capital was Taitung: Scholar. Taiwan News.
  48. Bellwood, P., H. Hung, H., Lizuka, Y. (2011). Taiwan Jade in the Philippines: 3,000 Years of Trade and Long-distance Interaction. Semantic Scholar.
  49. Mühlhäusler, Peter; Tryon, Darrell T.; Wurm, Stephen A. (1996). Atlas of languages of intercultural communication in the Pacific, Asia and the Americas. Walter de Gruyer & Co. p. 695. ISBN 978-3-11-013417-9.
  50. Suporno, S. (1979). "The Image of Majapahit in late Javanese and Indonesian Writing". In A. Reid; D. Marr (eds.). Perceptions of the Past. Southeast Asia publications. Vol. 4. Singapore: Heinemann Books for the Asian Studies Association of Australia. p. 180.
  51. Wake, Christopher H. (September 1964). "Malacca's Early Kings and the Reception of Islam". Journal of Southeast Asian History. 5 (2). Cambridge University Press: 104–128. doi:10.1017/S0217781100000958. JSTOR 20067505.
  52. ^ "Malaysia". United States State Department. 14 July 2010. Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  53. Luscombe, Stephen. "The Map Room: South East Asia: Malaya". Archived from the original on 9 March 2001. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  54. Clifford, Hugh Charles; Graham, Walter Armstrong (1911). "Malay States (British)" . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 478–484.
  55. Kuar, Amarjit. "International Migration and Governance in Malaysia: Policy and Performance" (PDF). University of New England. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 May 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
  56. Gullick, J. M. (1967). Malaysia and Its Neighbours, The World studies series. Taylor & Francis. pp. 148–149. ISBN 978-0-7100-4141-8.
  57. Luscombe, Stephen. "The Map Room: South East Asia: North Borneo". Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  58. Hock, David Koh Wee (2007). Legacies of World War II in South and East Asia. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 48. ISBN 978-981-230-457-5.
  59. Mohamad, Mahathir (31 May 1999). "Our Region, Ourselves". Time. New York. Archived from the original on 12 February 2001. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  60. "MALAYA: Token Citizenship". Time. New York. 19 May 1952. Archived from the original on 6 November 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  61. "The Malayan Emergency: 1948–1960". Australian Government Department of Veteran Affairs. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  62. "1957: Malaya celebrates independence". BBC News. Archived from the original on 29 April 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  63. "Malaysia: Tunku Yes, Sukarno No". Time. New York. 6 September 1963. Archived from the original on 2 April 2008. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
  64. Boon Kheng Cheah (2002). Malaysia: The Making of a Nation. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. pp. 93–. ISBN 978-981-230-154-3.
  65. "Proclamation on Singapore". Singapore Attorney-General. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  66. "Malaysia: The Art of Dispelling Anxiety". Time. New York. 27 August 1965. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  67. "Race War in Malaysia". Time. New York. 23 May 1969. Archived from the original on 16 February 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  68. ^ Sundaram, Jomo Kwame (1 September 2004). "The New Economic Policy and Interethnic Relations in Malaysia". UNRISD. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  69. Ping Lee Poh; Yean Tham Siew. "Malaysia Ten Years After The Asian Financial Crisis" (PDF). Thammasat University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  70. "Malaysian taskforce investigates allegations $700m paid to Najib". The Guardian. London. 6 July 2015. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  71. ^ "Malaysia election: Opposition scores historic victory". BBC News. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  72. Walden, Max (13 January 2021). "How Malaysia went from fewer COVID cases than Australia to a national state of emergency". ABC News (Australia). Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  73. "No clear winner as Malaysia election ends in hung parliament". www.aljazeera.com. 19 November 2022. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  74. "Anwar Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysian PM after post-election deadlock". BBC News. 24 November 2022. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  75. "Could Federalism Smooth Southeast Asia's Rough Edges?". Stratfor. 26 January 2018. Archived from the original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  76. ^ "Malaysia Information". Federation of International Trade Associations. Archived from the original on 26 December 2010. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  77. ^ "Malaysia country brief". Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. February 2014. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  78. "Background". Parlimen Malaysia. 3 June 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  79. John W. Langford; K. Lorne Brownsey (1988). The Changing Shape of Government in the Asia-Pacific Region. IRPP. pp. 101–. ISBN 978-0-88645-060-1.
  80. "Malaysia (Dewan Rakyat)". Inter-Parliamentary Union. 29 September 2008. Archived from the original on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 29 September 2008.
  81. Martin Carvalho; Hemananthani Sivanandam; Rahimy Rahim; Tarrence Tan (16 July 2019). "Dewan Rakyat passes Bill to amend Federal Constitution to lower voting age to 18". The Star. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  82. "Palace: Muhyiddin to be sworn in as PM". The Star Online. 29 February 2020. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  83. "Ismail Sabri sworn in as Malaysia's ninth Prime Minister". The Star. 21 August 2021. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  84. "Malaysia's Ismail Sabri Yaakob sworn in as new PM". Archived from the original on 1 February 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  85. "Attacks on Justice – Malaysia" (PDF). International Commission of Jurists. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
  86. "Malaysian criminal court system". Association of Commonwealth Criminal Lawyers. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  87. "Dasar Ekonomi Baru". Pusat Maklumat Rakyat. 14 November 2008. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
  88. Sundaram, Jomo Kwame (1 September 2004). "The New Economic Policy and Interethnic Relations in Malaysia". Unrisd Programme Papers on Identities, Conflict and Cohesion. United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. ISSN 1020-8194. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  89. Perlez, Jane (24 August 2006). "Once Muslim, Now Christian and Caught in the Courts". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 15 July 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  90. "Malaysian state passes Islamic law". BBC News. 8 July 2002. Archived from the original on 31 October 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2011.
  91. "Kelantan's passing of hudud amendments void". The Star. Kuala Lumpur. 23 March 2015. Archived from the original on 26 March 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  92. "BN won't declare hudud support, but individual members can, chief whip says". Malay Mail. Kuala Lumpur. 31 March 2015. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  93. "Democracy Index 2019 A year of democratic setbacks and popular protest". EIU.com. Archived from the original on 13 February 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  94. "2020 World Press Freedom Index". Reporters Without Borders. 2020. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  95. "Malaysia : Back to harassment, intimidation and censorship | Reporters without borders". RSF. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  96. "Malaysia considers amending human trafficking law after U.S. report". Reuters. 29 June 2018. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  97. "1MDB: The inside story of the world's biggest financial scandal". The Guardian. 28 July 2016. Archived from the original on 11 November 2019.
  98. "1MDB: The playboys, PMs and partygoers around a global financial scandal". BBC News. 9 August 2019. Archived from the original on 21 July 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  99. "The bizarre story of 1MDB, the Goldman Sachs-backed Malaysian fund that turned into one of the biggest scandals in financial history". Business Insider. 9 August 2019. Archived from the original on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  100. "Understanding the Federation of Malaysia". The Star. Kuala Lumpur. 2 November 2015. Archived from the original on 5 November 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  101. ^ "The Local Government System in Malaysia" (PDF). Commonwealth Local Government Forum. 2018.
  102. "Federal Territories and State Governments". Malaysian government. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  103. The management of secondary cities in southeast Asia. United Nations Centre for Human Settlements. 1996. p. 120. ISBN 978-92-1-131313-0.
  104. Hutchinson, Francis E. (15 May 2024). "Malaysia's Out-of-Sync Federal and State Elections: The Good, the Bad, and the Untimely". ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. 2024 (34).
  105. "Senarai PBT" [List of local governments]. Ministry of Housing and Local Government (in Malay). Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  106. "Introduction to local government in Malaysia" (PDF). Universiti Teknologi Mara. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  107. Nooi, Phang Siew (May 2008). "Decentralisation or recentralisation? Trends in local government in Malaysia". Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance. Archived from the original on 9 September 2016. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  108. "Rujukan Ringkas Mengenai Dasar-Dasar Berkaitan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan Edisi 2023" [Summary on Local Government Policies 2023 Edition] (PDF). Ministry of Housing and Local Government (in Malay): 20. 2023.
  109. "National Land Code" (PDF). Malaysian federal government: 54. 2020 – via Food and Agriculture Organization.
  110. "Malaysia Districts". Statoids. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  111. E., Lo Vullo; Ho, C. S.; Chau, L. W.; F., Monforti; V., Palermo; S., Rivas; P., Bertoldi (2022). "How to Develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in Southeast Asia-Malaysia". Publications Office of the European Union: 6. ISBN 978-92-76-52424-3 – via ResearchGate.
  112. Adnan, M. Z.; Suratman, R. Suratman; Samsudin, S. (2019). "Key Geographical Features on Malaysia's Land Tax System: A Comparison Study in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia". International Geography Seminar 2019 (683): 2 – via IOP Publishing.
  113. Hai, Lim Hong. "Electoral Politics in Malaysia: 'Managing' Elections in a Plural Society" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  114. Hannum, Hurst (1993). Basic Documents on Autonomy and Minority Rights. Martinus Nijhoff. pp. 342–. ISBN 978-0-7923-1977-1.
  115. Lockard, Craig A. (March 2000). "Sabah and Sarawak: The Politics of Development and Federalism. Kajian Malaysia, Special Issue. Edited by Francis Loh Kok Wah. Penang: Universiti Sains Malaysia, 1997. Pp. 236". Journal of Southeast Asian Studies. 31 (1): 210–213. doi:10.1017/S0022463400016192. S2CID 154586268.
  116. Bong, Karen & Pilo, Wilfred (16 September 2011). "An agreement forged and forgotten". The Borneo Post. Kuching. Archived from the original on 2 November 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  117. Koay, Su Lin (September 2016). "Penang: The Rebel State (Part One)". Penang Monthly. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  118. Chin, James (1997). "Politics of Federal Intervention in Malaysia, with reference to Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah". Journal of Commonwealth and Comparative Politics. 35: 96–120. doi:10.1080/14662049708447747. Archived from the original on 9 August 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  119. Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli (18 October 2015). "Could the Federation of Malaysia really come apart?". Astro Awani. Archived from the original on 27 October 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  120. "Will things fall apart in the Malaysian federation?". Today. Singapore. 3 November 2015. Archived from the original on 6 November 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  121. "Overview". Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Archived from the original on 9 January 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2007.
  122. "Islamic Affairs (OIC) and D8 Division". Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2010.
  123. "List of Member States". United Nations. Archived from the original on 24 October 2007. Retrieved 8 November 2007.
  124. "Member Economies". Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  125. "Malaysia". Developing 8 Countries. Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  126. "The Non-Aligned Movement: Member States". Non-Aligned Movement. Archived from the original on 9 December 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
  127. "Member States". Commonwealth Secretariat. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  128. ^ "Malaysia Foreign Relations". New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 4 December 2008. Archived from the original on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  129. ^ "Malaysia's Foreign Policy". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 4 July 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2010.
  130. "Chapter XXVI: Disarmament – No. 9 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons". United Nations Treaty Collection. 7 July 2017. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  131. "Japan should support nuclear ban treaty, says Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad". The Japan Times. 7 August 2019. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  132. Diola, Camille (25 June 2014). "Why Malaysia, unlike Philippines, keeps quiet on sea row". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  133. "Presence of China Coast Guard ship at Luconia Shoals spooks local fishermen". The Borneo Post. Kuching. 27 September 2015. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  134. "Malaysia lodges diplomatic protest against intrusion at Beting Patinggi Ali". The Rakyat Post. Bernama. 15 August 2015. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
  135. Blanchard, Ben; Pullin, Richard (18 October 2015). "Malaysia slams China's 'provocation' in South China Sea". Channel News Asia. Reuters. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  136. Masli, Ubaidillah (17 March 2009). "Brunei drops all claims to Limbang". The Brunei Times. Archived from the original on 12 July 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2013.
  137. ^ Mohamad, Kadir (2009). "Malaysia's territorial disputes – two cases at the ICJ: Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore), Ligitan and Sipadan [and the Sabah claim] (Malaysia/Indonesia/Philippines)" (PDF). Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. p. 46. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 May 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2014. Map of British North Borneo, highlighting in yellow colour the area covered by the Philippine claim, presented to the Court by the Philippines during the Oral Hearings at the ICJ on 25 June 2001
  138. "Disputed – International". CIA. Archived from the original on 14 October 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  139. "Border disputes differ for Indonesia, M'sia". Daily Express. Kota Kinabalu. 16 October 2015. Archived from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  140. "Malaysian Military statistics". NationMaster. Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  141. "Malaysia – Permanent Missions to the United Nations" (PDF). United Nations. 12 February 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  142. "Australia says major military exercise underway in Malaysia". My Sinchew. 26 April 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  143. Wood, Daniel (20 April 2014). "Brunei, M'sia train in 11th military exercise". The Brunei Times. Archived from the original on 8 December 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  144. Yao Jianing (17 September 2015). "First China-Malaysia joint military exercise held in Malacca Strait". China Military Online. Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  145. Aman Anand (30 April 2018). "First Ever Joint Army exercise on Malaysian Soil Commences with Handing-Over of Troops Ceremony". Press Information Bureau (India). Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  146. "Indonesia-Malaysia military exercises must continue – defence minister". ANTARA News. 13 September 2010. Archived from the original on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  147. John Grevatt (12 September 2018). "Japan, Malaysia sign defence accord". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  148. "Malaysia, US armed forces in joint exercise". The Star. Kuala Lumpur. 25 August 2014. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  149. "Malaysia, Philippines committed to enhancing border security". My Sinchew. 9 August 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  150. "Piracy in Southeast Asia: Organised Criminal Syndicates or Small Scale Opportunists?" (PDF). Gray Page. April 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 July 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  151. Carvalho, Martin (15 May 2012). "Malaysia, Thailand military exercise to include other agencies, Asean members". The Star. Kuala Lumpur. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  152. Sherman, Ray; David, Nisha (6 March 2020). "Malaysia Bolsters Security Near Sea Border with Philippines". Benar News. Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  153. Kent, Jonathan (28 April 2004). "Malaysia ups Thai border security". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  154. Parameswaran, Prashanth (19 April 2022). "Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines Consider Expanding Sulu Sea Trilateral Patrols". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  155. Sallehuddin, Qistina; Kuan, Samantha (9 December 2022). "Govt to step up Malaysian-Thai border security". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  156. Bearak, Max; Cameron, Darla (16 June 2016). "Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 23 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  157. Avery, Daniel (4 April 2019). "71 Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 11 December 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  158. Lamb, Kate (3 September 2018). "Women caned in Malaysia for attempting to have lesbian sex". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  159. "Malaysia sentences five men to jail, caning and fines for gay sex". Reuters. 7 November 2019. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  160. "Malaysia must wake up to its human trafficking problem". New Mandala. 24 May 2017. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  161. "US penalises Malaysia for shameful human trafficking record". The Guardian. 20 June 2014.
  162. "A brutal assault and rising fear in Malaysia's LGBT community". The Star. 24 August 2018. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  163. "Malaysia: Government Steps Up Attacks on LGBT People". Human Rights Watch. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  164. "Malaysia: Political Motivations Undermine Anwar Case". Human Rights Watch. 21 July 2008. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  165. Doherty, Ben (10 February 2015). "Anwar Ibrahim guilty in sodomy case". the Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  166. "Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia opposition leader 'should be freed'". BBC News. 2 November 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  167. "Laws of Malaysia [Act 574]" (PDF). Attorney General's Chamber. 1 January 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 December 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
  168. "The Death Penalty in Malaysia" (PDF). Government of the United Kingdom. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 June 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  169. "Malaysia renews pledge to abolish mandatory death penalty". Reuters. 10 June 2022. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  170. Heather Chen; Teele Rebane; Lauren Kent (22 July 2023). "Malaysia halts music festival after same-sex kiss by The 1975 singer". CNN. Archived from the original on 23 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  171. "To Reduce Conflicts, Indonesia and Malaysia Should Meet Intensively". Universitas Gadjah Mada. Archived from the original on 25 December 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  172. Prescott, John Robert Victor; Schofield, Clive H (2001). Undelimited maritime boundaries of the Asian Rim in the Pacific Ocean. International Boundaries Research Unit. p. 53. ISBN 978-1-897643-43-3. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  173. "Brunei". CIA. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  174. ^ World and Its Peoples: Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei. Marshall Cavendish Corporation. 2008. pp. 1160, 1166–1192, 1218–1222. ISBN 978-0-7614-7642-9.
  175. Schuman, Michael (22 April 2009). "Waterway To the World – Summer Journey". Time. New York. Archived from the original on 23 April 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  176. ^ Saw, Swee-Hock (2007). The population of Peninsular Malaysia. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. pp. 1–2. ISBN 978-981-230-730-9.
  177. Stevens, Alan M. (2004). Kamus Lengkap Indonesia Inggris. Ohio University Press. p. 89. ISBN 978-979-433-387-7.
  178. Ooi Keat Gin, Gin (2010). The A to Z of Malaysia. Rowman & Littlefield. p. lxxxii. ISBN 978-0-8108-7641-5.
  179. Nations, F.A.O.U. (2023). Soil Atlas of Asia. JRC soil atlas series. Publications Office of the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. p. 152. ISBN 978-92-5-137882-3. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  180. Harun, S.; Othman, I.K.; Jamal, M.H. (2022). Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Water Resources (ICWR) – Volume 1: Current Research in Water Resources, Coastal and Environment. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. Springer Nature Singapore. p. 139. ISBN 978-981-19-5947-9. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  181. ^ Richmond, Simon (2010). Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei. Lonely Planet. pp. 74–75. ISBN 978-1-74104-887-2.
  182. Thiessen, Tamara (2012). Borneo: Sabah – Brunei – Sarawak. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 192. ISBN 978-1-84162-390-0. Retrieved 23 April 2014.
  183. "Mount Kinabalu – revered abode of the dead". Ecology Asia. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  184. Daw, T. (April 2004). Reef Fish Aggregations in Sabah, East Malaysia (PDF) (Report). Western Pacific Fisher Survey series. Vol. 5. Society for the Conservation of Reef Fish Aggregations. p. 17. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 May 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  185. "Country: Malaysia". World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  186. "List of Parties". Archived from the original on 24 January 2011. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  187. "Malaysia's National Policy on Biological Diversity" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  188. "Biodiversity Theme Report". Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. 2001. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 24 January 2009.
  189. ^ Alexander, James (2006). Malaysia Brunei & Singapore. New Holland Publishers. pp. 46–50. ISBN 978-1-86011-309-3.
  190. ^ Richmond, Simon (2007). Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Lonely Planet. pp. 63–64. ISBN 978-1-74059-708-1.
  191. "Exclusive Economic Zones". Sea Around Us | Fisheries, Ecosystems and Biodiversity. Archived from the original on 23 February 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  192. De Young, Cassandra (2006). Review of the state of world marine capture fisheries management: Indian Ocean. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. p. 143. ISBN 978-92-5-105499-4. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  193. "Coral Triangle". WWF. Archived from the original on 23 September 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  194. ^ "Saving the gardeners of the ocean". Inquirer Global Nation. 12 July 2010. Archived from the original on 10 December 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
  195. "Species diversity and food-web complexity in the caves of Malaysia". Ambient Science, 2014 Vol 1(2). Archived from the original on 3 May 2014.
  196. Lee, S.S.; Alias, S.A.; Jones, E.B.G.; Zainuddin, N. and Chan, H.T. (2012) Checklist of Fungi of Malaysia Research Pamphlet No. 132, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia.
  197. ^ "The Malaysian Rainforest". WWF Malaysia. Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  198. Oon, Helen (2008). Globetrotter Wildlife Guide Malaysia. New Holland Publishers. p. 11. ISBN 978-1-84537-971-1.
  199. ^ Richmond, Simon (2010). Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei. Lonely Planet. pp. 78–82 and 366. ISBN 978-1-74104-887-2.
  200. "Malaysia plans to halt all expansion of oil palm plantations, minister says". The Straits Times. Singapore. 4 March 2019. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  201. ^ McQuillan, Rebecca (22 November 2010). "Can global summit save the tiger". The Herald. Glasgow. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
  202. "Artificial reefs to prevent illegal fishing". The Borneo Post. Kuching. 4 December 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
  203. ^ Rahim, Ridzwan A. (22 June 2011). "Go: A diver's paradise". New Straits Times. Kuala Lumpur. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
  204. "Standardize illegal animal trafficking law – Ellron". The Borneo Post. Kuching. 15 December 2010. Archived from the original on 12 May 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
  205. Boulton, William R.; Pecht, Michael; Tucker, William; Wennberg, Sam (May 1997). "Electronics Manufacturing in the Pacific Rim, World Technology Evaluation Center, Chapter 4: Malaysia". The World Technology Evaluation Center, Inc. Archived from the original on 15 December 2010. Retrieved 1 November 2010.
  206. "GDP – composition, by sector of origin". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  207. "Malaysia – Unemployment Rate". Moody's Analytics. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  208. "International Reserves of Bank Negara Malaysia as at 31 March 2022". Central Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia). 7 April 2022. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  209. "Labor force – The World Factbook". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 29 March 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  210. "2021 PRODUCTION STATISTICS". OICA. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  211. "List of importing markets for the product exported by Malaysia in 2021". International Trade Centre. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  212. "List of supplying markets for the product imported by Malaysia in 2021". International Trade Centre. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  213. Khalid, Muhammed Abdul; Yang, Li (July 2019). "Income Inequality and Ethnic Cleavages in Malaysia | Evidence from Distributional National Accounts | (1984-2014)". World Inequality Database. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  214. Chau, Amy. "Minority rule, majority hate". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 1 August 2003. Retrieved 15 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  215. Weidenbaum, Murray L (1996). The Bamboo Network: How Expatriate Chinese Entrepreneurs are Creating a New Economic Superpower in Asia. Martin Kessler Books, Free Press. pp. rchive.org/details/bamboonetworkhow00weid/page/4 4–8. ISBN 978-0-684-82289-1.
  216. "The Security of The Straits of Malacca and Its Implications to The South East Asia Regional Security". Office of The Prime Minister of Malaysia. Archived from the original on 4 March 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  217. "BNM National Summary Data Page". Bank Negara Malaysia. 30 September 2003. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2010.
  218. Schuman, Michael (22 April 2009). "How to Defeat Pirates: Success in the Strait". Time. Archived from the original on 23 April 2009.
  219. "TED Case Studies: Tin Mining In Malaysia – Present And Future". American University. Archived from the original on 30 November 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  220. "BNM National Summary Data Page". Bank Negara Malaysia. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  221. ^ "WHO Western Pacific Region – 2006 – Malaysia – Political and socioeconomic situation". WHO. Archived from the original on 29 August 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  222. Clover, Charles (10 June 2007). "Malaysia defends palm oil production". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 1 December 2009. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
  223. "SMART TOURISM: FUTURE OF TOURISM IN MALAYSIA". Malaysian Investment Development Authority. 13 June 2021. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  224. ^ "UNWTO World Tourism Barometer and Statistical Annex, December 2020". UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. 18 (7). World Tourism Organization: 1–36. December 2020. doi:10.18111/wtobarometereng.2020.18.1.7. S2CID 241989515.
  225. "Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021 - Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future" (PDF). World Economic Forum. May 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  226. Gooch, Liz (September 2010). "A Path to Financial Equality in Malaysia". International Herald Tribune. Archived from the original on 3 December 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
  227. "High-technology exports (current US$) - Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia | Data". data.worldbank.org. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  228. World Intellectual Property Organization (2024). Global Innovation Index 2024: Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship. World Intellectual Property Organization. p. 18. doi:10.34667/tind.50062. ISBN 978-92-805-3681-2. Retrieved 6 October 2024. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  229. "World Competitiveness Ranking". IMD Business School. Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  230. "Rail lines (total route-km) - Malaysia". World Bank. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  231. "Waterways – The World Factbook". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  232. "Airports – The World Factbook". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  233. Jeevan, Jagan; Ghaderi, Hadi; Bandara, Yapa M; Hamid, Saharuddin Abdul; Othman, Mohamad Rosni (December 2015). "The Implications of the Growth of Port Throughput on the Port Capacity: the Case of Malaysian Major Container Seaports". International Journal of E-Navigation and Maritime Economy. 3 (8): 84–98. doi:10.1016/j.enavi.2015.12.008.
  234. "The Top 50 Container Ports". World Shipping Council. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  235. Bowen, John T. Jr.; Leinbach, Thomas R. (1995). "The State and Liberalization: The Airline Industry in the East Asian NICs". Annals of the Association of American Geographers. 85 (3). Taylor & Francis: 468–493. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8306.1995.tb01809.x. JSTOR 2564511.
  236. ^ "Malaysian Telecommunications Overview". American University. Archived from the original on 4 May 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  237. "Telephones – mobile cellular". The World Factbook. Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  238. ^ Guidebook on Expatriate Living in Malaysia (PDF). Malaysia Industrial Development Authority. May 2009. pp. 8–9, 69. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  239. Sobian, Azrina (13 December 2018). "Water is life, use it wisely, don't waste it". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  240. "Malaysia's Water Vision: The Way Forward – The Malaysian Water Partnership". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 13 December 2018. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  241. "Infrastructure and Rural Development in Malaysia" (PDF). Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  242. "Tenaga Nasional Berhad 500kV Transmission System, Phase 1". Ranhill Berhad. Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  243. "Malaysia – Power Sector". AsiaTradeHub.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  244. "Energy Commission". Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  245. Selamat, Salsuwanda & Abidin, Che Zulzikrami Azner. "Renewable Energy and Kyoto Protocol: Adoption in Malaysia". Universiti Malaysia Perlis. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  246. ^ "Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristics" (PDF). Department of Statistics, Malaysia. p. 82. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 May 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
  247. "Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic Report 2010 (Ethnic composition)". Department of Statistics, Malaysia. 2010. Archived from the original on 8 October 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  248. ^ "Infographics". Department of Statistics. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  249. Brant, Robin (4 March 2008). "Malaysia's lingering ethnic divide". BBC News. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  250. "2. Socio-Economic and National Context [People]". Malaysian-Danish Country Programme for Cooperation in Environment and Development (2002–2006). Miljøstyrelsens Informationscenter. Archived from the original on 21 September 2004. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  251. Leong, Trinna (3 August 2017). "Who are Malaysia's bumiputera?". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  252. Gomes, Alberto G. (2007). Modernity and Malaysia: settling the Menraq forest nomads. Taylor & Francis Group. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-203-96075-2. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  253. "PM asked to clarify mixed-race bumiputra status". The Star. 4 November 2009. Archived from the original on 7 November 2009. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  254. Kuppusamy, Baradan (24 March 2006). "Racism alive and well in Malaysia". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 24 March 2006. Retrieved 27 October 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  255. ^ West, Barbara A. (2009). Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia and Oceania, Volume 1. Facts on File inc. p. 486. ISBN 978-0-8160-7109-8. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  256. "Malaysia: Citizenship laws, including methods by which a person may obtain citizenship; whether dual citizenship is recognized and if so, how it is acquired; process for renouncing citizenship and related documentation; grounds for revoking citizenship". Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. 16 November 2007. Archived from the original on 24 November 2011. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  257. May, Leow Yong (30 August 2007). "More than just a card". The Star. Archived from the original on 5 January 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  258. Hassan, Asan Ali Golam (2004). Growth, structural change, and regional inequality in Malaysia. Ashgate Publishing. p. 12. ISBN 978-0-7546-4332-6. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  259. Permatasari, Soraya (13 July 2009). "As Malaysia deports illegal workers, employers run short". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  260. Kent, Jonathan (29 October 2004). "Illegal workers leave Malaysia". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  261. Quek, Kim. "Demographic implosion in Sabah? Really?". Malaysiakini. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  262. "World Refugee Survey 2009". United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. 17 June 2009. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  263. "Launching of report on the key findings population and housing census of Malaysia 2020". Department of Statistics Malaysia. 14 February 2022. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  264. Ibrahim, Zawawi; Mohd Rasid, Imram (October 2019). "Country Profile Malaysia" (PDF). GREASE: Religion, Diversity and Radicalisation. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  265. Ambiga Sreenevasan (18 July 2007). "PRESS STATEMENT: Malaysia a secular state". The Malaysian Bar. Archived from the original on 28 December 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  266. "Department of Statistics Malaysia Official Portal". Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  267. "Malaysia Christians pray for peace, equality, freedom - UCA News". Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  268. ^ Peletz, Michael G. (2002). Islamic Modern: Religious Courts and Cultural Politics in Malaysia. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-09508-0.
  269. "Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation". Pew Research Center. 9 August 2012. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  270. "Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation". 9 August 2012. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  271. Mahathir, Marina (17 August 2010). "Malaysia moving forward in matters of Islam and women by Marina Mahathir". Common Ground News Service. Archived from the original on 22 December 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  272. "Malay, Standard". Ethnologue. 2009. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  273. "Mahathir regrets govt focussing too much on Bahasa". Daily Express. Kota Kinabalu. 2 October 2013. Archived from the original on 12 July 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  274. "Bahasa Rasmi" (in Malay). Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2021. Perkara 152 Perlembagaan Persekutuan menjelaskan bahawa bahasa Melayu yang dikenali juga sebagai bahasa Malaysia adalah bahasa rasmi yang tidak boleh dipertikai fungsi dan peranannya sebagai Bahasa Kebangsaan.
  275. Encik Md. Asham bin Ahmad (8 August 2007). "Malay Language Malay Identity". Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  276. "Federal Constitution" (PDF). Judicial Appointments Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2011.
  277. Fernandez, Kathleen (1 June 2016). "The history of Bahasa Melayu / Malaysia: The language of the Malay(sian) people". Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  278. Williamson, Thomas (August 2002). "Incorporating a Malaysian Nation" (PDF). Cultural Anthropology. 17 (3): 401. doi:10.1525/can.2002.17.3.401. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  279. ^ National Language Act 1963/67 (PDF) (Act 32). Dewan Rakyat. 1967.
  280. Sulok Tawie (18 November 2015). "Sarawak makes English official language along with BM". Malay Mail. Kuala Lumpur. Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  281. "Sarawak to recognise English as official language besides Bahasa Malaysia". Borneo Post. Kuching. 18 November 2015. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  282. "Sarawak adopts English as official language". The Sun. Kuala Lumpur. 19 November 2015. Archived from the original on 20 October 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  283. Andaya, Barbara Watson; Andaya, Leonard Y. (1982). A History of Malaysia. MacMillan. pp. 26–28, 61, 151–152, 242–243, 254–256, 274, 278. ISBN 978-0-333-27672-3.
  284. Zimmer, Benjamin (5 October 2006). "Language Log: Malaysia cracks down on "salad language"". University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on 20 June 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  285. "Dewan Bahasa champions use of BM in ads". New Straits Times. Kuala Lumpur. 14 October 2013. Archived from the original on 24 October 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  286. "Ethnologue report for Malaysia". Ethnologue. Archived from the original on 18 October 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  287. "Ethnologue report for Malaysia (Peninsular)". Ethnologue. Archived from the original on 10 May 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  288. Adelaar, Alexander; Himmelmann, Nikolaus P. (2005). The Austronesian languages of Asia and Madagascar. Taylor and Francis Group. pp. 56, 397. ISBN 978-0-7007-1286-1. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  289. Gerhard, Leitner; Azirah, Hashim; Hans-Georg, Wolf; Xiaomei, W. (2016). "The Chinese language in the Asian diaspora: A Malaysian experience". Communicating with Asia: The Future of English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press. pp. 205–215. doi:10.1017/CBO9781107477186.014. ISBN 978-1-107-06261-0. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  290. Schiffman, Harold F. (31 December 1998). "Malaysian Tamils and Tamil Linguistic Culture". University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on 25 August 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  291. Hancock, I. F. (1975). "Malaysian Creole Portuguese: Asian, African or European?". Anthropological Linguistics. 17 (5): 211–236. JSTOR 30027570.
  292. Michaelis, Susanne (2008). Roots of Creole structures. John Benjamins Publishing Co. p. 279. ISBN 978-90-272-5255-5.
  293. Chua, Hong Teck; Cheah, Julius Chee Ho (22 June 2012). "Financing Universal Coverage in Malaysia: a case study". BMC Public Health. 12 (S7): S7. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-S1-S7. PMC 3381695. PMID 22992444.
  294. Thomas, Susan; Beh, LooSeh; Nordin, Rusli Bin (5 September 2011). "Health care delivery in Malaysia: changes, challenges and champions". Journal of Public Health in Africa. 2 (2): 23. doi:10.4081/jphia.2011.e23. PMC 5345496. PMID 28299064. The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH), being the main provider of health services...
  295. Ormond, Meghann; Mun, Wong Kee; Khoon, Chang Chee (10 September 2014). "Medical tourism in Malaysia: how can we better identify and manage its advantages and disadvantages?". Global Health Action. 7 (7): 25201. doi:10.3402/gha.v7.25201. PMC 4161948. PMID 25215912.
  296. "Current healthcare expenditure (% of GDP) - Malaysia". World Bank. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  297. "Life expectancy at birth, total (years) - Malaysia". World Bank. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  298. "Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births) - Malaysia". World Bank. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  299. "Fertility rate, total (births per woman) - Malaysia". World Bank. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  300. "Birth rate, crude (per 1000 people) - Malaysia". World Bank. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  301. "Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) - Malaysia". World Bank. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  302. "Statistics on Causes of Death, Malaysia 2021". Department of Statistics Malaysia. 16 November 2021. Archived from the original on 23 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  303. Abdelfatah, Akmal. "TRAFFIC FATALITY CAUSES AND TRENDS IN MALAYSIA" (PDF). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  304. Nawi, Azmawati Mohammed; Jetly, Kavita; Ramli, Nur Suhada (July 2021). "Smoking in Malaysia: Main issues and ways to overcome". IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia. 20 (3). doi:10.31436/imjm.v20i3.1727. S2CID 238829234. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  305. "Global Hunger Index Scores by 2024 GHI Rank". Global Hunger Index (GHI) - peer-reviewed annual publication designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  306. Nozawa, M.; Wing, C.; Chaiyasook, S. (2011). Secondary Education Regional Information Base: Country Profile – Malaysia (PDF). Bangkok: UNESCO. p. 4 (12). ISBN 978-92-9223-374-7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  307. Mustafa, Shazwan (22 August 2010). "Malay groups want vernacular schools abolished". The Malaysian Insider. Archived from the original on 25 August 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  308. "Secondary School Education". Malaysian Government. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  309. Saw, Swee-Hock; Kesavapany, K. (2006). Malaysia: recent trends and challenges. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 259. ISBN 978-981-230-339-4.
  310. Raghavan, R. (1977). "Ethno-racial marginality in West Malaysia: The case of the Peranakan Hindu Melaka or Malaccan Chitty community". Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde. 133 (4): 438–458. doi:10.1163/22134379-90002605. Retrieved 7 October 2010.
  311. Schonhardt, Sara (3 October 2009). "Indonesia cut from a different cloth". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 5 October 2009. Retrieved 6 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  312. ^ "Cultural Tourism Promotion and policy in Malaysia". School of Housing, Building and Planning. 22 October 1992. Archived from the original on 29 May 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  313. ^ Van der Heide, William (2002). Malaysian cinema, Asian film: border crossings and national cultures. Amsterdam University Press. pp. 98–99. ISBN 978-90-5356-580-3. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  314. Dunford, George (2006). Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. Lonely Planet. pp. 419–. ISBN 978-1-74104-444-7. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  315. ^ Miller, Terry E.; Williams, Sean (2008). The Garland handbook of Southeast Asian music. Taylor and Francis Group. pp. 223–224. ISBN 978-0-203-93144-8.
  316. ^ Gateway to Malay culture. Asiapac Books Ptd Ltd. 2003. p. 110. ISBN 978-981-229-326-8.
  317. ^ Matusky, Patricia Ann; Tan, Sooi Beng (2004). The Music of Malaysia: The Classical, Folk, and Syncretic Traditions. Ashgate Publishing Ltd. pp. 177–187. ISBN 978-0-7546-0831-8.
  318. ^ Osman, Mohd Taib. "Languages and Literature". The Encyclopedia of Malaysia. Archived from the original on 6 January 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  319. "Lipton urges Malaysians to take pride in the tarik, our national beverage". New Sabah Times. 7 September 2012. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  320. Rules, Dwayne A. (7 April 2011). "Nasi lemak, our 'national dish'". The Star. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  321. ^ Eckhardt, Robyn (1 June 2008). Kuala Lumpur Melaka & Penang. Lonely Planet. p. 42. ISBN 978-1-74104-485-0.
  322. ^ Jarvis, Alice-Azania (13 October 2010). "Far Eastern cuisine: Fancy a Malaysian?". The Independent. London. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  323. Wu, David Y. H.; Tan, Chee Beng (2001). Changing Chinese foodways in Asia. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. p. 128. ISBN 978-962-201-914-0.
  324. Yulia Sapthiani (30 January 2011). "Menikmati Kuliner Peranakan". Kompas (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  325. Hwa, Cheng Siok (December 1969). "The Rice Industry of Malaya: A Historical Survey". Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 42 (2). Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society: 130–144. JSTOR 41491996.
  326. Ahmad, Razak (5 February 2010). "Malaysian media shapes battleground in Anwar trial". Reuters. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  327. ^ "Malaysian opposition media banned". BBC News. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  328. ^ "The East-West divide of Malaysian media". Malaysian Mirror. 9 September 2010. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  329. "Abdul Taib launches TV Sarawak | Malay Mail". www.malaymail.com. 11 October 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  330. "Sarawak macam anak tiri stesen TV siaran percuma". www.astroawani.com (in Malay). 27 November 2017. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  331. "Comment: Anwar blames Malaysian media". The Jakarta Post. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  332. "Jadual RTM" [RTM program] (in Malay). Berita Harian.
  333. Lee, Stephanie (1 June 2020). "'Daily Express' ends Kadazan section". The Star. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  334. "Farewell, New Sabah Times". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  335. "Malaysia". Freedom House. 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
  336. "Opposition muzzled – here's black and white proof". Malaysiakini. 29 June 2007.
  337. Vikneswary, G (28 June 2007). "TV station denies censoring opposition news". Malaysiakini.
  338. McAdams, Mindy. "How Press Censorship Works". Mindy McAdams. Archived from the original on 30 June 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  339. Chun, Yeng Ai (19 October 2009). "Malaysia Day now a public holiday, says PM". Archived from the original on 20 October 2009. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  340. "Malaysia – Religion". Asian Studies Center – Michigan State University. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  341. "Batu Caves, Selangor". Tourism Malaysia. Archived from the original on 25 June 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  342. Hutton, Wendy (1997). East Malaysia and Brunei. Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd. p. 169. ISBN 978-962-593-180-7.
  343. "PM: Kaamatan, Gawai celebrations, time for people to feel thankful for achievements". The Borneo Post. Kuching. Bernama. 28 May 2016. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  344. Assunta, Mary (2006). "BAT flouts tobacco-free World Cup policy". Tobacco Control. 11 (3): 277–278. doi:10.1136/tc.11.3.277. PMC 1759036. PMID 12198283.
  345. "History of Badminton". SportsKnowHow.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2011.
  346. "Malaysia Lawn Bowls Federation". 88DB.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  347. Nauright, John; Parrish, Charles (2012). Sports Around the World: History, Culture, and Practice. ABC-CLIO. pp. 250–. ISBN 978-1-59884-300-2.
  348. "History of SRAM". Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia. Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  349. "FIH Men's and Women's World Ranking". International Hockey Federation. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  350. "History of Hockey World Cup". The Times of India. 27 February 2010. Retrieved 1 November 2010.
  351. Novikov, Andrew. "Formula One Grand Prix Circuits". All Formula One Info. Archived from the original on 2 March 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
  352. Minahan, James B. (30 August 2012). Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 76–. ISBN 978-1-59884-660-7.
  353. "Olympic Games – History". The Olympic Council of Malaysia. Archived from the original on 7 August 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
  354. "Sports". www.paralympic.org.my.
  355. Dudley, Rueben (13 September 2010). "Doing Malaysia proud". The Sun. Kuala Lumpur. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014.
  356. "Commonwealth Games Federation, History and Tradition of Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh, Bendigo, Pune". Commonwealth Youth Games 2008. 14 August 2000. Archived from the original on 8 October 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2010.

External links

Malaysia articles
History
Geography
Politics
Economy
Society
Culture
Symbols
Articles relating to Malaysia
States and federal territories of Malaysia
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
States
Federal Territories
Former states
Monarchies
Type
Topics
Titles
Current
Africa
Asia
Europe
Oceania
Commonwealth realms
Former
Africa
Americas
Asia
Europe
Oceania
Commonwealth realms
Countries and territories in Southeast Asia
Sovereign states
Dependent
territories
Countries and dependencies of Asia
Sovereign states
States with limited
recognition
Dependent
territories
Australia
Greece
United Kingdom
Special administrative
regions of China
  • Spans the conventional boundary between Asia and another continent.
  • Considered European for cultural, political and historical reasons but is geographically in West Asia.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Politics
Symbols
Members
Membership
Observers
Events
Summits
Others
Sports
Economy
Initiatives
Commissions
Others
East Asia Summit (EAS)
Members of the Commonwealth of Nations
Sovereign states
(members)
Associated states
Dependent territories
Australia
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Source: Commonwealth Secretariat – Member Countries
Nations in the Group of 15 (G-15)
Summits
Members
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Nations
Summits
Other
Non-Aligned Movement
Members and the NAM
Structure
Bureau
Organizations
Principles
Summits
Founders
People
‡ denotes a former member state of the Non-Aligned Movement
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Member states
Members
Suspended
Observers
Countries
and territories
Muslim
communities
International
organizations
History
Declarations
Sessions
Extraordinary
Demographics
  • As the "Turkish Cypriot State".
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Members
Associate members
Observers
Observer Organisations
Dialogue partners
Development partner
Meetings

2°N 112°E / 2°N 112°E / 2; 112

Categories: