Country Profile

Situated in southern asia, malaysia is divided by the south china sea into two regions - peninsular malaysia and malaysian borneo. Consisting of 13 states and 3 federal territories, malaysia is situated near to the equator line. It encompasses of total 329,750 sq km area which is segregated into 328,550 sq km and 1200 sq km land and water area respectively. Recognized as a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), malaysia is pro actively participating in many international organizations like the United Nations etc. The nation is endowed with rich natural resources of tin, petroleum, iron ore, copper, bauxite and natural gas. The country is home to around 25,274,133 people. The human development index of malaysia is 0.811 and it is positioned on 63rd rank out of total 177 nations. It is working under the political framework of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of malaysia, which also hold its largest city tag. Malaysia has transited its economy from raw material producer to a leading multi sector nation. The nation has marked GDP at a 5.7% growth rate. Rubber & oil palm processing and manufacturing, electronics, timber processing, tin mining, logging, light manufacturing, petroleum production and refining are major industrial hub of malaysia. The country enjoys good trading relations with america, singapore and japan. Malaysia has earned approximately $169.9 billion by the export of electronic equipments, wood & wood products, textiles, chemicals, rubber, palm oil etc. The nation's import list includes electronics, machinery, vehicles, iron, petroleum products, chemicals etc.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• Malaysia has a small and open economy.
• The GDP per capita (PPP US$) is 10,882, which places the country on 57th rank out of total 177 nations.
• It is recognized as one of the leading exporter of rubber, latex threads and catheters.
• The nation is an indubitable winner in producing more than 60% quality resins, used in further manufacturing of plastics.
• Malaysia produces around 51% of palm oil of throughout the world and contributes 62% in its total worldwide export.
• The country's tyre brands are exported in more than 50 nations around the world.
• It is 3rd largest cocoa producer and acclaimed as a largest pepper and pineapples exporter.
• It is largest exporter of room Air Conditioners.
• Malaysia holds position as second largest timber exporter.
• It is recognized as world's largest exporter of semiconductor devices in throughout the world.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Electronic Equipment, Wood & Wood Products, Rubber, Textile, Chemicals, Petroleum & Liquefied Natural Gas, Palm Oil

Main Destinations of Exports
USA, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong

Major Import Items
Electronics, Machinery, Plastics, Vehicles, Iron & Steel Products

Main Origins of Imports
Japan, China, Germany, Singapore, US, Taiwan, Thailand, Germany, South Korea

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules

• The stay period cover by business visitor depends upon the nationality of applicant. Generally it varies between 30 to 90 days.
• It is possible to extend the validity of business visa but that should be done before visa expiration. In extension of visa period immigrant authorities have discretionary rights and applicant is required to give valid business reasons for requirement of such extension.
• The applicant must reside outside Malaysia and must be on a business trip for a definite time period which should not be extended to valid duration.
• If company is sponsoring trip, then it is required to detail about his job position in employment and financial expenses. The applicant is required to show sufficient funds for his expenditure while on malaysian visit.
• The applicant must have valid and realistic reason for visiting and staying malaysia.

Business Hours
Offices:   Monday to Friday from 08.30 - 17:30
Banks:    Monday to Friday from 09.15 - 16:30
When a holiday falls on the weekend, then next day becomes public holiday

Public Holidays