* Malaysia is located in the heart of South East Asia and divided into 2 main regions;
Peninsular Malaysia which lies in between Thailand (north) and Singapore (south)
and East Malaysia which is located on the north of Borneo island. Together with
the 2 regions cover an area of about 330,434 Km2.
(Malaysia map website on www.geocities.com/Silicon Valley/Pines/7374/Mymap.htm)
* Most of areas are covered by tropical rain forest and one of the richest ecosystems.
It is home to about 14,500 species of flora and more than 1200 species of fauna.
* Malaysia has some of the finest coral reefs, vast stretches of white sandy beaches,
green hills and mountains for tracking, limestone formations and network of rivers and lakes.
* Rice cultivation is practiced throughout the Peninsular in particular in the northern region
as rice is the main food. The most of rubber and oil palm plantations are on the west coast
of the Peninsular.
* The main natural deposits are petroleum, gas and tin.
* Malaysia enjoys tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The
temperature range is about 26 to 33 and cooler in the highlands.
* The climate is governed by the regime of south-west and north-east monsoons. The west
coast of Peninsular may get the occasional scattered shower during April and May. While
on the east coast of Peninsular and East Malaysia, the rainy season is in November till
February. The average annual rainfall is high about 350 cm.
* The humidity is about 80% due to high temperature and high rate of evaporation.
* Malaysia has a multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays, Chinese,
Indian and numerous indigenous peoples. About 59% Malay and other indegenous,
32% Chinese and 9% Indian. The population is about 22 million (December 1997) with
growth rate of 2.07%.
* The official langguage is Malay however English is widely spoken. Malay and
English languages are compulsory subjects in all schools.
* The official religion is Islam however freedom of worship is practiced. Other religions
are Buddhism,Confucianism, Taoism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christian etc.
Structural Engineering Lab Home Page