Malaysia

Malaysia, in Malay Malaysia, is a country in Southeast Asia, consisting of Peninsular or Western Malaysia (Malay Peninsula) and Eastern Malaysia (North of Borneo). It is located about 200 km north of the equator. Its capital is Kuala Lumpur and its surface area is 329,750 km2. While the western part of Malaysia is of a classic appearance, the eastern part releases a sense of adventure, preserving an Amazonian colour of dense and humid tropical forests, where you can find seaside tourism, diving and hiking . Malaysia is considered an area of biological megadiversity. The flora is particularly rich compared to other countries located in the intertropical zone. Mountains, primary forests, and coral reefs are part of this great biodiversity. The environment is increasingly seen as a political issue in Malaysia.

Life is not very expensive in Malaysia. Prices increase during the weekend in the most touristic areas, and even more during public holidays, school holidays and big religious events. On the islands, prices are globally higher than in the rest of the country. Here is a few examples :

Basic products Prices in Euros / Malaysian Ringgit
1L of water (botel) 0,3 € / 1,53 MYR
1 meal (2 dishes) 1,75 € / 8,12 MYR
1 bus ticket 0,44 € / 2,04 MYR

Malaysia is a country composed of three distinct communities: the South Indians, the Yunnan Chinese and the Malaysians. The state religion is Islam of the Sunni branch and the Shafi’i school, mainly observed by the Malay majority. In Malaysia, Islam is a state religion and even if religious minorities are not persecuted, they are subjected to discriminations. Indeed, if in theory freedom of religion is respected, in practice, due to Malaysia’s radicalization, it is not.  Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and other religious groups in Malaysia are increasingly feeling targeted and deprived of their right to freely practice their religion.

Malaysian cuisine is the result of a fusion of local, mainly Indian, Javanese and Chinese influences, but with the addition of influences from local ethnic groups. There is also the influence of expatriates and the contribution of previous migrations and colonial contributions, which bring British, Portuguese, Dutch or Thai touches to Malaysian cuisine.

Vaccine and specific advice :

Find out what vaccines are recommended for the country and what are the diseases preventive and/or treatment measures on site.

Checklist :

Vaccine renewal, country-specific vaccinations: 1-3 months before leaving

Visit your doctor or specialist for any health problem, repeat of medical prescriptions, contraception, to have a sufficient initial stock of drugs, adjustment of dosages. Moreover, you will need to send your coordinator a certificate from your doctor certifying that you are well able to participate in an international volunteer project.

Dentist: a dental check-up can be useful before you leave !

We recommend you to visit the mentioned below websites to consult the travel advice :

Advice for people coming from the UK : https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malaysia

Advice for people coming from the USA : https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Malaysia.html

Advice for people coming from Canada : https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/malaysia

MOVE, our local partner, is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that works for peace and implements international volunteer projects for people of all ages, cultures, religions and economic backgrounds.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A VISA :

You don’t need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be given permission to stay for 3 months on arrival. Visas for longer stays or for non-tourist purposes must be obtained from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before you travel.

Embassy of Malaysia in the UK :

Adresse : 45 Belgrave Square, Belgravia, London SW1X 8QT, Royaume-Uni

Téléphone : +44 20 7242 4308

Embassy of Malaysia in the USA :

Address:
313 East 43rd Street
New York, NY
10017
Telephone:
+1 (212) 490 2723
+1 (212) 490 2723 ext. 108 (Passport & Visa)

List of projects available in Malaysia