i. Geographical Location

Malaysia is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia and is made up of peninsular Malaysia comprising 12 states and the island of Borneo comprising another 2 states. The country population is made up of 24.5 million people of various ethnic groups including Malays, Chinese, Indians and indigenous people living in peace and harmony.

ii. Religions

Malaysia’s official religion is Islam with freedom of worship guaranteed to the adherents of other faiths by the Federal Constitution. In addition to Islam, other religions are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. There are mosques, temples and churches throughout the country. Major festivals include Id al-Fitr, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas apart from other festivals celebrated throughout the year.

iii. Language

The national language is Bahasa Malaysia. English, Tamil and various Chinese dialects are also widely spoken throughout the country. Bahasa Malaysia is also the medium of instruction in schools and is the language used in public administration.

iv. Politics

Malaysia is politically stable and governed by an alliance of parties representing different racial groups. The head of the government is the Prime Minister carrying out the government duties and functions in the name of the Supreme Head of the Federation, the Yang Dipertuan Agong, who is elected for a term of 5 years by his fellow rulers from the other states.

v. Cost of Living

Cost of living in Malaysia is considered as one of the cheapest rate in comparison to the other developing countries in Asia or other parts of the world. The total cost of expenditure for food, accommodation, transportation, books, laundry services and entertainment ranges between RM750.00 – RM1000.00 per month. 

vi. Food

Food is generally cheap. Malaysia is widely known as a gourmet paradise and the variety of food is remarkable, ranging from international cuisine to hawker fare reflecting the tastes of the various communities. Apart from the wide variety sold on-campus at very reasonable prices, many restaurants and fast food outlets operate in the nearby areas.

vii. Transportation

Being the most popular tourist destination in East Asia that attracts more than 10 millions international tourists each year, Malaysia is easily accessible via air, sea or land. The state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang serves over 80 international airliners. Malaysia is also accessible overland from Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south via Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) that connects most of the major towns in peninsular Malaysia.

Driving in Malaysia is on the left side of the road. Valid international driver’s license is required and the holder must be 18 of age. Drivers must have the license whenever they drive.

viii. Clothing

Light clothing is best suited for Malaysia‘s equatorial climate. USIM has its own dress code that needs to be observed by all students especially on campus. Short pants, sleeveless t-shirts, short skirts and slippers are strictly prohibited.

ix. Interesting Places

Various palaces of interest are accessible from the campus such as numerous landmarks, monuments, museums, parks and gardens, tourists’ centres and mosques. During vacation periods, students may wish to enjoy Malaysia’s multitude of beaches, tropical rain forests, highland areas and historical sites.