| Population |
25
million (July 2007) |
|
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) |
$357.9 billion (2007) |
|
GDP Per Capita |
$14,400 (2007) |
|
Inflation Rate |
2.1% |
| Currency |
Ringgit (MYR) |
|
Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar |
3.46 ringgits = 1 U.S. dollar (March 2008) |
|
Languages |
Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese |
|
Capital |
Kuala Lumpur |
| Population of Capital
City |
1.8
million (2004) |
| Time Zone |
GMT
plus 8 |
| Seasons |
Equatorial tropical; very warm, wet season
year-round |
|
International Dialing Code |
60 |
| Electricity |
240V / 50 Hz; Plug Type: G |
| System of Government |
Constitutional Monarchy |
Name and Party Affiliation
of Current Leaders |
Mizan Zainal Abidin, Paramount Ruler Sultan
Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi,
United Malays
National Organization |
|
Income Tax Rate for Residents |
0% to 28% |
|
Property Tax |
6% of assessed value |
|
Capital Gains Tax |
0%
to 30% |
|
Inheritance Tax |
0% |
|
Rental Income Tax |
22%
to 28% |
|
Transfer Tax |
3%
of first $100,000, 2% of remainder |
|
Sales Tax |
None, except 5% government sales tax on hospitality and
professional
services |
Restrictions on Foreign
Ownership of Property |
Certain areas limited to
buyers of Malay descent |
|
Local Chamber of Commerce |
www.nccim.org.my
6A, 6th Floor
Menara BGI Plaza Berjaya
12 Jalan Imbi 55100
Kuala
Lumpur
Tel: (60-3) 2141-9600 |
|
American Chamber of Commerce |
www.amcham.com.my
11.03-11.05 Level 11
AMODA Building
22 Jalan Imbi 55100
Kuala
Lumpur
Tel: (60-3) 2148-2407 |
| Primary Exports |
electronics, petroleum, liquified natural gas,
wood,
wood products, palm oil, rubber,
textiles, chemicals |
| Residency and Visa
Requirements |
Tourist Visa: 90 days upon entry
Residency:
employment, dependent, student, and
visit Passes; Malaysia My Second Home
program
grants 5-year renewble visas with privileges; permanent
residency requires 5 years of continuous living within
the country
Citizenship:
12 years of residency, renouncement of
foreign citizenship, and adequate
understanding of
Malay language |
Special Benefits for Foreign
Residents or Retirees |
Malaysia
My Second Home Program: granted 5 year visa,
to which a permanent visa
can be applied for afterwards;
tax-free imports of home goods; tax-free
import or
purchase of an automobile; no income tax on pension or
other
overseas income |
|
National Airline |
Malaysia Airlines
www.malaysiaairlines.com |
| Preferred Contact |
|
