INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is a tropical paradise situated 7 degrees north of the Equator in th eheart of Southeast Asia. It comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the Borneo island. Together, they cover a total area of 329,758 sq km. The climate is warm and humid throughout the year with cooler temperature in the hill resorts. Temperature range from 21C to 32C. Average annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm and umidity is high all year round.
Malaysia is a multi-racial country with population of approximately 19.9 million. This consists of th emain racial groups of Malays, Chinese and Indians and a very diverse group of indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak. Bahasa Melayu is the national language but English is widely spoken. Islam is the official religion but Buddhism, Hindusim, Christianity and other religions are practiced here.
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of the US Pacific Standard Time.