Putrajaya
Putrajaya (meaning victorious son in Sanskrit), is a planned city, located south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur due to the overcrowding and congestion there. Nevertheless, Kuala Lumpur remains as Malaysia's national capital and also as the commercial and financial centre. Putrajaya was the brainchild of a former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad who was in power then. In 2001, Putrajaya was made a Federal Territory, increasing the number of federal territories to three. Kuala Lumpur and Labuan are the other two.
Named after the first Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra the city is situated within the Multimedia Super Corridor, beside the also newly developed Cyberjaya. The development started in 1995 and today major landmarks are completed and the population is expected to grow in the relatively new city.
Putrajaya precincts
The vision to have a new Federal Government Administrative Centre to replace Kuala Lumpur as the administrative capital emerged in the late 1980s, during the tenure of Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad. The new city was proposed to be located between Kuala Lumpur and the new KL International Airport (KLIA).
The Federal government negotiated with the state of Selangor on the prospect of another Federal Territory and in the mid-1990s, the Federal government paid a substantial amount of money to Selangor for approximately 11 320 acres (46 km²) of land in Prang Besar, Selangor. As a result of this land purchase, the state of Selangor now completely surrounds two Federal Territories within its borders, namely Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Planned as the garden and intelligent city, 38% of the area is reserved for green areas by emphasizing the enhancement of natural landscape. A network of open spaces and wide boulevards were incorporated to the plan. Construction began in August 1995 and it was Malaysia's biggest project and one of Southeast Asia's largest with estimated final cost of US$ 8.1 billion. The entire project was designed and constructed by Malaysian companies with only 10% of the materials imported.
The Asian Financial Crisis of 1997/1998 had somewhat slowed the development of Putrajaya. In 1999, 300 staffs of the Prime Minister's office were shifted to Putrajaya and the remaining government servants moved in 2005. On February 1, 2001 Tun Dr. Mahathir declared Putrajaya as a Federal Territory with the ceremony of handing over Putrajaya Township from the Selangor state authorities.
In 2002, a high speed rail link called KLIA Transit was opened, linking Putrajaya to both Kuala Lumpur and KL International Airport in Sepang. However, construction of the Putrajaya Monorail which was intended to be the city's metro system was suspended due to costs. One of the monorail suspension bridges in Putrajaya remains unused.
In 2007, the population of Putrajaya was estimated to be over 30,000, which comprised mainly government servants.
Tourist attractions
Here is the list of attractions in Putrajaya:
Perdana Putra
Putra Mosque
Putra Bridge
Putrajaya Independence Square
Millennium Monument
Palace of Justice
Seri Perdana
Seri Perdana Bridge
Putrajaya Landmark
Putrajaya Wetlands Park
Putrajaya Convention Centre
Taman Selatan
Perdana Leadership Foundation
Melawati National Palace
Heritage Square
Putrajaya Ministry of Finance
Wisma Putra
Selera Putra
Istana Darul Ehsan
Putrajaya Lake
Alamanda Putrajaya
Souq Putrajaya
Pusat Kejiranan Presint 9
Pusat Kejiranan Presint 16
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Where is Malaysia?
Where is Malaysia ?
Malaysia is a country situated in Southeast Asia. It is between Thailand and Singapore. Malaysia is divided into two parts, that is West Malaysia or Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia which is on the island of Borneo. West and East Malaysia is about 400 miles apart. The combined land area of both regions is about 330,400 sq km (127,000 sq miles). Peninsula Malaysia is again divided into east and west coast by the Main Range (mountain range), known as Banjaran Titiwangsa. It runs from the Malaysian-Thai border in the north right up to the state of Negeri Sembilan. In East Malaysia, the Crocker Range in Sabah is where the highest peak in South East Asia lies, Mount Kinabalu. The highest point of the mountain is at 4,0952.2 metres above sea level.
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT time.
West Malaysia consists of 11 states while East Malaysia consists of two states.
Malaysia is a country situated in Southeast Asia. It is between Thailand and Singapore. Malaysia is divided into two parts, that is West Malaysia or Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia which is on the island of Borneo. West and East Malaysia is about 400 miles apart. The combined land area of both regions is about 330,400 sq km (127,000 sq miles). Peninsula Malaysia is again divided into east and west coast by the Main Range (mountain range), known as Banjaran Titiwangsa. It runs from the Malaysian-Thai border in the north right up to the state of Negeri Sembilan. In East Malaysia, the Crocker Range in Sabah is where the highest peak in South East Asia lies, Mount Kinabalu. The highest point of the mountain is at 4,0952.2 metres above sea level.
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT time.
West Malaysia consists of 11 states while East Malaysia consists of two states.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Some facts on Malaysia
SOME FACTS ON MALAYSIA
Malaysia, renowned historically as "The British Indies" and "The Fabled Spice Islands of the East", is made up of two regions, namely, Peninsular Malaysia, comprising 11 states and East Malaysia, comprising the two states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Before independence in 1957, the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British colonized Malaya, as the country was once known. Relics of her colonial past have left behind a legacy that has lured many visitors to return to its shores for many decades.
The country's urban areas still retain the sentiment of bygone era, where modern buildings and businesses flourished side by side with historical structures and small traders. Malaysia's unspoiled tropical forest, magnificent mountains and rich flora and fauna are pronounced among the best in this part of the world.
On the weather, Malaysia has two not very marked seasons - a moderately wet and a moderately dry season. During the wet season thunderstorm are very frequent in the afternoons because of the high humidity, but they are brief and seldom dampen the mood for outdoors activities. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia however tends to have a heavier wet season and is best avoided during the rainy period (November-February). During these months, most beach resorts take a break and receive visitors again in March.
Malaysia has a cosmopolitan population comprising mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous people with everybody living in peace and harmony. Mutual respect of each others' cultures, traditions, religious belief and way of life offer a potpourri of colorful festivals and opportunities for perennial celebrations.
In relation to its racial diversity, Malaysia is also a gourmet's paradise. It offers all sorts of cuisine. Bargain hunters are also in for a good time as Malaysia is also a shopper's paradise. Experience shopping in night markets, side street stalls, and the many shopping complexes.
Malaysia's abundance of sun, sea and sand offers great opportunities for diving enthusiasts and idyllic holidaymakers. From marine parks to white sandy beaches, visitors are treated to explore, relax and seek peaceful refuge in some of the best resorts in Asia.
CLIMATE
The climate in Malaysia is hot and humid all year round, with some rain in the afternoons. The average temperature ranges from 24 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius in the lowlands. The days are generally sunny and warm and the nights are cool. On the East Coast the rainy season is from early November to the middle of February.
PASSPORT – VISA
Visitors must be in possession of national passports or other internationally recognized travel documents, endorsed for traveling in Malaysia and with a validity period of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia.
Malaysia Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) have their own Immigration Department and when one enters Malaysia Borneo through Mainland Malaysia, one has to go through Immigration check again and a new stay permit is issued again, mostly for 30 days only.
All visitors are required to complete a Disembarkation Card, which has to be shown to the Immigration Control upon arrival and departure from the country. This card can be obtained on all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights.
Visitors on social and business visit purposes are to be guided by the following visa requirements:
Visa Exemption: No visas are required for citizens of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria), British Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
Three Month Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Slovak, Spain, South Korea, Republic of Bosnia, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and Yemen are eligible for three-month visas.
One Month Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries.
14-Day Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria are eligible for 14-day visas.
7-Day Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kirghizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Romania, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Air travelers on transit (not exceeding 72 hours) are eligible for a visa-free visit.
Social or Tourist Visit Pass: A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business of professional work in Malaysia.
The Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter Malaysia for business negotiations or inspection of business houses but cannot be used for employment purposes, or for supervisory work or construction of a factory. No fee is charged for a Business Visit Pass issued for a period of up to 3 months. A nominal fee is imposed for each month beyond this.
Foreign visitors, except from the Republic of Singapore, who have entered Malaysia on Social Visit Passes may contact the Immigration Department to convert their passes to Business Visit Passes.
As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before departure or check the Tourism Malaysia website: http://mocat.gov.my/index.cfm
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Prohibited Goods
• Trafficking of illegal drugs carries the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia.
• A special permit is required for the carriage of firearms and ammunition. Other prohibited items include flick knives, daggers and pornographic material.
• Taped videocassettes should be submitted for clearance by Customs.
• Export of antiquities and historical objects is not allowed unless an export license has been obtained from the Director Genera I of Museums, Malaysia, or if the antiquity was originally imported and declared to customs.
• All passengers must declare the following items to the Plant Quarantine Office upon arrival: plants and plant parts (including fresh plant produce and processed products), insects and other organisms, microorganisms, herbarium, dried flowers, soil and growth or rooting media. Penalty for failure to do so is liable to a fine of up to RM 1,000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both. Penalty for maliciously introducing a pest or a plant into Malaysia is liable to a fine not exceeding RM 10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
• Passengers from South and Central America and Central Africa are required to report to the Plant Quarantine Office.
Duty Free
Visitors entering Malaysia for a period of not less than 72 hours, except from Labuan (24 hours) enjoy customs' exemption on the following purchases:
• wines, spirits/malt liquor not exceeding one liter
• tobacco not exceeding 225 gm or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• footwear not exceeding one pair
• apparel not exceeding one pair
• one unit each of portable electrical and/or battery-operated appliance for personal hygiene
• food preparations of a total value not exceeding RM 75
• cosmetics, soap and dentifrice to a total value not exceeding RM 200
• souvenirs and gifts not exceeding RM 200, except for Labuan and Langkawi where the total value shall not exceed RM 500
Except for the last item, all duty free items must be for
personal use only. A 30% tax will be levied on items that
exceed the above limits.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are required. However visitors arriving from Yellow Fever and Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination. This regulation does not apply to children below the age of one. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in Sabah and for Jungle tours. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic for further details. Medication may be obtained at licensed clinics and pharmacies.
MONEY
CURRENCY:
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. Notes in circulation are RM 100, RM 50, RM 10, RM 5 and RM 1. Coins in circulation are 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, and 5 sen.
MONEY EXCHANGE:
Money and travelers cheques of all major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, banks, licensed money changer in tourist areas. Banks and money changers usually offers the best rates.
CREDIT CARDS:
International credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, major hotels, up-market shops and restaurant. Make sure that you have enough cash in local currency before you leave for smaller towns or remote areas.
Please take note!
All arriving and departing travelers (including children) must fill in a Travelers Declaration Form (TDF) regardless of the amount of currency carried. The TDF is available in all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights and at check-in counters. It should be handed over to the Immigration Officer together with the traveler's Disembarkation Card and Passport.
Effective from October 1, 1998, please take note of the following currency regulations for travelers to Malaysia:
Local Currency (Ringgit Malaysian - RM): Residents and non-resident travelers are not allowed to bring in or take our more than RM 1,000 per person.
Foreign Currency: Resident travelers are not allowed to take out more than the equivalent of RM 10,000 worth of any foreign currency from Malaysia (i.e. maximum RM 10,000 worth of foreign currencies). Non-resident travelers are allowed to take out not more than the amount of foreign currencies, which they had brought in at the time of their arrival.
Definitions:
Resident: a citizen of Malaysia residing in Malaysia or a non-citizen of Malaysia who is residing permanently in Malaysia.
Non-resident: any person not residing in Malaysia, whether the person is a citizen or not.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity current in Malaysia is 220 volts or 250 volts AC, 50 cycles. 3-pin British Plug is generally used. Adaptors could be used for other types of plug.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Malaysia is a safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to be a little cautious. Simple safety precautions such as ignoring touts, keeping away from trouble areas, not wearing excessive jewelry, being careful when crossing roads (remember: left-hand traffic!) and taking care of valuables will keep you out of trouble. Valuables such as money, travelers cheques, passports and flight tickets are best kept in the safety box of your hotel.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2009
1 Jan 09
Public holiday
New year's Day
26&27 Jan 2009
Public holoday
Chinese New Year
9 Mar 09
Public holiday
Maulid Nabi Muhammad S.A.W
10 Apr 00
Public holiday
Good Friday.
1 May 2009
Public Holiday
Labour Day
9 May 2009
Public Holiday
Wesak Day
6 Jun 2009
Public Holiday
Birthday of DYMM SPB (King)
31 Aug 200
Public holiday
National Day
20&21 Sept 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Puasa
17 Oct 2009
Public holiday
Deepavali
27 Nov 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Haji
18 Dec 2009
Public holiday
Awal Muharram
25 Dec-2009
Public holiday
Christmas Day
AIRPORT TAX
The airport tax is usually included in the flight ticket. There are additional taxes at RM5 for security tax. In view of continuous updates of surcharges by international airlines for security, insurance and fuel, all international airport check-in counters in Malaysia may be charging international passengers at departure when applicable.
TIME ZONE
Malaysia runs at GMT +8 hours and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time. Malaysia is in the same time zone as Singapore, Hong Kong and Perth.
Malaysia, renowned historically as "The British Indies" and "The Fabled Spice Islands of the East", is made up of two regions, namely, Peninsular Malaysia, comprising 11 states and East Malaysia, comprising the two states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Before independence in 1957, the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British colonized Malaya, as the country was once known. Relics of her colonial past have left behind a legacy that has lured many visitors to return to its shores for many decades.
The country's urban areas still retain the sentiment of bygone era, where modern buildings and businesses flourished side by side with historical structures and small traders. Malaysia's unspoiled tropical forest, magnificent mountains and rich flora and fauna are pronounced among the best in this part of the world.
On the weather, Malaysia has two not very marked seasons - a moderately wet and a moderately dry season. During the wet season thunderstorm are very frequent in the afternoons because of the high humidity, but they are brief and seldom dampen the mood for outdoors activities. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia however tends to have a heavier wet season and is best avoided during the rainy period (November-February). During these months, most beach resorts take a break and receive visitors again in March.
Malaysia has a cosmopolitan population comprising mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous people with everybody living in peace and harmony. Mutual respect of each others' cultures, traditions, religious belief and way of life offer a potpourri of colorful festivals and opportunities for perennial celebrations.
In relation to its racial diversity, Malaysia is also a gourmet's paradise. It offers all sorts of cuisine. Bargain hunters are also in for a good time as Malaysia is also a shopper's paradise. Experience shopping in night markets, side street stalls, and the many shopping complexes.
Malaysia's abundance of sun, sea and sand offers great opportunities for diving enthusiasts and idyllic holidaymakers. From marine parks to white sandy beaches, visitors are treated to explore, relax and seek peaceful refuge in some of the best resorts in Asia.
CLIMATE
The climate in Malaysia is hot and humid all year round, with some rain in the afternoons. The average temperature ranges from 24 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius in the lowlands. The days are generally sunny and warm and the nights are cool. On the East Coast the rainy season is from early November to the middle of February.
PASSPORT – VISA
Visitors must be in possession of national passports or other internationally recognized travel documents, endorsed for traveling in Malaysia and with a validity period of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia.
Malaysia Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) have their own Immigration Department and when one enters Malaysia Borneo through Mainland Malaysia, one has to go through Immigration check again and a new stay permit is issued again, mostly for 30 days only.
All visitors are required to complete a Disembarkation Card, which has to be shown to the Immigration Control upon arrival and departure from the country. This card can be obtained on all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights.
Visitors on social and business visit purposes are to be guided by the following visa requirements:
Visa Exemption: No visas are required for citizens of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria), British Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
Three Month Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Slovak, Spain, South Korea, Republic of Bosnia, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and Yemen are eligible for three-month visas.
One Month Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries.
14-Day Visa-Free Visit: Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria are eligible for 14-day visas.
7-Day Visa-Free Visit: Applicable to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kirghizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Romania, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Air travelers on transit (not exceeding 72 hours) are eligible for a visa-free visit.
Social or Tourist Visit Pass: A Social or Tourist Visit Pass does not permit the holder to take up employment, business of professional work in Malaysia.
The Business Visit Pass allows foreign visitors to enter Malaysia for business negotiations or inspection of business houses but cannot be used for employment purposes, or for supervisory work or construction of a factory. No fee is charged for a Business Visit Pass issued for a period of up to 3 months. A nominal fee is imposed for each month beyond this.
Foreign visitors, except from the Republic of Singapore, who have entered Malaysia on Social Visit Passes may contact the Immigration Department to convert their passes to Business Visit Passes.
As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before departure or check the Tourism Malaysia website: http://mocat.gov.my/index.cfm
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Prohibited Goods
• Trafficking of illegal drugs carries the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia.
• A special permit is required for the carriage of firearms and ammunition. Other prohibited items include flick knives, daggers and pornographic material.
• Taped videocassettes should be submitted for clearance by Customs.
• Export of antiquities and historical objects is not allowed unless an export license has been obtained from the Director Genera I of Museums, Malaysia, or if the antiquity was originally imported and declared to customs.
• All passengers must declare the following items to the Plant Quarantine Office upon arrival: plants and plant parts (including fresh plant produce and processed products), insects and other organisms, microorganisms, herbarium, dried flowers, soil and growth or rooting media. Penalty for failure to do so is liable to a fine of up to RM 1,000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both. Penalty for maliciously introducing a pest or a plant into Malaysia is liable to a fine not exceeding RM 10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
• Passengers from South and Central America and Central Africa are required to report to the Plant Quarantine Office.
Duty Free
Visitors entering Malaysia for a period of not less than 72 hours, except from Labuan (24 hours) enjoy customs' exemption on the following purchases:
• wines, spirits/malt liquor not exceeding one liter
• tobacco not exceeding 225 gm or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• footwear not exceeding one pair
• apparel not exceeding one pair
• one unit each of portable electrical and/or battery-operated appliance for personal hygiene
• food preparations of a total value not exceeding RM 75
• cosmetics, soap and dentifrice to a total value not exceeding RM 200
• souvenirs and gifts not exceeding RM 200, except for Labuan and Langkawi where the total value shall not exceed RM 500
Except for the last item, all duty free items must be for
personal use only. A 30% tax will be levied on items that
exceed the above limits.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are required. However visitors arriving from Yellow Fever and Endemic Zones and other affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination. This regulation does not apply to children below the age of one. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in Sabah and for Jungle tours. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic for further details. Medication may be obtained at licensed clinics and pharmacies.
MONEY
CURRENCY:
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. Notes in circulation are RM 100, RM 50, RM 10, RM 5 and RM 1. Coins in circulation are 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, and 5 sen.
MONEY EXCHANGE:
Money and travelers cheques of all major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, banks, licensed money changer in tourist areas. Banks and money changers usually offers the best rates.
CREDIT CARDS:
International credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, major hotels, up-market shops and restaurant. Make sure that you have enough cash in local currency before you leave for smaller towns or remote areas.
Please take note!
All arriving and departing travelers (including children) must fill in a Travelers Declaration Form (TDF) regardless of the amount of currency carried. The TDF is available in all inbound Malaysia Airlines' flights and at check-in counters. It should be handed over to the Immigration Officer together with the traveler's Disembarkation Card and Passport.
Effective from October 1, 1998, please take note of the following currency regulations for travelers to Malaysia:
Local Currency (Ringgit Malaysian - RM): Residents and non-resident travelers are not allowed to bring in or take our more than RM 1,000 per person.
Foreign Currency: Resident travelers are not allowed to take out more than the equivalent of RM 10,000 worth of any foreign currency from Malaysia (i.e. maximum RM 10,000 worth of foreign currencies). Non-resident travelers are allowed to take out not more than the amount of foreign currencies, which they had brought in at the time of their arrival.
Definitions:
Resident: a citizen of Malaysia residing in Malaysia or a non-citizen of Malaysia who is residing permanently in Malaysia.
Non-resident: any person not residing in Malaysia, whether the person is a citizen or not.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity current in Malaysia is 220 volts or 250 volts AC, 50 cycles. 3-pin British Plug is generally used. Adaptors could be used for other types of plug.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Malaysia is a safe country, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to be a little cautious. Simple safety precautions such as ignoring touts, keeping away from trouble areas, not wearing excessive jewelry, being careful when crossing roads (remember: left-hand traffic!) and taking care of valuables will keep you out of trouble. Valuables such as money, travelers cheques, passports and flight tickets are best kept in the safety box of your hotel.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2009
1 Jan 09
Public holiday
New year's Day
26&27 Jan 2009
Public holoday
Chinese New Year
9 Mar 09
Public holiday
Maulid Nabi Muhammad S.A.W
10 Apr 00
Public holiday
Good Friday.
1 May 2009
Public Holiday
Labour Day
9 May 2009
Public Holiday
Wesak Day
6 Jun 2009
Public Holiday
Birthday of DYMM SPB (King)
31 Aug 200
Public holiday
National Day
20&21 Sept 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Puasa
17 Oct 2009
Public holiday
Deepavali
27 Nov 2009
Public holiday
Hari Raya Haji
18 Dec 2009
Public holiday
Awal Muharram
25 Dec-2009
Public holiday
Christmas Day
AIRPORT TAX
The airport tax is usually included in the flight ticket. There are additional taxes at RM5 for security tax. In view of continuous updates of surcharges by international airlines for security, insurance and fuel, all international airport check-in counters in Malaysia may be charging international passengers at departure when applicable.
TIME ZONE
Malaysia runs at GMT +8 hours and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time. Malaysia is in the same time zone as Singapore, Hong Kong and Perth.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Penang "settled" or "ceded"?
British connection with Malaysia (then Malaya) was begun by individual and trading ventures from 1576 to 1684. As an illustration, mention could be made of Sir Francis Drake’s visit to Malaya in 1578.
In 1600 the English East India Company was formed and received a Royal Charter for fifteen years from the English Crown. Its principal objective was to trade. Thus, from the date of its first presence in these shores until 1684, the Company’s connection with Malaya was entirely non-political. However, as of 1684 onwards until 1762 political considerations had become part of the overall objective.
On July 15, 1786 Francis Light landed in Penang with a garrison of marines. On August 11, the eve of the Prince of Wales’ birthday, he hoisted the British flag and renamed the place as “Prince of Wales Island”. The question which students of public international law should attempt to grapple is this : was this act by Light in consonance with the norms of international law? Was it justified?
Cross-reference should now be made to the purported cession (the first unsigned Treaty of 1786) and subsequent treaties of 1791 and 1800 .
The 1791 Treaty spoke of “peace and friendship”between the two parties and that it would continue “as long as the Sun and Moon gives light”, giving the impression that the Sultan of Kedah was an independent sovereign, when he was then de facto a tributary of the King of Siam. Under the terms of the Treaty of Bangkok 1826, the Siamese King acknowledge the treaty of “cession” giving Penang to the British. The question which does not have an easy answer, especially for students of public international law, is whether Penang was a “Settled” or “Ceded” colony. A correct answer to this question is important, because the answer determines the nature of the lex loci, the law of Penang. Did the English settlers bring with them the law of England on the ground that the island was “acquired by occupation” (settled)? Or was the law of Kedah to be applied to the island on the ground that the island was “ceded” by the Sultan to the English East India Company?
In 1600 the English East India Company was formed and received a Royal Charter for fifteen years from the English Crown. Its principal objective was to trade. Thus, from the date of its first presence in these shores until 1684, the Company’s connection with Malaya was entirely non-political. However, as of 1684 onwards until 1762 political considerations had become part of the overall objective.
On July 15, 1786 Francis Light landed in Penang with a garrison of marines. On August 11, the eve of the Prince of Wales’ birthday, he hoisted the British flag and renamed the place as “Prince of Wales Island”. The question which students of public international law should attempt to grapple is this : was this act by Light in consonance with the norms of international law? Was it justified?
Cross-reference should now be made to the purported cession (the first unsigned Treaty of 1786) and subsequent treaties of 1791 and 1800 .
The 1791 Treaty spoke of “peace and friendship”between the two parties and that it would continue “as long as the Sun and Moon gives light”, giving the impression that the Sultan of Kedah was an independent sovereign, when he was then de facto a tributary of the King of Siam. Under the terms of the Treaty of Bangkok 1826, the Siamese King acknowledge the treaty of “cession” giving Penang to the British. The question which does not have an easy answer, especially for students of public international law, is whether Penang was a “Settled” or “Ceded” colony. A correct answer to this question is important, because the answer determines the nature of the lex loci, the law of Penang. Did the English settlers bring with them the law of England on the ground that the island was “acquired by occupation” (settled)? Or was the law of Kedah to be applied to the island on the ground that the island was “ceded” by the Sultan to the English East India Company?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)