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KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Malaysia

Petronas Towers

Welcome to Malaysia Malaysia is a beautiful country known for its beaches, jungles, and modern cities. Malaysia’s indigenous culture is blended with Indian, Chinese, and British influences. Let’s learn about Malaysia from kids like you.

Amir lives in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. He is 7 years old.

Amir is a leader on his badminton team. His badminton instructor once represented Malaysia at the Olympic Games!

Amir is a nickname. It is short for Amirul, which means “leader.”

Amir wears special shoes when he plays badminton. Badminton players hit a shuttlecock back and forth, trying to get it past their opponent. Amir doesn’t let much get past him!

Farah is Amir’s sister. Her name means “joy” or “gladness.” Farah is in primary school. She is a good student. Farah likes to bake. She has a special cake recipe she created herself!

Baking is a popular pastime in Farah’s country. Tropical ingredients like coconut are common in Malaysian baked goods. Farah and Amir love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about Malaysia.

Where in the World? Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is divided into two distinct sections. One section forms a long peninsula which borders Thailand. The rest of Malaysia is located on the island of Borneo. Borneo is a large island across the Gulf of Thailand which is shared by three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Malaysia is filled with jungles, rainforests, beaches, and large mountain ranges. The island of Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and is filled with thousands of unique plants and animals. Aqil lives in Kuching. Kuching is the largest Malaysian city on the island of Borneo. It is nicknamed “The City of Cats,” but nobody knows why!

MALAYSIA

Nora lives in Johor Bahru, located at the southernmost point of peninsular Malaysia. It is just across the Straits of Johor from Singapore, an independent city-state.

THAILAND

Kuala Lumpur

George Town

Johor Bahru

Malacca

Kuching

Kota Kinabalu

Kuantan

Ipoh

Sipura

0º

Pagai Selatan

Pagai Utara

PHNOM PENH

Kuantan

g a i Ka mp a r

Kuala Terengganu

SI N G A P OR E

M e

Sumatera

Kepulauan Lingga

Kepulauan Riau

Bangka

Kepulauan Natuna (Indonesia)

C h i n a

Borneo

Belitung

S o u t h

Ho Chi Minh

VIETNAM

Kepulauan Anambas (Indonesia)

SINGAPORE

Johor Bahru

ong

105ºE

Kota Baharu (Kota Bahru)

CAMBODIA

KUALA LUMPUR

Malacca

Seremban

Kelang

Ipoh

George Town

Strait of Malacca

5ºN

Alor Setar

Polit

10ºN

G ulf of Tha ila nd

K ap u

Baleh ng

150 km 150 mi

Countr y capi tal S tate capi tal Major ci ty

P OL IT ICA L W IT H STAT E S

MA LAY S IA

i K ay a m

Celebes Sea

S u l u S e a

Palawan

PHILIPPINES

Ba la b a c Str a it

Kota Kinabalu

BRUNEI

R a j an g B a

115ºE

Spratly Islands

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Kuching

S e a

110ºE

100ºE

a ng

Can You Find It?

Malaysia has a tropical rainforest climate that is warm throughout the year with consistently heavy rainfall. The lush, heavily forested landscape of Malaysia, combined with the climate, provides for a range of biodiversity. There are a number of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish in Malaysia that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Khilal lives in Sarawak, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo. Sarawak is known as the rainiest state in Malaysia.

Though most of Malaysia is covered with dense rainforests, there are parts of peninsular Malaysia that feature a drier, tropical savanna climate. These areas have more open space and allow larger animals to thrive.

There are a number of animal species that can only be found in Malaysia. These include the Bornean ferret badger, the Sabah gray langur, the false serotine bat, the coppery sprite, and the Selangor pygmy flying squirrel. The oceans surrounding Malaysia are filled with thousands more species, including fish, invertebrates, rays, turtles, eels, whales, and dolphins. 6

Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are located just outside of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. The massive system of towering caves is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The caves are filled with art, which adds cultural significance to these natural wonders.

Redang Island Mount Kinabalu Batu Caves

Redang Island Located off the coast of peninsular Malaysia, Redang is one of the country’s largest islands. The island is surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

Mount Kinabalu At 13,436 feet tall (4,095 meters tall), Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in all of Southeast Asia. It is located on the island of Borneo. There are more than 5,000 species of plants and animals growing on the mountain, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 7

History 100 BCE Significant trade develops between the native Malays, India, and China. Chinese pottery of the Han Dynasty is used in many coastal areas.

1200s CE Arab and Indian traders bring Islam to the Malay Peninsula. Islam eventually becomes the official religion of Malaysia.

1402 Malacca, a port city, is founded. Malacca has a strategic position along the India-China trade route, and it begins to grow into a wealthy city filled with different cultures.

1511

The Portuguese conquer the port city of Malacca in order to continue overseas trade after the Ottoman Empire closes trade routes between Asia and Europe. This is the beginning of European colonization in Malaysia. 8

1786 The British establish their first permanent stronghold in Malaysia by leasing Malaysian land. The influence of British trade will shape Malaysia’s economic trajectory for centuries.

1957 After World War II, Malaysia calls for independence. On August 31, 1957, Malaysia is released from British rule and becomes an independent nation.

1963 To combat the spread of Communism in the region and consolidate economic power, the states of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore form the united country of Malaysia.

1963 On January 1, 1963, the Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest building, opens in Kuala Lumpur. The 88-story twin towers stand 451.9 meters (1,483 ft) tall. 9

People The Malay people, who are native to both peninsular Malaysia and eastern Malaysia, make up the majority of the country’s population.

Rudra has Indian ancestry. His lessons at school are taught in Malaysian, but he speaks Telugu with his family at home.

Ethnic Cham, Khmer, Indian, Chinese, and Thai people constitute significant minorities. Some are recent immigrants, while others have had family in Malaysia for generations.

The official language of Malaysia is Malaysian (or Bahasa Malaysia), a standardized form of the Malay language. English is widely used in business and school.

Islam became widely adopted in Malaysia around the 15th century CE. It is now practiced by 60 percent of the population, and the Malaysian Constitution grants Islam the status of official religion.

Other religions practiced in Malaysia include Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. Small numbers of people follow traditional Chinese beliefs such as Confucianism and Taoism. Ayah’s family practices Islam. They attend the historic Jamek Mosque. Ayah is named after a verse in the Quran, the Islamic holy book.

Names Zaiton

Roslan

Zaiton is a Arabic name meaning “olive.”

Roslan is an Arabic name meaning “lion.”

Syed Zainab

Zainab is a Arabic name meaning “fragrant flower.”

Syed is a Arabic name meaning “lord” or “master.”

e (female) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Cik Malay miss Farah

Arabic

joy, gladness

Fatimah

Arabic

shining one

Intan Malay diamond Nur Arabic light

Rohana Sanskrit sandalwood Rokiah Malay heigh Sharifah Arabic Siew Chinese

distinguished mugwort flower

Siti Arabic lady

e (Male) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Abdul Arabic servant Abdullah

Arabic

servant of god

Ahmad

Arabic

highly praised

Awang

Malay

eldest son

Eng

Chinese from

Encik Malay mister Ibrahim Kee

Hebrew Chinese

Mohamed Arabic

father of many to permit praiseworthy

Omar Arabic better 13

Learn Malaysian Malaysian, the official language of Malaysia, is spoken by more than 90 percent of the population. English is spoken by more than 50 percent of the population. More than 120 other languages are spoken in Malaysia. Hello

heh-loh (Hello)

Selamat pagi

Se-la-mart par-ghee (Good morning)

Nama saya ____

Na-ma sa-ya ____ (My name is ___)

Apa kabar

A-pa kah-bar (How are you?)

Saya lapar

say-ah LA-pah (I’m hungry) Saya dahaga

Say-ah DA-haga (I’m thirsty)

Terima kasih

Te-ree-mar kar-sih (Thank you)

Tolong

Tow-long (Please)

Ya (Yes)

Tidak

Tee-dak (No)

Selamat tinggal

Se-la-mart ting-gal (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals Malaysia has a rich and dynamic culture, and Malaysians celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Here are a few:

Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the most venerated month of the Islamic year. Ramadan is a time of intense spiritual renewal. Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown throughout in order to think of others and understand the hunger of those less fortunate.

The King’s Birthday Malaysia’s constitutional head of state is called Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a Malay title meaning “supreme ruler” or king. The role is largely ceremonial, and the position is rotated every five years. The event is marked by ceremonial military parades throughout the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The King’s Birthday is celebrated on January 14th regardless of the king’s actual birthday. 16

Thaipusam This annual celebration is held to honor and win favor from Hindu deity Lord Muruga. The celebration takes place in hilly areas, such as the Batu Caves in Selangor and the Waterfall Temple in Penang. Hindus believe that by celebrating this day, they can wash away their sins and redeem themselves from past mistakes.

Chinese New Year This holiday is celebrated on the first day of the year under the Chinese lunar calendar. A significant number of Chinese live in Malaysia, so the celebration of Chinese New Year is a festive time. Malls sell treats and decorations, and families hold special reunion dinners.

Malaysia Fest Malaysia Fest is a two-week celebration of Malaysian multi-ethnic culture. Streets, shopping complexes, and hotels are aglow with creative light displays. Visitors can enjoy cultural shows and traditional handicrafts and eat the delicious cuisine of Malaysia. 17

Food Malaysian food is known for its culinary diversity, a result of the country’s multicultural population. A traditional meal consists of rice or noodles, a seafood or meat dish, and a vegetable side dish. Fish, seafood, beef, and chicken are widely used. Much of the flavor of Malaysian food comes from the specific sauces, cooking oils, pastes, and condiments that go into everyday cooking. Sauces often include peanuts and coconut milk.

Roti Canai This South Indian-style fried bread is a popular accompaniment to Malaysian meals.

Mee Goreng This famous fried noodle dish is spicy, salty, and tangy. It features sambaal olek, a fermented red chili paste.

Malaysian Vindaloo The Malaysian style of vindaloo is actually of Portuguese origin, as the dish was introduced during Malaysia’s Portuguese occupation.

Malay Beef Rendang This rich, traditional Malay meal is made from meat and a simmered coconut sauce.

Murtabak Murtabak is popular Indian Muslim turnover filled with minced lamb, mutton, or beef, with egg, onions, and cilantro.

Nasi Kunyit This festive yellow rice is traditionally served during weddings and religious celebrations and is usually eaten with rendang or curry.

Onde Onde (Malaysian Palm Sugar Balls) These small, sweet treats are often served with coffee or tea.

Malaysian Tea Malaysians like black tea with milk and sugar, spiced with cinnamon and cardamom.

Mangosteen Sorbet Mangosteens are a tropical fruit with a sweet and sour taste. These unique fruits make a delicious sorbet that is commonly served throughout Malaysia on hot summer days. Total Time

Ingredients ²½³ cup (160 ml) mangosteen, chopped ²½³ cup (160 ml) white grape juice 1 egg white 1½ oz (42 g) sugar Lime slices

2 hr 30 min

Directions Peel mangosteens and chop the flesh. Purée in a blender, and then strain mixture through a fine sieve. Stir white grape juice into purée. Whip egg white until it forms stiff peaks. Add sugar and beat in. Gently fold egg white into fruit purée and freeze for at least 2 hours. 6 Garnish with lime slices and serve.

National Symbols National Bird (unofficial) Rhinoceros Hornbill (common name) Buceros rhinoceros (scientific name)

National Day Malaysia Day September 16

National Flower Bunga Raya (common name) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (scientific name)

National Animal Malayan Tiger (common name) Panthera tigris (scientific name)

National Flag First used – May 26, 1950 (current version – September 16, 1963) Nickname(s) –“Malay”

National Currency Malaysia’s official currency is the ringgit. 1 ringgit = 100 sen

National Anthem “Negaraku”

Lyrics by: Saiful Bahri

Malayan Lyrics

English Translation

Negaraku, Tanah tumpahnya darahku, Rakyat hidup, Bersatu dan maju!

My motherland, For whom I spill my blood, The people live, United and progressive!

Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan, Raja kita, Selamat bertakhta!

With divine blessings of peace and joy, Long may our King, reign sublime!

Rahmat bahagia, Tuhan kurniakan, Raja kita, Selamat bertakhta!

With divine blessings of peace and joy, Long may our King, reign sublime!

Things to See and Do Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur’s most famous and noticeable landmark are ranked as the world’s tallest twin buildings. Connecting them is the Skybridge, the world’s highest two-story bridge.

Jamek Mosque Opened in 1909 by the Sultan of Selangor and one of the city’s oldest mosques, Masjid Jamek is also known as the “Friday Mosque,” as it attracts the largest influx of devotees for Friday prayers. Beautiful landscapes surround this religious site.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Some find it gaudy, others grand. Whatever your opinion, there’s no arguing with the scale and ambition behind this Buddhist temple complex. The 30-meter-tall (98-foot-tall) statue of Bodhisattva Kuan Yin located on the grounds of this temple has earned comparisons with the Statue of Liberty.

Kuala Lumpur Tower This is the world’s sixthtallest freestanding tower, at 421 meters (1,381 feet) high. It has a broadcast antenna and is elaborately decorated with sparkling glass-clad domes, Islamic tiles, and Arabic script.

Batu Caves A unique and important cultural site, Batu Caves were discovered in the 19th century. The caves feature many Hindu shrines, a 100-meter-high (328-foothigh) vaulted ceiling, and a 43-meter-tall (141-foot-tall) statue of Lord Murugan.

Gua Tempurung Gua Tempurung is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in Malaysia. The caves consist of white marble, limestone hills, chambers of different dimensions and levels, striking stalactites and stalagmites, rock formations, and a lengthy river passage. 25

National Zoo A 15-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, the National Zoo—Malaysia’s best-known open-concept zoo—was established in 1963. Its 45-hectare (110-acre) area is a natural habitat for more than 4,000 creatures of 400 different species.

Islamic Art Museum This museum is Southeast Asia’s leading collection of Islam-related artworks and artifacts. The highlight of the museum is ancient fragments of Quran scrolls dating back to the 8th century CE.

Cameron Highlands Recognized as the highest region on the Malaysian mainland, Cameron Highlands has an altitude of about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet).

Gunung Mulu National Park Gunung Mulu National Park contains some of the world’s largest and most magnificent caves and karst formations in natural mountainous equatorial rainforest surroundings. 26

Location Guide Petronas Twin Towers Jamek Mosque

Gua Tempurung National Zoo

Kek Lok Si Temple

Islamic Art Museum

Kuala Lumpur Tower

Cameron Highlands

Batu Caves

Gunung Mulu National Park 27

Fun Facts Ketchup Creators? It is rumored that ketchup originated in Malaysia. When exploring the area, Europeans came across a sauce called ke-tsiap, a sweet, fermented sauce. Many believe this was the original ketchup.

Sunken Treasure The Portuguese ship Flora de la Mar was loaded with gold, silver, and jewels when it sank in Malaysia’s Strait of Malacca in 1511. Today, modern-day pirates patrol the Malaysian strait, protecting—or looking for—the largest-ever unrecovered treasure from a sunken ship.

Hot, Wet, and Old At an estimated 130 million years old, Malaysia’s Taman Negara is the world’s oldest tropical rain forest. This rain forest is home to rare mammals such as Malayan tigers, crabeating macaques, Sumatran rhinos, and Asian elephants.

Long Drive You could drive from Tanjung Piai, Malaysia—the southernmost point on the Eurasian landmass—all the way to Nordkapp, Norway—the northernmost point—without ever having to take a ferry. You would pass through five other countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Man of the Forest The orangutan, one of human’s closest relatives, can be found in the wild in Borneo. In Malay, orangutan means “man of the forest.”

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Malaysia Kuala Kangsar

Penang

Kuala Lumpur

Langkawi

Shah Alam