Malaysia (Federation of)

Malaysia

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Official language: Malay

Other languages: English, Mandarin and Tamil.

Official religion: Islam

Other religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity

Malaysian national flag aptly known as `Jalur Gemilang' (i.e. Stripes of Excellence). The fourteen stripes signify the equal status in the Federation of the thirteen states and the Federal Government. The blue represents the unity of the people, yellow is the royal colour, while the star and crescent are the traditional symbols of Islam, the country's official religion. The star has fourteen points, representing the unity of the Federation.

History of Relations

Since the establishment of full diplomatic relations on 8 November 1993, relations between South Africa and Malaysia have been very good and have continued to improve. The two countries view each other as close partners in the developing world. Malaysia views South Africa as a favourable developing market and South Africa's 27th largest total trade partner (https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/south-africa/tradestats). South Africa and Malaysia have resident High Commissions in the respective capitals.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Malaysia

H E Mr D Malcomson
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African High Commission

Time difference : +6:00

Malaysia Representation in South Africa

H E Mr M N B Mohamad
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

High Commission of Malaysia

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact: High Commission of Malaysia.

Health Requirements

Depending on the length of stay, the travellers might need immunisation against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

The tropical climate is uniformly hot, humid and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 22oC to 35oC, except in the mountains and hill resorts where the weather is cooler. The passing of the seasons is not characterised by any variations in temperature, but by changes in the level of rainfall, related to the cycle of monsoons. The annual rainfall is very high, ranging from 2,000 mm to 3,000 mm. For the west coast of the Peninsular Malaysia, the wet season is from September to November, with another period of high rainfall in the months of April and May. The rain is more persistent during the wet season on the east coast and in East Malaysia, which lasts from November to February. The level of humidity tends to hover at around 80% throughout the year in all parts of the country.

For up-to-date information click here.

Currency Info

The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM), which is divided into 100 sen or cents. Notes are issued in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100. Coins are issued in denominations of 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen.

There are strict currency exchange laws, which prohibit any trading in Malaysian Ringgits outside Malaysia. On arrival or departure at all ports of entry in Malaysia, one is required to declare the amount of cash that one is carrying at that point in time.

For more details, kindly log onto the Malaysian Central Bank's website:

http://www1.bnm.gov.my

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

Please contact Branch: Asia and Middle East at DIRCO.

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Main Malaysian import products to South Africa: palm oil, vegetable fats and oil, wood and wood articles, precision instruments, machinery and mechanical equipment and parts.

Main South African export products to Malaysia: minerals, base metals, wood pulp, cane sugar and parts of locomotives.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Malaysia, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

Malaysian South African Business Council

Contact person: Ms Lydia Dekker, Executive Secretary

Address: No. 2 Jalan 11/55C, off Jalan Setiawangsa

Taman Setiawangsa

54200 Kuala Lumpur

Tel. (office): + 60 3 457 3371

Fax: + 60 3 452 5744

Tel. (house): + 60 3 452 6616

Fax: + 60 3 452 7545

South African Malaysian Society

Contact person: Mrs Sue Firkins, President

Tel. (office): + 60 3 746 4300

Tel. (house): + 60 3 746 2990

Fax: + 60 3 757 2905

E-mail: firkins@pc.jaring.my

African Women's Diplomatic Group

Contact person: Mrs Dudu Shogole, Vice Chairlady

Mrs Simphiwe Xinwa, Secretary

Tel: + 60 12 333 7080

Fax (c/o SAHC): + 60 3 424 9896

E-mail : simprax@hotmail.com

South African Students in Malaysia Network

University Telekom Malaysia (UNITEL), Cyberjaya Campus

Contact Person: Mr Nitesh Dhoogar

Tel: + 60 12 317 9876

University Telekom Malaysia (UNITEL), Melaka Campus

Contact Person: Mr Pumezo Gulwa/Mr Baphiwe Nyeli

Tel: + 60 6 252 3752

Universiti Sains Petronas

Contact Person: Ms Siyabulela Hamilton

Tel: Available at SA High Commission, Kuala Lumpur on request