Introduction To Malaysia

MALAYSIA is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in South-East Asia. It consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories* : Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Putrajaya*, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, and Kuala Lumpur*.

Malaysia has both historic charm and the excitement of a modern country. Several decades of sustained economic growth and political stability have made it one of the most buoyant and wealthy countries in the region, and although political power (Malay) and economic clout (Chinese) are still traditionally divided along racial lines, Malaysia has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes the friendliness and hospitality of the people will prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is a sun lover's paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enhancing islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in the region.

Most visitors to Malaysia stick to the Peninsula, where the insane headlong rush of Kuala Lumpur is offset by the colonially soothing Cameron Highlands Hill Station or the hedonistic torpor of Langkawi. Far fewer make it to Sarawak or Sabah, on the island of East Malaysia, with their spectacular wildlife, longhouses and the awe-inspiring Mt Kinabalu.

Food

Eating and food is a popular Malaysian pastime and it comes as no surprise that our country is well known for its variety of food. Almost anywhere you go you'll be reminded of food in its many splendours and variation of enticements.

The unique and authentic cooking styles and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian and the other ethnic communities is a very fulfilling experience. Dining out is relatively inexpensive. You can dine in five-star hotels, food courts, hawker centres, 'kopitiam' (Chinese coffee shops), restaurants, local and international fast food outlets or even al fresco at warungs or roadside stalls. Through the decades the interesting potpourri of local cuisine has gone through many transformations, resulting in what has been termed as fusion food or 'improved' versions of favourite dishes.

Currency and Banking

The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is issued in notes from RM100 to RM1, and coins from RM1 to one sen (cents).
Major credit cards are accepted in cities and large towns. All commercial banks are authorized foreign exchange dealers, and licensed money changers can be found in urban centres, key entry/exit points and shopping complexes.

The Malaysia Flag

Flag Description

• The flag of Malaysia is a combination of traditional symbols and the Stars and Stripes.
• Name of the Flag: Jalur Gemilang.
  
  Quoted

"The Flag Bulletin, #186, March-April 1999, page 74, says under the heading "Flag News and Notes":
Malaysia: The government of former Prime Minister YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has introduced many changes into the economic, political and social systems of Malaysia. On the 40th anniversary of the country's independence, 31 August 1997, provision was made for an official name for the national flag. The version chosen, Jalur Gemilang, combines a Malay word meaning "stripes" or "range of values" with the adjective ("gemilang") signifying "glorious". No change was introduced in the design of the flag.
from: Santiago Dotor, 20 December 1999"

• The Malaysia Flag contains 14 fourteen red and white stripes that are same in height. It begins with the red stripes on top and ended with the white stripes at the bottom. These stripes represents 13 states of Malaysia - Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor and Terenganu and the federal government - Wilayah Persekutuan.

The left top corner blue canton that reach to the top of the 5th red stripe represents the unity of the people. In the blue canton, a crescent representing the Islamic religion - Malaysia's national religion. A star with fourteen points again signifying the 13 states of the federation with the federal government. The colour yellow is the colour of royalty.
Material Translated from http://www.penerangan.gov.my on 2nd October 2003

Environment Surrounding Malaysia

Malaysia is divided into two distinct parts: Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak in North Borneo. The two regions are 650km (403mi) apart, separated by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia shares borders with Thailand and Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak border Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo), and Sarawak surrounds the tiny enclave of Brunei. The Andaman Sea is on the west coast of the peninsula. The east coast of the peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak all adjoin the South China Sea.

Peninsular Malaysia accounts for 40 percent of the country's land mass. Several mountain ranges run north-south along the spine of the peninsula. There is a wide, fertile plain on the west coast, and a narrow coastal plain on the east. Sabah and Sarawak are covered by dense jungles and have large river systems. Mt. Kinabalu (4101m/13,450ft) in Sabah is one of the highest peaks in South-East Asia.

More than 60 per cent of the country is still rainforest. There are 8000 species of flowering plants in Peninsular Malaysia alone, including 2000 tree species, 800 different orchids and 200 types of palm. Fauna includes elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards, tapirs, sun bears, orangutans and gibbons. East Malaysia has one of the most abundant and varied bird populations in the world.

Malaysia enjoys summer all year round. Temperatures are usually between 20-30°C (68-86°F); humidity is usually 90 per cent. The region has a monsoonal climate, but only the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia has a real rainy season. The wettest season on the west coast of the peninsula is between September and December; on the east coast and in Sabah and Sarawak it's between October and February. Rain, when it comes, generally interrupts the sunshine only briefly; most of it falls in short, strong bursts.

People, Language and Religion

Malaysia is truly multicultural, and one of its greatest resources is its rich cultural diversity. Malays number around half of the total population of over 21 million, while the other half comprises mainly of Chinese and Indians. Other indigenous groups include the Ibans, Bidayuhs, Kadazans and Muruts which are often found in Sabah and Sarawak.

The multi-cultural society stems from Malaysia's rich history. The people of Malaysia treat one another with equal concern and respect despite their different cultural practices, resulting in them living together peacefully and harmoniously for centuries. Many languages are spoken. Bahasa Malaysia (the Malay language) is the National language but English and the various Chinese and Indian dialects are also widely spoken.

The different types of religion in Malaysia reflects the variety of races living there. Islam is the official religion but Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and other religions are practiced freely. In fact, freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Malaysian Constitution.

For more info on Malaysia, please visit : www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Studying In Malaysia

Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travel to Malaysia. Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government, must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport.

Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad. Holders of Travel Documents like a Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage or a Country's Certificate of Permanent Residence must ensure that their return to the country which issued the document or the country of residence is guaranteed.

The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry into Malaysia.
Foreigners who wish to visit Malaysia have to obtain a pass at the point of entry besides a visa (where required) which allows them to stay temporarily. A pass is an endorsement in the passport constituting permission to stay for the approved duration.

Other than entry application for the purpose of tourist social or business visits, all applications for other types of passes (i.e. Student Pass) must be made before arriving in the country. All applications must have sponsorship in Malaysia which is usually the College. The sponsors must agree to be responsible for the maintenance and repatriation of the visitors from Malaysia if it is necessary.

What Can The International Student Do?

1.   Details of the New Procedures

• International students may apply for admission in Olympia College. Upon payment of
• Registration fee (the amount depends on the course taken)
• An admission letter will be issued to the students. Documents to be collected from each student are:
• One set of passport copy (all pages of passport in A4 pages)
• 3 sets of photo copies of school certificates (Translated and Certified by Origin Council/Notarial office)
• 3 sets of Photo copies of Transcripts (Translated and Certified by Origin Council/Notarial  Office)
• 8 Passport size colored photographs
• TOFEL Score 550 and above (traditional assessment) or 213 and above
• (computer assessment)
• IELTS score of 6.5 and above or other equivalent English qualification (All
• foreign students are required to sit for English placement test upon arrival to
• the college)
• Student aged 23 and above must enclose Curriculum Vitae, Students’
• Personal Statement and a reference letter from the previous employer.
• The representative of the College will go to the Immigration Head Office in Putrajaya and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to submit the new application whereby slip is given to indicate the submitted application and it is pending approval.
• Processing time is minimum 1 month upon submission.
• Upon receiving the approved letters from Immigration Office, Putrajaya, the approved letter will be or sent to the student or agents required to supply details of their arrival in Malaysia.
• Airport Pickup
• Student or agents must inform the International office of the arrival details       by fax or email at least 2 weeks before the arrival date. Failing which, we will not guarantee that we will be able to meet you at the airport.
• Once we have received the arrival details, our staff will be waiting for you at the airport and assist you in making the entry clearance at the Immigration checkpoint.
• The College representative has to submit the relevant documents to the Immigration Department Officer at the checkpoint:
• Student Approval Letter from Putrajaya
• Student Details
• Malaysian Immigration law requires the college to meet all foreign students at the immigration checkpoint. They will not allow students to check out without the college officer present at the checkpoint.  If we are not informed of your arrival, you may have to spend the night at the airport hotel until someone from Olympia College picks you up.

  For more info regarding accommodation, please contact the college.

2.     New Endorsement for Student Pass

• Student Details Format
• Form IM 38
• Form IM 14
• Approval letter from Putrajaya

3.    The complete application will be forwarded to:

4.   Rules and Regulations of Application

• Applications to be forwarded only by the officer from the College
• Agents or representatives are prohibited
• The Personal Bond is to be signed for the students, financial guarantee.
• IPTS / PRIVATE School must register with the Kementerian Dalam Negeri
• Change of Institution is not allowed, except with approval from the Ministry of Higher Education  
• Change of Course within the same Institution is allowed but approval must be obtained from the State Immigration Office.
• College must report to the State Immigration Department if the student has stopped studying, failed in the examination, changed course or moved to another Institution.

5.   Procedures for Change of College

• Release letter from the previous College must be signed and endorsed by previous college CEO.
• Acceptance letter from the future College.
• Personal statement from student stating the reason for transfer of College.
• Current Pass must be valid for minimum 30 days upon submitting to MOHE, and signed & endorsed by previous college.

6.    Additional Information

• The students' parents are allowed to stay in Malaysia to accompany their children for the duration of 6 months under a multiple entry visa. When they enter to Malaysia, they will be given a special pass for one month. After the one month duration, they can apply for renewal of the visa for another 6 months. However this only applies to Indonesian students.
• The Immigration Department does not encourage students who came to Malaysia on social visit passes. If they are already in Malaysia and want to apply for a student pass, the College will apply Special Pass (social visit pass validity of minimum 2 weeks before expiry date). However it depends on the Immigration Department's discretion on such applications. The representative of the college has to refer to Immigration Head Office in Putrajaya if there are any queries on certain applications.
• Students from China are still required to apply a visa from the Malaysian Consulate Office prior to their departure to Malaysia.

International Student New Application Flow Chart

For more details, please email to int@olympia.my.
Click here to Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia

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