The organising committee would like to wish all the foreign participants of the "Third Regional Conference on Occupational Health" a very warm "Welcome" and the Malaysian way is "Selamat Datang". This year it would be extra special as the country is celebrating its 50 years of Nationhood. The following information will give you a little insight of our beautiful country, Malaysia.

Entering Malaysia is easy, visitors from most countries would not need a Visa for entry into Malaysia, but it is better to communicate with your travel agent or the Malaysian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your home country before coming, you can also get information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.

When you are flying in by airlines other than AirAsia (and a few other low-cost carriers), you will most likely fly into the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).  From the airport, the easiest but not the least expensive way to Kuala Lumpur (KL) is to use a taxi.  Purchase a fixed rate taxi coupon in the Terminal and board the taxi at the designated taxi area.  Avoid touts who may be present to tempt you to use their 'cheaper' taxis.  

Alternatively, use the bus.  While it is much cheaper, it will require one to be familiar with the bus routes.  The Express Rail Link (ERL) provide the fastest service which will take you 28 minutes form KLIA to the KL Sentral Station in the city, current charges is at RM35.00 one-way for adults.

Those of you who are flying in to KL by AirAsia and a few other low-cost carriers will be arriving at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at KLIA. It is located 20km away from the KLIA Main Terminal Building (MTB). From this terminal the least expensive way to KL is to use the SkyBus, which will take you to KL Sentral Station for less than RM10 one-way. The other method is by taxi which will take you directly to your destination, you will have to purchase a fixed rate taxi coupon in the Terminal.

All passengers arriving at a Malaysian port of entry are checked through Immigration control.  When you arrive in Malaysia you will pass through Customs. If you have more than the customs allowances, you must declare them to a customs officer. Do not try to hide goods; anything which is not properly declared may be confiscated and severe penalties can be imposed on anyone breaking Customs regulations. Customs officers may stop travelers to carry out random checks.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods that may not be imported into Malaysia include controlled drugs (such as opium, heroin, morphine, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, barbiturates and LSD); firearms, ammunition and explosives; counterfeit coins and bank notes; indecent and obscene books, magazines, films and other articles; radio transmitters.  Do not attempt to smuggle drugs or any animal into Malaysia.  Never carry bags through Customs for someone else.  Be warned that Malaysia has very severe punishment for drugs trafficking.

For the full list of dutiable goods, nonadjustable goods, duty exemption for residence and non-residence, prohibited and restricted goods visit the Malaysian Customs' website.

Malaysia Airlines is the flagship carrier of the country and it provide extensive domestic and international network. While in Malaysia, you may opt for AirAsia the no-frills airline, which also fly to some regional destination.   The cheaper though much slower way to see the country is to use the railways (KTM). 

While in KL city, there are taxis, buses and rail transport system (KL rail system). Currently RapidKL has been assigned by the government to provide an integrated public transport system in the Klang Valley (it includes KL and the surrounding towns and city) incorporating rail and bus services.

Banks in most states in Malaysia are open on Monday-Friday from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm; Saturdays from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and close on Sundays.   Some branches stay open later and a few open on Sundays. Beside the bank counters, most banks have electronic banking that will fulfill most of your banking needs, some banks even have internet banking. If you would like to bank through the internet please ensure that it is a secure website and used encryption technology (i.e. https) and the site have a trusted security certificate, you should never access a banking site from an e-mail links.

For the latest information on the Malaysia monetary policy, exchange rates, and the local and foreign banks in Malaysia please visit the Bank Negara's website

Open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm daily except Sundays and public holidays (except Kedah, Kelantan and Trengganu which are closed on Fridays and public holidays).  Visit the Pos Malaysia's website for the latest postage rates and services.

You can also use other local or international courier services for sending of mail and packages.

Time

The Malaysian Standard Time is eight hours ahead of GMT.

Electricity

Voltage is 220-240 volts while A/C is at 50 cycles per second. The plug has three prongs (two flat and one rectangular) that form a triangle.

Telephone kiosks are to be found at all airports, seaports, railway and bus stations, post offices and in the streets. Instructions for use are given inside the kiosks. Public payphones can be of different types, accepting coins, phone cards and, in some cases, credit cards. Phone cards may be purchased from some shops.  The long-distance code for Malaysia is 60.   International Direct Dialing (IDD) is available throughout Malaysia. Full details of dialing codes are given in The Phone Book. Dial 103 if you need assistance from the Operator. Charges will vary according to distance, length of call and the time of day when the call is made.

Mobile phone services are available in all cities, towns and on highway, the three mobile phone provider are Celcom, Maxis and Digi. Foreigner can also purchase mobile phones and pre-paid phone cards to make local or international calls. The cheapest way to call oversea is through VOIP (Voice over IP), the phone cards are available easily from convenient stalls and mobile telephone stalls.

The Weather and Your Clothing

The weather in Malaysia can be extremely changeable, wet and windy one moment, humid and sunny the next.  An umbrella is useful at all times of the year. Casual, light-weight clothes are worn, including shorts, T-shirts and sandals. Although the average temperature in Malaysia is not very high, but due to its humid conditions it can sometime be very uncomfortable especially in the afternoons.

Social Customs 

Malaysia is proud to be multi-racial and multicultural. Generally Malaysians are shy but friendly, tolerant and understanding, and have a long tradition of welcoming visitors from overseas.  Politeness and consideration for others are always appreciated. If you are invited into someone's home it is usual (but not essential) to take a small gift such as chocolates or flowers or, even better, a souvenir from your own country. Try to arrive on time, as it is considered rude to be late, particularly if a meal is served. If you are unexpectedly delayed or are unable to attend be sure to let the host know. R.S.V.P. on a written invitation means that you are expected to reply stating whether or not you will be attending the function. 

Smoking is banned in theatres, in most public buildings and public transport. Before smoking in public, it is advisable to check that smoking is permitted and that your companions do not object.