2017 Edition

Background

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's independence were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's withdrawal in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to the development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak (in office since April 2009) has continued these pro-business policies.

Area

329,847 sq km 328,657 sq km 1,190 sq km

land

328,657 sq km

total

329,847 sq km

water

1,190 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than New Mexico

Climate

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons

Coastline

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)

Elevation

419 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,095 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point

Gunung Kinabalu 4,095 m

mean elevation

419 m

Environment - current issues

air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

2 30 N, 112 30 E

Geography - note

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

Irrigated land

3,800 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

2,742 km Brunei 266 km, Indonesia 1,881 km, Thailand 595 km

border countries (3)

Brunei 266 km, Indonesia 1,881 km, Thailand 595 km

total

2,742 km

Land use

23.2% arable land 2.9%; permanent crops 19.4%; permanent pasture 0.9% 62% 14.8% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

23.2%

forest

62%

other

14.8% (2011 est.)

Location

Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam

Map references

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea

continental shelf

200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

flooding; landslides; forest fires

Natural resources

tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

Population - distribution

a highly uneven distribution with over 80% of the population residing on the Malay Peninsula

Terrain

coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Age structure

27.83% (male 4,493,084/female 4,238,991) 16.81% (male 2,677,834/female 2,598,958) 41% (male 6,507,499/female 6,358,762) 8.27% (male 1,316,331/female 1,277,558) 6.1% (male 907,850/female 1,005,125) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

27.83% (male 4,493,084/female 4,238,991)

15-24 years

16.81% (male 2,677,834/female 2,598,958)

25-54 years

41% (male 6,507,499/female 6,358,762)

55-64 years

8.27% (male 1,316,331/female 1,277,558)

65 years and over

6.1% (male 907,850/female 1,005,125) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

19.1 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

12.4% (2015)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

52.2% (2014)

Death rate

5.1 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Dependency ratios

44.6 36.1 8.5 11.8 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

8.5

potential support ratio

11.8 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

44.6

youth dependency ratio

36.1

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 93% of population total: 98.2% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 7% of population total: 1.8% of population (2015 est.)

rural

7% of population

total

1.8% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

5% of GDP (2015)

Ethnic groups

Malay 50.1%, Chinese 22.6%, indigenous 11.8%, Indian 6.7%, other 0.7%, non-citizens 8.2% (2010 est.)

Health expenditures

4.2% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.4% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

7,000 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

97,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.9 beds/1,000 population (2012)

Infant mortality rate

12.5 deaths/1,000 live births 14.4 deaths/1,000 live births 10.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

10.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

14.4 deaths/1,000 live births

total

12.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai Malaysia has 134 living languages - 112 indigenous languages and 22 non-indigenous languages; in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan

note

Malaysia has 134 living languages - 112 indigenous languages and 22 non-indigenous languages; in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan

Life expectancy at birth

75.2 years 72.4 years 78.2 years (2017 est.)

female

78.2 years (2017 est.)

male

72.4 years

total population

75.2 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 94.6% 96.2% 93.2% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

93.2% (2015 est.)

male

96.2%

total population

94.6%

Major infectious diseases

intermediate bacterial diarrhea dengue fever leptospirosis (2016)

degree of risk

intermediate

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever

water contact disease

leptospirosis (2016)

Major urban areas - population

KUALA LUMPUR (capital) 6.837 million; Johor Bahru 912,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

40 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

28.5 years 28.2 years 28.8 years (2017 est.)

female

28.8 years (2017 est.)

male

28.2 years

total

28.5 years

Nationality

Malaysian(s) Malaysian

adjective

Malaysian

noun

Malaysian(s)

Net migration rate

-0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

15.6% (2016)

Physicians density

1.28 physicians/1,000 population (2011)

Population

31,381,992 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

a highly uneven distribution with over 80% of the population residing on the Malay Peninsula

Population growth rate

1.37% (2017 est.)

Religions

Muslim (official) 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%, other 0.4%, none 0.8%, unspecified 1% (2010 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 96.1% of population rural: 95.9% of population total: 96% of population urban: 3.9% of population rural: 4.1% of population total: 4% of population (2015 est.)

rural

4.1% of population

total

4% of population (2015 est.)

urban

3.9% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

13 years 12 years 13 years (2015)

female

13 years (2015)

male

12 years

total

13 years

Sex ratio

1.07 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 0.9 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.02 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.9 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

1.03 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.5 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

10.7% 9.9% 11.8% (2015 est.)

female

11.8% (2015 est.)

male

9.9%

total

10.7%

Urbanization

76% of total population (2017) 2.19% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

2.19% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

76% of total population (2017)

Administrative divisions

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with 3 components, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya

Capital

Kuala Lumpur; note - nearby Putrajaya is referred to as a federal government administrative center but not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur 3 10 N, 101 42 E UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

3 10 N, 101 42 E

name

Kuala Lumpur; note - nearby Putrajaya is referred to as a federal government administrative center but not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur

time difference

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no at least one parent must be a citizen of Malaysia no 10 out 12 years preceding application

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Malaysia

dual citizenship recognized

no

residency requirement for naturalization

10 out 12 years preceding application

Constitution

previous 1948; latest drafted 21 February 1957, effective 27 August 1957; amended many times, last in 2010 (2016)

Country name

none Malaysia none Malaysia Federation of Malaya the name means "Land of the Malays"

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Malaysia

etymology

the name means "Land of the Malays"

former

Federation of Malaya

local long form

none

local short form

Malaysia

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Kamala Shirin LAKHDIR (since 21 February 2017) 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152 [60] (3) 2168-5000 [60] (3) 2142-2207

chief of mission

Ambassador Kamala Shirin LAKHDIR (since 21 February 2017)

embassy

376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

FAX

[60] (3) 2142-2207

mailing address

US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152

telephone

[60] (3) 2168-5000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador ZULHASNAN Rafique (since 9 January 2017) 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 572-9700 [1] (202) 572-9882 Los Angeles, New York

chancery

3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador ZULHASNAN Rafique (since 9 January 2017)

consulate(s) general

Los Angeles, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 572-9882

telephone

[1] (202) 572-9700

Executive branch

King MUHAMMAD V (formerly known as Tuanku Muhammad Faris Petra) (selected on 14 October 2016; installed on 13 December 2016); note - the position of the king is primarily ceremonial, but he is the final arbiter on the appointment of the prime minister Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak (since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad ZAHID Hamidi (since 29 July 2015) Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among members of Parliament with the consent of the king king elected by and from the hereditary rulers of 9 states for a 5-year term; election is on a rotational basis among rulers of the 9 states; election last held on 14 October 2016 (next to be held in 2021); prime minister designated from among members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak (UMNO) sworn in as prime minister for second term on 3 April 2009

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among members of Parliament with the consent of the king

chief of state

King MUHAMMAD V (formerly known as Tuanku Muhammad Faris Petra) (selected on 14 October 2016; installed on 13 December 2016); note - the position of the king is primarily ceremonial, but he is the final arbiter on the appointment of the prime minister

election results

Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak (UMNO) sworn in as prime minister for second term on 3 April 2009

elections/appointments

king elected by and from the hereditary rulers of 9 states for a 5-year term; election is on a rotational basis among rulers of the 9 states; election last held on 14 October 2016 (next to be held in 2021); prime minister designated from among members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister

head of government

Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Najib Razak (since 3 April 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad ZAHID Hamidi (since 29 July 2015)

Flag description

14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers the design is based on the flag of the US

note

the design is based on the flag of the US

Government type

federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy all Peninsular Malaysian states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans) except Melaka (Malacca) and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by government; powers of state governments are limited by federal constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their own immigration controls)

note

all Peninsular Malaysian states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans) except Melaka (Malacca) and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by government; powers of state governments are limited by federal constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their own immigration controls)

Independence

31 August 1957 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Federal Court (consists of the chief justice, president of the Court of Appeal, chief justice of the High Court of Malaya, chief judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak and 7 judges); note - Malaysia has a dual judicial hierarchy of civil and religious (sharia) courts Federal Court justices appointed by the monarch on advice of the prime minister; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65 Court of Appeal; High Court; Sessions Court; Magistrates' Court

highest court(s)

Federal Court (consists of the chief justice, president of the Court of Appeal, chief justice of the High Court of Malaya, chief judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak and 7 judges); note - Malaysia has a dual judicial hierarchy of civil and religious (sharia) courts

judge selection and term of office

Federal Court justices appointed by the monarch on advice of the prime minister; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65

subordinate courts

Court of Appeal; High Court; Sessions Court; Magistrates' Court

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Court at request of supreme head of the federation

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king and 26 indirectly elected by 13 state legislatures; members serve 3-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) House of Representatives - last held on 5 May 2013 (next to be held by 24 August 2018) House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - BN 47.4%, People's Alliance (DAP, PAS, PKR) 50.9%, other 1.7%; seats by party/coalition - BN 133, People's Alliance (DAP, PAS, PKR) 89 seats by party/coalition as of October 2016 - BN 132, PH 72 (DAP 37, PKR 28, AMANAH 6, PPBM 1), PAS 14, WARISAN 2, PSM 1, independent 1

description

bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king and 26 indirectly elected by 13 state legislatures; members serve 3-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms)

election results

House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - BN 47.4%, People's Alliance (DAP, PAS, PKR) 50.9%, other 1.7%; seats by party/coalition - BN 133, People's Alliance (DAP, PAS, PKR) 89

elections

House of Representatives - last held on 5 May 2013 (next to be held by 24 August 2018)

note

seats by party/coalition as of October 2016 - BN 132, PH 72 (DAP 37, PKR 28, AMANAH 6, PPBM 1), PAS 14, WARISAN 2, PSM 1, independent 1

National anthem

"Negaraku" (My Country) collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER adopted 1957; full version only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie," was originally the anthem of Perak, one of Malaysia's 13 states

lyrics/music

collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER

name

"Negaraku" (My Country)

note

adopted 1957; full version only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie," was originally the anthem of Perak, one of Malaysia's 13 states

National holiday

Independence Day (or Merdeka Day), 31 August (1957) (independence of Malaya); Malaysia Day, 16 September (1963) (formation of Malaysia)

National symbol(s)

tiger, hibiscus; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow

tiger, hibiscus; national colors

red, white, blue, yellow

Political parties and leaders

Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or GERAKAN [MAH Siew Keong] Liberal Democratic Party (Parti Liberal Demokratik - Sabah) or LDP [TEO Chee Kang] Malaysian Chinese Association (Persatuan China Malaysia) or MCA [LIOW Tiong Lai] Malaysian Indian Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC [S. SUBRAMANIAM] Parti Bersatu Sabah or PBS [Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan] Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [Dr. SIM Kui Hian] United Malays National Organization or UMNO [NAJIB bin Abdul Razak] United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Wilfred Madius TANGAU] Democratic Action Party (Parti Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [TAN Kok Wai, Acting National Chairman] National Trust Party (Parti Amanah Negara) or AMANAH [Mohamad SABU] People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [WAN AZIZAH Wan Ismail] Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia or PPBM [MAHATHIR Mohamad] Islamic Party of Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang] Sabah Heritage Party or WARISAN [Shafie APDAL] Socialist Party of Malaysia (Parti Sosialis Malaysia) or PSM [Mohd Nasir HASHIM]

Coalition of Hope (Pakatan Harapan) or PH (formerly the People's Alliance)

: Democratic Action Party (Parti Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [TAN Kok Wai, Acting National Chairman]

National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN

Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Party or GERAKAN [MAH Siew Keong]

Other

Islamic Party of Malaysia (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Bar Council BERSIH (electoral reform coalition) ISMA (Muslim NGO) PERKASA (defense of Malay rights) religious groups; women's groups; youth groups

other

religious groups; women's groups; youth groups

Suffrage

21 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

Peninsular Malaysia - palm oil, rubber, cocoa, rice; Sabah - palm oil, subsistence crops; rubber, timber; Sarawak - palm oil, rubber, timber; pepper

Budget

$51.21 billion $60.46 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$60.46 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$51.21 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-3.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

3% (31 December 2011) 2.83% (31 December 2010)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

4.49% (31 December 2016 est.) 4.57% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$6.996 billion (2016 est.) $9.068 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$195.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $191 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

46.2 (2009) 49.2 (1997)

Economy - overview

Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into a multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move further up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in high technology, knowledge-based industries and services. NAJIB's Economic Transformation Program is a series of projects and policy measures intended to accelerate the country's economic growth. The government has also taken steps to liberalize some services sub-sectors. Malaysia is vulnerable to a fall in world commodity prices or a general slowdown in global economic activity. The NAJIB administration is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and reduce the economy's dependence on exports. Domestic demand continues to anchor economic growth, supported mainly by private consumption, which accounts for 53% of GDP. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics, oil and gas, and palm oil - remain a significant driver of the economy. In 2015, gross exports of goods and services were equivalent to 73% of GDP. The oil and gas sector supplied about 22% of government revenue in 2015, down significantly from prior years amid a decline in commodity prices and diversification of government revenues. Malaysia has embarked on a fiscal reform program aimed at achieving a balanced budget by 2020, including rationalization of subsidies and the 2015 introduction of a 6% value added tax. Sustained low commodity prices throughout the period not only strained government finances, but also shrunk Malaysia’s current account surplus and weighed heavily on the Malaysian ringgit, which was among the region’s worst performing currencies during 2015. The ringgit rebounded in early 2016, but hit new lows following the US presidential election amid a broader selloff of emerging market assets. Bank Negara Malaysia (the central bank) maintains adequate foreign exchange reserves; a well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments, although it remains vulnerable to volatile global capital flows. In order to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness, Prime Minister NAJIB raised possible revisions to the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but retreated in 2013 after he encountered significant opposition from Malay nationalists and other vested interests. In September 2013 NAJIB launched the new Bumiputra Economic Empowerment Program, policies that favor and advance the economic condition of ethnic Malays. Malaysia signed the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement in February 2016, although the future of the TPP remains unclear following the US withdrawal from the agreement. Along with nine other ASEAN members, Malaysia established the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, which aims to advance regional economic integration.

Exchange rates

ringgits (MYR) per US dollar - 4.1483 (2016 est.) 4.15 (2015 est.) 3.91 (2014 est.) 3.27 (2013 est.) 3.09 (2012 est.)

Exports

$165.3 billion (2016 est.) $174.6 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

semiconductors and electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals, solar panels

Exports - partners

Singapore 14.7%, China 12.6%, US 10.3%, Japan 8.1%, Thailand 5.7%, Hong Kong 4.8%, India 4.1% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

54.9% 12.6% 25.8% 0.1% 67.7% -61% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services

67.7%

government consumption

12.6%

household consumption

54.9%

imports of goods and services

-61% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital

25.8%

investment in inventories

0.1%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

8.7% 37% 54.4% (2016 est.)

agriculture

8.7%

industry

37%

services

54.4% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$27,300 (2016 est.) $26,600 (2015 est.) $25,700 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.2% (2016 est.) 5% (2015 est.) 6% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$296.5 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$863.3 billion (2016 est.) $818 billion (2015 est.) $770.4 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

28.2% of GDP (2016 est.) 28.2% of GDP (2015 est.) 29.4% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.8% 34.7% (2009 est.)

highest 10%

34.7% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%

1.8%

Imports

$140.9 billion (2016 est.) $146.7 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

electronics, machinery, petroleum products, plastics, vehicles, iron and steel products, chemicals

Imports - partners

China 19.4%, Singapore 9.8%, Japan 7.7%, US 7.6%, Thailand 5.8%, South Korea 5%, Indonesia 4% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

4.5% (2016 est.)

Industries

Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics and semiconductors, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum and natural gas production; Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum and natural gas production, logging

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.1% (2016 est.) 2.1% (2015 est.) approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

note

approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

Labor force

14.7 million (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

11% 36% 53% (2012 est.)

agriculture

11%

industry

36%

services

53% (2012 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$383 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $459 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $500.4 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Population below poverty line

3.8% (2009 est.)

Public debt

52.7% of GDP (2016 est.) 54.5% of GDP (2015 est.) this figure is based on the amount of federal government debt, RM501.6 billion ($167.2 billion) in 2012; this includes Malaysian Treasury bills and other government securities, as well as loans raised externally and bonds and notes issued overseas; this figure excludes debt issued by non-financial public enterprises and guaranteed by the federal government, which was an additional $47.7 billion in 2012

note

this figure is based on the amount of federal government debt, RM501.6 billion ($167.2 billion) in 2012; this includes Malaysian Treasury bills and other government securities, as well as loans raised externally and bonds and notes issued overseas; this figure excludes debt issued by non-financial public enterprises and guaranteed by the federal government, which was an additional $47.7 billion in 2012

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$94.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $95.29 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$365.1 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $370.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$126.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $136.9 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$121.6 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $117.6 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$398.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $390.4 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$84.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $83.98 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

17.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

3.5% (2016 est.) 3.2% (2015 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

208 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

310,900 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

194,400 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

666,900 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

3.6 billion bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

133 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

3 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

82.1% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

14% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

4% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

13 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

33.34 million kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

141.9 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

100,000 99.5% 99.8% 98.7% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

98.7% (2013)

electrification - total population

99.5%

electrification - urban areas

99.8%

population without electricity

100,000

Natural gas - consumption

40.67 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - exports

34.99 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - imports

3.27 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - production

63.43 billion cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

1.183 trillion cu m (1 January 2017 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

760,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

231,400 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

409,500 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

512,900 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Broadcast media

state-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks, as well as regional and local stations; many private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 55 radio stations overall (2012)

Internet country code

.my

Internet users

24,384,952 78.8% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

78.8% (July 2016 est.)

total

24,384,952

Telephone system

modern system featuring good intercity service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 155 per 100 persons country code - 60; landing point for several major international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2016)

domestic

domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 155 per 100 persons

general assessment

modern system featuring good intercity service on Peninsular Malaysia provided mainly by microwave radio relay and an adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service excellent

international

country code - 60; landing point for several major international submarine cable networks that provide connectivity to Asia, Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

4,510,200 15 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

15 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

4,510,200

Telephones - mobile cellular

43,912,600 142 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

142 (July 2016 est.)

total

43,912,600

Airports

114 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

8 (2017)

1,524 to 2,437 m

7

2,438 to 3,047 m

8

914 to 1,523 m

8

over 3,047 m

8

total

39

under 914 m

8 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

69 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

6

total

75

under 914 m

69 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

9M (2016)

Heliports

4 (2013)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 11, cargo 83, carrier 2, chemical tanker 47, container 41, liquefied gas 34, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 86, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 5 26 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 2, Russia 2, Singapore 13) 82 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 6, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Singapore 27, Thailand 3, US 2, unknown 2) (2010)

by type

bulk carrier 11, cargo 83, carrier 2, chemical tanker 47, container 41, liquefied gas 34, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 86, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 5

foreign-owned

26 (Denmark 1, Hong Kong 8, Japan 2, Russia 2, Singapore 13)

registered in other countries

82 (Bahamas 13, India 1, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 6, Malta 1, Marshall Islands 11, Panama 12, Papua New Guinea 1, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Singapore 27, Thailand 3, US 2, unknown 2) (2010)

total

315

National air transport system

50,347,149 2,005,979,379 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

2,005,979,379 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

50,347,149

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

263

number of registered air carriers

12

Pipelines

condensate 354 km; gas 6,439 km; liquid petroleum gas 155 km; oil 1,937 km; oil/gas/water 43 km; refined products 114 km; water 26 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang (Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas George Town (Penang) (1,317,000), Port Kelang (Port Klang) (11,887,000), Tanjung Pelepas (8,797,000) (2015) Bintulu (Sarawak) Sungei Udang

container port(s) (TEUs)

George Town (Penang) (1,317,000), Port Kelang (Port Klang) (11,887,000), Tanjung Pelepas (8,797,000) (2015)

LNG terminal(s) (export)

Bintulu (Sarawak)

LNG terminal(s) (import)

Sungei Udang

major seaport(s)

Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Port Kelang (Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas

Railways

1,851 km 59 km 1.435-m gauge (59 km electrified) 1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (339 km electrified) (2014)

narrow gauge

1,792 km 1.000-m gauge (339 km electrified) (2014)

standard gauge

59 km 1.435-m gauge (59 km electrified)

total

1,851 km

Roadways

144,403 km (excludes local roads) 116,169 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways) 28,234 km (2010)

paved

116,169 km (includes 1,821 km of expressways)

total

144,403 km (excludes local roads)

unpaved

28,234 km (2010)

Waterways

7,200 km (Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km) (2011)

Maritime threats

the International Maritime Bureau reports that the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea remain high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; in the past, commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; seven attacks were reported in 2016 including five ships boarded, two hijacked, and 47 crew taken hostage, this is down from 13 attacks in 2015; during the first half of 2017, three attacks were reported including two ships that were boarded and one that was hijacked

Military branches

Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2013)

Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM)

Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM) (2013)

Military expenditures

1.41% of GDP (2016) 1.53% of GDP (2015) 1.46% of GDP (2014) 1.52% of GDP (2013) 1.43% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent and proof of age); mandatory retirement age 60; women serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces; no conscription (2013)

Disputes - international

while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, ICJ awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge; land and maritime negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea; separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts measures to close and monitor border with Malaysia to stem terrorist activities; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo; per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Illicit drugs

drug trafficking prosecuted vigorously, including enforcement of the death penalty; heroin still primary drug of abuse, but synthetic drug demand remains strong; continued ecstasy and methamphetamine producer for domestic users and, to a lesser extent, the regional drug market

Refugees and internally displaced persons

87,036 (Burma) (2016) 10,931 (2016); note - Malaysia's stateless population consists of Rohingya refugees from Burma, ethnic Indians, and the children of Filipino and Indonesian illegal migrants; Burma stripped the Rohingya of their nationality in 1982; Filipino and Indonesian children who have not been registered for birth certificates by their parents or who received birth certificates stamped "foreigner" are not eligible to attend government schools; these children are vulnerable to statelessness should they not be able to apply to their parents' country of origin for passports

refugees (country of origin)

87,036 (Burma) (2016)

stateless persons

10,931 (2016); note - Malaysia's stateless population consists of Rohingya refugees from Burma, ethnic Indians, and the children of Filipino and Indonesian illegal migrants; Burma stripped the Rohingya of their nationality in 1982; Filipino and Indonesian children who have not been registered for birth certificates by their parents or who received birth certificates stamped "foreigner" are not eligible to attend government schools; these children are vulnerable to statelessness should they not be able to apply to their parents' country of origin for passports

Trafficking in persons

Malaysia is a destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and women and children subjected to sex trafficking; Malaysia is mainly a destination country for foreign workers who migrate willingly from countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal, Burma, and other Southeast Asian countries, but subsequently encounter forced labor or debt bondage in agriculture, construction, factories, and domestic service at the hands of employers, employment agents, and labor recruiters; women from Southeast Asia and, to a much lesser extent, Africa, are recruited for legal work in restaurants, hotels, and salons but are forced into prostitution; refugees, including Rohingya adults and children, are not legally permitted to work and are vulnerable to trafficking; a small number of Malaysians are trafficked internally and subjected to sex trafficking abroad Tier 2 Watch list - Malaysia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, amendments to strengthen existing anti-trafficking laws, including enabling victims to move freely and to work and for NGOs to run protective facilities, were drafted by the government and are pending approval from Parliament; authorities more than doubled investigations and prosecutions but convicted only three traffickers for forced labor and none for sex trafficking, a decline from 2013 and a disproportionately small number compared to the scale of the country’s trafficking problem; NGOs provided the majority of victim rehabilitation and counseling services with no financial support from the government (2015)

current situation

Malaysia is a destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and women and children subjected to sex trafficking; Malaysia is mainly a destination country for foreign workers who migrate willingly from countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal, Burma, and other Southeast Asian countries, but subsequently encounter forced labor or debt bondage in agriculture, construction, factories, and domestic service at the hands of employers, employment agents, and labor recruiters; women from Southeast Asia and, to a much lesser extent, Africa, are recruited for legal work in restaurants, hotels, and salons but are forced into prostitution; refugees, including Rohingya adults and children, are not legally permitted to work and are vulnerable to trafficking; a small number of Malaysians are trafficked internally and subjected to sex trafficking abroad

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch list - Malaysia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, amendments to strengthen existing anti-trafficking laws, including enabling victims to move freely and to work and for NGOs to run protective facilities, were drafted by the government and are pending approval from Parliament; authorities more than doubled investigations and prosecutions but convicted only three traffickers for forced labor and none for sex trafficking, a decline from 2013 and a disproportionately small number compared to the scale of the country’s trafficking problem; NGOs provided the majority of victim rehabilitation and counseling services with no financial support from the government (2015)