Malaysia
Malaysia Southeastern Asia AREA 127K mi²; 330K km² ARABLE 2.4% of land POP 35M (275/mi²; 106/km²) GOV’T Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy CAPITAL Kuala Lumpur (±8.8M metro) GDP/CAPITA $34,100 UNEMPLOYMENT 4% IN POVERTY 6% % WEALTH HELD BY TOP 10% 31% LIFE EXP 77 years MEDIAN AGE 32 yrs INFANT MORT 6/1K live births LITERACY 96% adult literacy INTERNET USERS 98% LANGUAGES Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Telegu, others RELIGIONS Muslim off. 64%, Buddhist 19%, Christian 9%, Hindu 6%, other/none 2% HEALTH 4% of GDP EDUCATION 3.5% of GDP MILITARY 1% of GDP GDP BY SECTOR Agriculture 8%, industry 38%, services 54% PCVs 1962–1983 CURRENT: 0, TTD: >3,300 |  Malaysia Malaysia’s Batu Caves is a Hindu pilgrimage site famous for its 272-step staircase leading from a lower plaza up to an expansive and impressive main cave and temples. Visitors of all ages make the challenging ascent up this steep staircase, but this barefoot laborer carrying three heavy cases of soft drinks up to the cave vendors is accomplishing a physical task very few could even attempt. While Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country with Islam as its official religion, it is also a multi-ethnic society known for accommodating a diverse range of other religions. |
Adult Books
Towards a New Malaysia?: The 2018 Election and Its Aftermath
Meredith L. Weiss and Faizal S. Hazis (eds.)
2020
Genre: Anthology
Publisher: National University of Singapore Press, 2020
Language: English
Print length: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 9813251131
ISBN-13: 978-9813251137
Summary:
The 14th General Election in Malaysia yielded an astonishing result—after more than a half-century in power, the ruling coalition was defeated. Since that event, the political situation has soured again, but the run-up to the election can continue to serve as a primer for how to organize political opposition.
“Advances important analyses not just of Malaysian politics, but also studies of coalition politics in electoral authoritarianism.” —Chan Xin Ying, Pacific Affairs
Kids' Books
Boys Don’t Fry
By Kimberly Lee, illustrated by Charlene Chua
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023
Format: 40 pgs, col. illus.
ISBN-10: 0374389853
ISBN-13: 978-0374389857
Age Range: 4–7 yrs.
Summary:
Grandmother, Mamah, and Jin’s aunties are cooking to prepare for the Lunar New Year. When Jin wants to join them in the kitchen, his aunties shoo him away, but Mamah asks Jin to help her with the special meal.
“Mouthwatering word choices and exuberant digital illustrations draw readers into their Malaysian Lunar New Year celebration… this gentle challenge to gender stereotypes is a welcome addition to holiday shelves.” —Booklist
Films
Film: Abang Adik (Pudu Youngsters)
Director: Jin Ong
Genre: Neo-noir crime drama
Release Date: 2023
Language: Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay
Run Time: 115 minutes
Synopsis: Two orphaned brothers, whose statelessness aligns them with the many undocumented workers in Kuala Lumpur, face the challenges of poverty and crime.
Reviews: This film took the top prize at the New York Asian Film Festival, with Wu Kang-ren winning Best Actor at the Golden Horse Awards. Winner of the Golden Mulberry at the Far East Film Festival 2023 and Best Film at the 10th Asian World Film Festival 2024.
Available: Netflix
Music
Zynakal: Sendiri
