Economy
According to pharmacylib.com, Malaysia, a member of the Asian Development Bank, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Colombo Plan, is one of the Asian countries with the largest trade deficit, although since 1987 measures have been taken to promote foreign investment and industrial and infrastructure growth (1987 and 1989 economic plans). The basic economic activity is agriculture.
The main agricultural product for consumption is rice, which depends on imports, since national production is not capable of satisfying all national demand. Malaysia is forced to import food products from Great Britain, Japan and Singapore, as well as transport equipment and manufactured basic products, becoming a country dependent on abroad. Commercial agriculture is notable for its important rubber productions, which account for about half of Malaysian exports, despite competition with Indochina. The crops of coconut, pepper, cocoa, pineapple and tea. Tin mining on the western slopes of the Malayan range makes Malaysia one of the world’s leading producers. Also noteworthy are the iron, coal and oil exploitations that are sufficient to supply the country.
The main commercial ports of the continental part communicate with the rubber plantations and with the main mining centers of the country, through a network of roads built during the British rule. However, it is still necessary to activate and promote development plans in order to improve communication and transport infrastructures, public services and, above all, in relation to rural areas. The industry, underdeveloped, seems to have experienced minimal growth in recent years.
Culture
Popular art and crafts are the most significant manifestations of the country’s culture. The art, varied and diverse, has undergone profound changes since prehistoric times due to the influence of the different peoples that have lived together in the territory. From the Paleolithic era, carved pebbles have been found in Kota Tampanm and Perak.
In the north and center of the country there are caverns and underground shelters from the Mesolithic. Neolithic graves under rocks have been found in the states of Kelantan and Perlis. Also from this period there are polished lithic ornaments, pottery objects and tools. From the Iron Age, the Perak group, of indigenous culture, with iron tools, and that of Kedah and Wellesley, where the first Indian influences already appear, stand out. Only Chinese and Thai pottery remain from medieval times, testimony to an important import trade.
The ruins of small shrines (Chandi Bukit Batu Pahat) are attributed to the domination of the Srivijaya kingdom. From the 16th and 17th centuries there are remains of buildings and churches built by the Portuguese and a set of 17th century Dutch-style houses. In Malaysia, in addition, some constructions of Islamic and Buddhist influence are preserved.
Monuments
The Petronas Twin Towers, is the most outstanding monument in the capital of the country, for its enormous construction with 88 floors of reinforced concrete and a facade made of steel and glass. Soar above a city built to impress, with modern Golden Triangle buildings and large-scale shopping malls. They were the tallest buildings in the world between 1998 and 2003.
The towers are joined by a double-height aerial walkway between floors 41 and 42, which forms a portal. Visits are free, but are limited to approximately 1,200 people per day. Inside the towers are made up of offices, including those of the Petronas oil company and the Malaysian headquarters of the Microsoft company.
Other interesting landmarks are the Merdeka Square, the impressive monument of Sultan Abdul Samad, the bird park, the Lake Gardens, the Sri Mahamarianan Temple and the National Museum.
Parties
Malaysia has a rich festive tradition, for example, one of the traditions when you are in the middle of a Malaysian celebration is the open house, where Malaysians welcome their friends into their homes with traditional and hearty meals. Other important holidays are:
- The Chinese New Year: it takes place in the month of February, all of Malaysia is filled with joy with the Chinese New Year. Malaysians usually gather the whole family in one of the houses with a table full of traditional and delicious dishes.
- Malaysia Water Festival: this festival takes place between the months of April to May, throughout the country. It is a great diversity of activities related to water.
- Wesak: In the month of May in Buddhist temples throughout Malaysia, religious offerings and rituals such as the Buddha bath are made.
- Moon Cake: in the month of September, this holiday became a symbol of celebration of peace and prosperity.
- Christmas: The culture Cristina from Malaysia attends Mass and meets with her family and friends.
