Updated: March 2009
Malaysia
Overview | World Vision's history in Malaysia| World Vision in Malaysia today
| Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia consists of the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula (south of Thailand) and the northern third of the island of Borneo (north of part of Indonesia). The island and peninsula are separated by the South China Sea, which provides crucial access for trade partners. Singapore lies to the south of the peninsula, and the Philippines sits to the north of the island. The Strait of Malacca, along the peninsula’s western coast, provides direct access to parts of Indonesia. Costal and interior plains break up the jungle-covered mountains of Malaysia where several types of wood are grown. The tropical climate brings the threat of seasonal monsoons, lasting from April to October in the southwest and from October to February in the northeast. Natural resources include tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, and bauxite. Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures. Ethnic Malays, who compose just over 50 percent of the population, are officially identified as Muslims. Chinese account for 25 percent of the population, and groups from India comprise another seven percent. Most of the population lives on the peninsula, and the majority of island residents are from non-Malay indigenous groups, which include about 11 percent of Malaysia’s total population. Islam is the most dominant religion, though other religions, especially those of Chinese influence, are widely practiced. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, though English, Chinese, and several indigenous languages are also spoken. Dominated by the Buddhist Malay Kingdom of Srivijaya from the ninth to 13th centuries, present-day Malaysia passed through Hindu, Muslim, Portuguese, and Dutch rule before the British gained possession in 1824. During British rule—which lasted until World War II and the Japanese occupation—rubber production and exports flourished. |  |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A strong desire for independence came after the conclusion of World War II and the reestablishment of British rule. In 1948 the colonies on the peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, but they did not achieve independence until negotiations were made with Britain in 1957. The country was given the name Malaysia in 1963, when several other British colonies joined the Federation. Malaysia spent the next three years dealing with confrontations from neighboring Indonesia, which did not support the formation of Malaysia. Though peace came with Indonesia in 1966, conflict continued within Malaysia’s borders, as local communist guerillas—active before independence—continued to wage an insurgency until 1990. Today, Malaysia has a middle-income economy with a history of successful growth. Once dependent on the production of raw materials, such as rubber and tin, Malaysia’s economy is now modernized and highly diversified. Industry accounts for roughly 45 percent of the gross domestic product, and exports of electronic equipment and natural gas are vital for success. Malaysia recovered from a recession in 1997 and more economic turmoil in 2001, and has plans in place to become a fully developed economy by 2010. Malaysians are required to attend school for six years. However, more than 30 percent of adults pursue higher education, and the average resident receives 13 years of schooling. Back to top World Vision in Malaysia todayIn 1997, World Vision established an office in Malaysia to promote the transformation and development of poor communities throughout the country. Projects addressed the improvement of health care and educational opportunities for children and their families. In addition, the Malaysian office focused on providing relief to children and families afflicted by conflict or disasters in other areas of the world.Back to top World Vision in Malaysia todayToday, gifts from Malaysian donors help support World Vision development programs in Ethiopia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Mozambique, El Salvador, North Korea, China, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Thailand. These programs are significantly helping to reduce the incidences of childhood disease through the construction of health facilities and the provision of clean drinking water.For more information about World Vision’s work in Malaysia, please contact the United States office. Back to top | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newsletter Sign-Up
World Vision
Phone: 1-888-511-6548
P.O. Box 9716
Federal,WA 98063-9716
© 2009 World Vision Inc.
- Fraud Alert
- Our Mission
- Trustworthy
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
Accredited Charity
Charity Navigator Your Guide To Intelligent Giving
- Careers
- FAQs