Malaysia Country & Its People

Malaysia is a tranquil country offering glimpses of a traditional lifestyle coming of age with modern society. The rainforests of Malaysia are the oldest in the world, remaining undisturbed by glacial shifts for more than 130 million years. As a result, Malaysia is home to a wide variety of unique species of flora and fauna that have evolved in relative isolation from cross pollination and breeding. Many secrets waiting to be discovered lie deep with the jungles of Malaysia, both on the peninsula and the island of Borneo. Guided nature walks reveal the amazing Rafflesia, a scavenging flowerhead that often measures 3 feet in diameter; the carnivorous pitcher plant with its jaws open in anticipation; and the tallest of tropical trees that make for an exceptionally high jungle canopy. An increasing number of nature reserves and wildlife parks in Malaysia has increased the survival chances of many rare and endangered animals including the tiny mousedeer, flying squirrels and the scaly anteater (pangolin).

The urban centers of Malaysia are strikingly different from one another as a result of the prevailing feudal system of sultan control and the specific influences of traders and subsequent immigrants. The capital of Kuala Lumpur grew into a modern day metropolis during the tin mining boom and has subsequently managed to remain the center of political control. Regardless of how modern the cities become, they are still home to vibrant uninhibited festivals, crowded markets and bazaars, and restaurants that open directly onto the streets.

The origins of the Malay peoples is still not fully understood by historians: the remains of homo sapiens on Borneo date back to 35,000 BC. On the Malaysian Peninsula, there is evidence of Mesolithic peoples from 10,000 BC living as hunters and gathers in the lowland jungles and caves of the highlands. Successive migrations of proto-Malay peoples came first from southwest China and what is now the Golden Triangle region. Later migrations from India and the Arabic lands further integrated the distinct ethnic groups of the emerging Malay population, which was more often than not under the rule of the stronger distant kingdoms of Southeast Asia including the Funan in Cambodia and the Javanese kingdom of Majapahit.

Malaysia's earliest settlers were subsistence farmers and fishermen. Society and the control of land evolved into a traditional feudal system governed by sultans (kings). The village, or kampong, evolved as peaceful enclaves advancing horticultural techniques and increasing rice production with the introduction of double cropping. Today, Malaysia is practically self-sufficient in providing basic foodcrops for her people. With the recent introduction of rubber trees from Brazil, much of the arable land has been converted to a plantation economy which supplies almost 50% of the rubber to the world's markets.

Beginning as early as 300 BC, merchants and traders came from India in search of gold, camphor and cloves; and from China with silk and porcelain in search of the Spice Islands. As a result of its crosswinds location, seafaring traders and travelers frequently stopped along the Malaysian coast to trade and wait for a change in winds. The seaports of Malaysia became increasingly popular linking India to China as a seafaring alternative to the Silk Route and then the advent of the Spice Trade attracting merchants from all over the world. The port of Malacca emerged as a great center for languages (with over 80 being used to conduct business) and perhaps the richest seaport of the world in the 1500's.

The coming of Islam at the end of the 13th century has shaped this modern secular nation more than any other influence. Later attempts at colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch and English failed to take a firm hold on the Malay people. Recent history reveals the significance of the short-lived White Rajahs-the British control and influence in north Borneo that survived as a result of world demand for tin. In 1896, the first federation of Malay states was unified and power was centralized in Kuala Lumpur. British control faded by World War I and the Japanese occupation of World War II was brutal yet short. Although the British attempted to reassert their dominion after the war, Malaysia's coming to nationhood was already in progress and formally instituted in 1963.

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