Malaysia: A Country Profile

'Selamat Datang' is the traditional Malaysian greeting that welcomes visitors to this vibrant and exotic country. Malaysia is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other people live together in peace and harmony.  Foreign visitors are welcomed with warm hospitality.  Malaysia is also a land of fascinating extremes, where towering skyscrapers look down upon indigenous longhouses. Ethnically diverse cultures share the same lush landscape and create a fusion of cultural styles, cooking and religions that is distinctly Malaysian. Festivals throughout the year mark the Malay, Chinese and Indian holidays, as well as those of the indigenous Orang Asli, and the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak.

Although Malay is the official language of Malaysia, English and Chinese are widely spoken.  Malaysia’s many ethnic groups speak a variety of languages and dialects.  Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, but freedom of worship is rigorously upheld by the country’s constitution.

"Malaysia offers an amazing experience to the international traveler and exchange participant - a friendly and welcoming adventure amidst a unique mix of cultures, languages, and religions that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world."

Heather Harker, Echoing Green fellow in Malaysia who is Deaf

• Disability Legislation

Although there is no one specific piece of legislation for people with disabilities in Malaysia, there are protections for people with disabilities in several pieces of legislative acts involving the rights of the disabled. Constitutionally, a disabled person may claim his/her rights under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution that guarantees equality to all persons unless conditions expressly authorized by the Constitution.

• Accessibility

Laws and regulations are in place in Malaysia to ensure the accessibility of public buildings, the outdoor environment and housing. The following measures have been promoted by the government to facilitate accessibility in the built environment: designating parking areas, installing lifts and accessible toilets, improving accessibility in housing, and providing adapted motor vehicles.

• Sign Language Resources and Alternative Formats

Sign language for Deaf people has no officially recognized status in Malaysia.  However, government measures are in place to encourage media to make their information services accessible to persons with disabilities.  In addition, sign language interpreters are available to persons who are Deaf, and information is available in Braille and on cassette tape for people with visual impairments.

• Disability Organizations

There is a national umbrella organization of people with disabilities in Malaysia consisting of organizations of the blind and physically disabled.  People with disabilities participate to a limited extent in government but to a greater extent in non-governmental organizations. The role of organizations of people with disabilities is to advocate for rights and improved services, mobilize persons with disabilities, identify needs and priorities, contribute to public awareness, provide services, and promote and organize income-generating activities.

For a list of disability organizations in Malaysia that may offer referral to local disability-related resources, assistance locating sign language interpreters and orientation guides, and more, please visit the NCDE Muslim World Initiative website.

• International Exchange Programs to Malaysia

AFS Intercultural Programs offers an exchange program for high school students in Malaysia.  Students can participate in summer, semester or academic year programs with cultural, study, homestay and community service options. Thanks to the diverse structure of Malaysian society, host families may belong to any one of the main ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese or Indian. Customs, values and manners might be very different from those U.S. students are accustomed to. A modest and humble attitude will help in communication and adapting to your new environment. AFS has extensive experience accommodating participants with a range of disabilities, and welcomes applicants with disabilities.

AFS-USA
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New York, NY 10016 USA
Tel: (800) 237-4636
E-mail: afsinfo@afs.org
Web: www.afs.org