CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) which is divided into 100 sen. Currency notes are in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50, and RM100. Coins are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen pieces. Licensed foreign money changers are found in all urban centres, key entry/exit points and shopping complexes.

Travellers cheques can be exchanged for Malaysian Ringgit at commercial banks, hotels or at authorised money changers. All major hotels are only licensed to buy, but not sell, foreign currencies in the form of notes and travellers cheques. Credit cards including American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club are accepted at most hotels, shopping centres and major restaurants.

BUSINESS HOURS
In 10 states, the government's business hours begin at 8 am, with a one-hour lunch break at 12.45 pm before continuing at 2 pm until 4.15 pm from Mondays to Thursdays. On Fridays, the afternoon break is from 12.15 pm until 2.45 pm. This is to allow Muslim workers time to perform the afternoon Friday prayer. On Saturdays, office hours end at 12.45 pm.

States like Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan practice different official hours. They begin a full working day every Saturday to Wednesday from 8 am to 4 pm (lunch break as usual). Thursday is the half-working day which ends at 12.45 pm. Friday is the weekend holiday. Private sector hours are generally from 9 am to 5 pm and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

BANKING HOURS
Banking hours are normally from 10 am to 4.30 pm on weekdays. Saturdays are a half-day where they begin from 9.30 am to 11 am. But every first and third Saturday of the month is an official day off for them. There may be slight variations among individual banks or financial institutions.

ECONOMY
Due to the regional economic meltdown, 1997 and 1998 saw Malaysia's economy slipping off her past trend of 8% GDP growth for eight consecutive years. With a forecasted growth rate of 4% for 2000, Malaysia is making a journey toward a rebound with new economic measures.

The petroleum industry still tops the list in terms of contribution to GDP. In line with the government's emphasis on technology-intensive industries, the export-oriented manufacturing sector has been given strong emphasis, resulting in the setting up of many industrial estates. A big contributor to this sector is the country's national car which is marketed under the name Proton. Besides the domestic market, Proton cars have penetrated many foreign markets amidst fierce competition from giant car-makers worldwide.

Although industrialisation has taken a bigger role, agriculture is still important with palm oil, rubber, rubber wood, pepper and cocoa beans being major exports. Another big income contributor is the tourism industry which comes close after the manufacturing sector.

( Source : http://mm2h.com )