한-BIMP-EAGA 협력포털

The National Front (Barisan Nasional, BN) had been the ruling party since Malaysia gained independence in 1957. However, after the Alliance of Hope (Pakatan Harapan, PH) led by Prime Minister Mahathir won the general election on May 9, 2018, a democratic transfer of power was achieved for the first time in 61 years.

After the resignation of Prime Minister Mahathir on February 24, 2020, the leader of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, PPBM), Muhyiddin Yassin, was sworn in as the 8th Prime Minister on March 1, 2020.

On August 21, 2021, following the resignation of PM Yassin(August 16), Ismail Sabri, former deputy president of the United Malays National Organization(UMNO), took office as the 9th prime minister.

Malaysia’s economy relies heavily on the production and export of crude oil and natural resources, such as natural gas, palm oil, tin, and natural rubber.

Since the early 1980s, Malaysia has been attracting foreign investment, particularly in its electrical, electronic, automobile, petrochemical, and steel industries, through its Look East Policy.

Malaysia has laid the foundation for the growth of its manufacturing industry by implementing various promotion and attraction policies.

It is striving to foster technology-intensive industries, such as info-tech and bio-tech industries, as well as the services industry such as Islam finance and tourism based on halal lifestyle.

The government of Malaysia drew up a medium to long-term development strategy titled “Shared Prosperity Vision 2030” with a view to ensuring a decent standard of living to all Malaysians by 2030.

It aims to achieve sustainable growth along with fair and equitable distribution across income groups, ethnicities, regions, and the supply chain.

It pursues political stability, national prosperity, and national integration by respecting racial and cultural diversity.

$ 26.7 billion (estimated by the Korea International Trade Association, 2022)

Exports : $ 11.5 billion

Imports : $ 15.3 billion

Malaysia is a multiracial nation made up of various ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people.

As a multiracial and multi-religious society, Malaysia attaches great importance to national integration and social stability. It endeavors to achieve continuous growth of the nation, while maintaining harmony and balance between different ethnic groups.

Due to its ethnic diversity, Malaysia has many different languages, cultures, religions, and customs.

Any action or behavior in violation of Islamic rules is prohibited.

Since the left hand is regarded as “unclean," the right hand should always be used when giving or receiving objects.

Generally, Muslim women do not shake hands with men. Shaking hands with women is only allowed when they offer their hand first for a handshake.

When pointing at a person, use the thumb with the rest of the fingers folded in.

Before entering a temple or someone’s home, take off your shoes.