Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PRACTICALITIES
»
Connect to the reliable electricity supply (220V to 240V, 50 cycles) with a UK-type three-square-pin plug.
»
Read English-language newspapers the
New Straits Times,
the
Star
and the
Malay Mail
.
»
Listen to Traxx FM (
www.traxxfm.net
;
90.3 FM), HITZ FM (
www.hitz.fm
;
92.9 FM) and MIX FM
(
www.mix.fm
; 94.5 FM) for pop music and BFM (
www.bfm.my
; 89.9FM) and Fly FM (
www.flyfm.com.my
;
95.8 FM) for news.
»
Watch the two government TV channels, TV1 and TV2, and four commercial stations, TV3, NTV7, 8TV
and TV9, as well as a host of satellite channels.
»
Use the metric system for weights and measures.
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and the level of tolerance for homosexuality is vastly different from its
neighbours. Sex between men is illegal at any age and
syariah
Islamic laws (which apply only to Muslims) forbid sod-
omy and cross-dressing. Fortunately, outright persecution of gays and lesbians is rare.
Nonetheless, gay and lesbian travellers should avoid behaviour that attracts unwanted attention. Malaysians are quite
conservative about displays of public affection. Although same-sex handholding is quite common for men and women,
this is rarely an indication of sexuality; an overtly gay couple doing the same would attract attention, though there is
little risk of vocal or aggressive homophobia.
There's actually a fairly active gay scene in KL. The lesbian scene is more discreet, but it exists for those willing to
seek it out. Start looking for information on
www.utopia-asia.com
or
www.fridae.com
, both of which provide good cov-
erage of gay and lesbian events and activities across Asia.
The
PT Foundation
(
www.ptfmalaysia.org
) is a voluntary nonprofit organisation providing education on HIV/AIDS
and sexuality, and care and support programs for marginalised communities in Malaysia.
Health
Before You Go
»
Take out health insurance.
