6) SOCIAL AMENITIES

a. EDUCATION

(a) Overview

(b) National Education Policy

(c) Schools

(d) Universities

(e) Academic Programmes

b. HEALTH CARE

(a) Hospitals

(b) Associations

(c) Schemes

c. SPORTS

(a) Traditional

(b) Sports and Games

(c) Associations

(d) Stadiums

(e) Commonwealth Games

(f) Formula One Racing

(g) Le Tour de Langkawi

d. HOUSING

e. MEDIA

(a) Print

(b) Electronic

f. SERVICE ORGANISATIONS

(a) Youth Organisation

(b) The Cooperative Movement

(c) Public Welfare Services

(d) Social Service Organisations

(e) Other Organisations

g. LIBRARY AND ARCHIEVES

(a) National Library

(b) National Archives

a. EDUCATION

(a) Overview

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Building a whole new generation of Malaysians. Responsible future citizens with high moral and ethical values.

Malaysia accords high priority to education in order to provide a sufficient pool of well-educated, highly-skilled and strongly motivated labour force dedicated towards the task of nation-building. At the same time, the education system strives to produce responsible citizens with high moral and ethical values.

Historically, the country has an ancient tradition pertaining to education, albeit most of it non-formal. In the old days, education served as the glue that held the social fabric together. The rulers brought well-known teachers into the palace to teach the young princes. Religious figures had their own mosques where they taught the tenets of Islam to all interested individuals in their respective communities. There were also centres where Malay martial arts, or silat, was taught to aspiring young warriors, both male and female.

Education, then, was orientated towards understanding and upholding the accepted traditions, culture and values of the time. Children picked up skills such as husbandry, fishing, carpentry, and trapping animals from their elders in order to earn a living for themselves and their families.

After their conquest of Melaka in 1511, the Portuguese tried to preach Roman Catholic doctrines to the local population. When the Dutch ousted the Portuguese in 1641, they strived to make the Dutch Reform Church the strongest power in the land. The English, in turn, opened religious and non-sectarian schools in their new dominions.

A good account of education during that period was given by Munshi Abdullah in his book, Hikayat Abdullah (the Abdullah Story). Munshi Abdullah (1797-1854) came from a family of educators. When he was 7 years of age, he was officially enrolled in the school run by his grandparents in Melaka. By the age of 14, he was equally fluent in classical Arabic and Malay.

The following list provides the names of the earliest public schools established by the British administrators according to chronological order:

• Penang Free School established in 1816
• Penang Anglo-Chinese School (1821)
• Melaka High School (1826)
• St. Xavier's Institution in Penang (1829)
• Raffles Institution in Singapore (1863)
• Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur (1893)
• Bukit Bintang Girls' School, Kuala Lumpur (1893)
• Methodist Boys' School, Kuala Lumpur (1897)
• St. John's Institution, Kuala Lumpur (1904)
• King Edward VII School in Taiping, Perak (1905), and
• Malay College Kuala Kangsar, or MCKK Perak (1905).

Initially, the MCKK was reserved only for children of the Malay aristocracy who were trained by the British to hold administrative and clerical posts in the Public Services Division. The curriculum revolved around English Language and Literature, European History, Health Science and Mathematics. Subjects such as national history and culture were barely touched upon.

The first Malay-medium school was opened in 1871, where Malay was used as the medium of instruction. There were two sessions: the morning session where Malay language and other secular subjects were taught; and the afternoon session which focused entirely on Quranic and Islamic studies.

Apart from the Malay-medium schools, they also established similar Chinese and Tamil-medium schools to cater for the growing multi-ethnic population. The pupils were given only four years of instruction during which they were taught how to read, write, count and measure; and some elements of geography about the world and Southeast Asia.

By the 1920s, there were a significant number of educated Malayans, many women among them. To overcome the shortage of teachers in the Malay schools, the Sultan Idris Teachers' Training College was opened in Tanjung Malim, Perak, to replace the earlier ones in Melaka and Taiping.

Today, after more than four decades of self-government and national sovereignty, the Ministry of Education strives to provide a fully comprehensive education system in Malaysia, supervising all aspects of education from primary to university level. A big chunk of the national budget is allocated to education.

(b) National Education Policy

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The main objective of the National Education Policy is to create a united and disciplined plural society.

Before Malaysia achieved her Independence from Britain on 31 August 1957, the education system in the country comprised an assortment of curriculum and approaches. Children from the various ethnic groups went to different types of schools which adopted contrasting standards and syllabi, and used different languages as medium of instruction.

In those days, there were little ‘hut’ schools in the rural areas providing Islamic religious instruction for Malay children, and similar set-ups in the rubber plantations offering a Tamil-based education for children of the migrant workers. Meanwhile, the British administrators opened missionary as well as secular English-medium schools in the urban areas, where one would also find Mandarin-medium schools mainly to cater for children of nearby Chinese mining communities.

During the last few years leading up to Independence, several surveys were conducted to gather information on the prevailing school system with the objective of formulating a standardised education system to promote national integration and unity. The outcome of this effort was the Razak Statement (Penyata Razak) in 1956. This heralded the Education Act of 1961, which was reviewed in 1974 to become the National Education Policy.

The main objective of the National Education Policy is to create a united and disciplined plural society as well as to meet the skilled manpower requirements for national development. It is designed to develop the optimum potential of every pupil, right from day one of his/her school-going life.

Several strategies have been drawn up to achieve the objectives of the policy, among them:-

1. To use the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) as the national language and the main medium of instruction in schools.
2. To introduce a standard Malaysian-oriented curriculum in all schools.
3. To make Bahasa Melayu and English as compulsory subjects, while permitting the study of other vernacular languages such as Mandarin and Tamil.
4. To formulate a standardised examination system.
5. To streamline the mode of educational management.
6. To upgrade the standard of education and to provide a well-balanced education system.
7. To provide nine years of basic education opportunities for all.
8. To provide equal educational opportunities to children from lower income families and those residing in rural areas.
9. To provide basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic at primary school level.
10. To expand the opportunities for vocational and technical education.
11. To diversify and enhance educational facilities at tertiary level.
12. To instill moral, religious and spiritual values into the education system.
13. To encourage co-curricular activities, such as police cadets, cadet soldiers, boy scouts and girl guides in order to instill discipline among pupils.
14. To increase the number of teachers at all levels, and build more schools and educational institutions.

(c) Schools

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Children in rural areas and from low income families are assured of educational opportunities.

In Malaysia, children start attending pre-school education at the age of five. In 1998, the statistics indicate an enrollment of 281,937 at various pre-school centres nationwide. However, compulsory education starts at the age of seven, and is free. In 1998, there were a total number of 2.89 million pupils in primary schools throughout the country. This figure is expected to touch 2.94 million bythe end of year 2000.To cater for this anticipated increase, the Government will build 6,685 new classrooms.

Generally, the Malaysian education system is geared towards fostering national unity and catering to manpower requirements. Recently, a new subject has been introduced in the form of Islamic religious studies for Muslim children, and moral education for non-Muslims.

 

Student enrollment at first degree level in public institutions has surpassed the 150,000 mark.

After six years of primary education, the pupils sit for the Primary School Evaluation Test, known locally as Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah or UPSR. Regardless of their performance, all are promoted to Form I of the Lower Secondary school. Some of the brighter ones are sent to boarding schools.

At the lower secondary level, they follow a comprehensive education course for three years. In addition to the academic subjects, they can choose to study one of the following subjects: Commercial Studies, Home Science, Agricultural Science or Industrial Arts. In Form III, the pupils sit for the Lower Secondary Assessment examination, or the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR).

After the results are announced, selection begins for Upper Secondary education: the very smart pupils are sent to Residential Schools; the ordinary ones continue in Form IV at the day schools; while the average pupils are channeled to Technical and Vocational schools, where they are taught specific skills. The number of pupils attending government and government-aided schools in 1998 was 1.74 million, and is expected to increase to 1.86 million by the end of year 2000.

After two years, they all sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. This is a very important career-determining juncture in their lives. Those who pass join matriculation classes in local or foreign universities; while some opt to continue in Form VI to obtain the Sijil Pelajaran Tinggi Malaysia (STPM), which is equivalent to the British "A" Level. The majority who do not get through the SPM join the workforce, or pursue further professional courses.

Apart from the public primary and secondary schools, there are a significant number of private institutions that offer a parallel curriculum. Some utilise Mandarin as the medium of instruction while others offer Islamic religious education as a core subject.

There are over 30 international schools registered with the Ministry of Education that cater to the needs of expatriate children and other foreigners. These schools are located in the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, and in almost all the other states in Malaysia. They include American and British-style international schools as well as French, German, Japanese and Taiwanese schools, with facilities ranging from pre-school up to a full-fledged college education.

(d) Universities

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Convocation Day at the National University of Malaysia (UKM).

In view of Malaysia’s rapid industrialisation, the capacity of local tertiary education has been expanded to meet the increases in demand for an educated and skilled workforce, as well as to promote education as an export industry. In 1998, student enrollment at the first degree level in public institutions stood at 136,689 students. This figure is expected to increase to 173,324 by end 2000.

The oldest university in Malaysia is theUniversity of Malaya. First established in Singapore in 1949, it was subsequently moved to Kuala Lumpur in 1962. Its philosophy is to strive towards producing graduates of the highest calibre.

The Medical Faculty of the National University of Malaysia (UKM).

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, or the National University of Malaysia, was established in 1970. It is the first university to use Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (formerly known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia or the University of Agriculture) was founded in 1974 as a merger between the Malayan College of Agriculture and the Faculty of Agriculture in Universiti Malaya. It is situated on plush agricultural land in Serdang, Selangor, off the Kuala Lumpur-Serdang Highway.

University Sains Malaysia, or the Science University, was established in 1969. Apart from the main campus in Penang, USM has two other campuses: the Medical School and University Hospital in Kelantan; and the Fire Engineering School in Perak.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, or the University of Technology, was established in 1972. Its main campus is in Skudai, Johor Bahru. However, the original campus in Kuala Lumpur is still in use.

Universti Utara Malaysia, or the Northern University, was established in 1984. Situated in Sintok, near the Malaysia-Thai border, the campus is one of the most beautiful in the region. Devoted to the development of Management Education, the UUM acts as the catalyst for the growth of the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) was established in 1983 to cater for local and foreign students It is the result of a treaty signed between the Government of Malaysia the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The courses offered are conducted in both English and Arabic.

The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) was founded in 1992. It is the first fully-fledged university to be set up in East Malaysia.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah is one of the youngest universities in Malaysia. It is temporarily located in Menggatal and Likas while its permanent campus is being developed in Teluk Sepangor, Kota Kinabalu.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (formerly known as Institute Teknologi MARA or MARA Institute of Technology) has a long history. It took off in 1956 with an initial intake of 25 students. Its main aim is to provide education and training in trade and industry to young Bumiputeras from rural areas.

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (formerly known as the Sultan Idris Teacher Training College) has an even longer history, hailing from pre-Independence days. Its current maiden intake numbers 685 undergraduate students.

The Multimedia University was established in 1998 with its first intake of 1,300 students. Aiming to be a world leader in the promotion, acquisition, generation and application of knowledge in areas related to IT and multimedia, the university caters to the skill requirements of companies located within the Multimedia Super Corridor.

To promote Malaysia as an educational hub in the Asia-Pacific region, the Government encourages the private sector to focus their efforts on the provision of science and technology-related courses. The implementation of the Private Higher Educational Institution Act, 1996, enables the private sector to establish degree-granting institutions. It also enables foreign universities to set up branch campuses in the country.

In addition to three private institutions offering degree-level courses - namely Petronas,Universiti Tenaga Nasional and Telekom Malaysia Berhad, 10 other private institutions have been given approval to conduct and confer foreign degrees locally through the full twinning programme. Franchising arrangements between public and private institutions of higher learning are also picking up momentum, while public universities are expanding their distance learning programmes.

With the expected increase in the number of private sector institutions offering tertiary education, a National Accreditation Board has been established to provide guidelines and standards for quality control.

(e) Academic Programmes

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Smart schools to meet the requirements of the Information Age.

To be eligible for entry into an institution of higher learning in Malaysia, the candidate must have at least 11 years, preferably 13, of general education. This would allow him/her to comprehend the more specific subject matter contained in academic programmes offered at university level.

Those who have successfully completed the 13 years and hold the Sijil Pelajaran Tinggi Malaysia (STPM), which is equivalent to the British ‘A’ Level, stand a strong chance to pursue further studies in local government universities. Those who wish to enter a university after successfully completing 11 years of general education and possess the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, equivalent to the ‘O’ level, can join matriculation classes in local or foreign universities.

The tertiary institutions in Malaysia offer a variety of academic programmes up to the doctorate level. The public colleges and polytechnics, too, offer courses leading to diploma, degree and post-graduate qualifications.

Traditionally, students who wish to pursue core courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Economics and Literature flock to the Universiti Malaya. The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(UKM) appeals to those who wish to pursue similar studies in the Malay language. Apart from teaching subjects related to agricultural science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) also offers degrees in Education and Engineering.

Favourite courses at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)are Accountancy, Management, Information Technology and Computer Science; while the (UTM) caters for all the subjects related to Engineering and the Physical Sciences plus specially-tailored courses in Multimedia programming. The Science University (USM) offers a host of programmes related to the Sciences.

The Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM)specialises in Islamic Jurisprudence, Quranic studies, and Arabic language and Civilisation. The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak(UNIMAS) offers Information Technology, Engineering, Economics, and Medicine; while Sabah University focuses on Business Management and the Social Sciences. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) is popular for its Mass Communications, Hotel Catering and Interior Design courses.

The private colleges, too, host a wide range of courses and programmes which are in tandem with national aspirations and help to stem the outflow of foreign exchange. To overcome the limited number of places in medical school, the private sector has established two medical colleges.

b. HEALTH CARE

(a) Hospitals

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A doctor treating her infant patient

At the turn of the 20th century, many hospitals were built in Malaysia. By 1895, there were 15 hospitals in Perak, 14 in Selangor, three in Negeri Sembilan, and two in Pahang. The Kuala Lumpur General Hospital was enlarged, and in the smaller towns medical centres were established. Some wealthy Chinese businessmen built private hospitals; while in East Malaysia, Christian missionaries played a role in opening medical facilities.

In those days, malaria, beriberi, tuberculosis and smallpox were killer diseases. In the Larut tinfields of Perak, more than 3000 beriberi deaths were reported in one year. Beriberi is caused by lack of Vitamin B in a diet.

In the rubber estates, thousands of Indian workers succumbed to malaria before the anopheles mosquito was identified as the culprit. Steps were taken to destroy the breeding grounds of mosquitoes, and quinine was discovered to be an effective remedy. Today, all these diseases are under control and precautions are constantly taken to avoid a recurrence of epidemics.

There is a good network of hospitals and clinics in Malaysia, right down to district-level, to implement the activities of the public health programmes. The main objective of this well-laid infrastructure is to promote and maintain the health and well-being of the entire community. Review and evaluation of programmes, such as primary care and family development, are consistently updated.

The Discharge Counter at the UKM University Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

Environmental health is given top priority to provide high standards of sanitation and regulate food quality control for the benefit of the public. Serious steps are taken to eradicate or alleviate contagious diseases and to provide the public with information on protection against infection. Government dental clinics are found in both urban and rural areas to improve and maintain healthy oral hygiene at all levels of society.

By 1995, there were a total of 115 government hospitals with 23,956 beds, 1,991 rural clinics and 592 health centres.

During the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996 - 2000), curative health services are being expanded to meet the growing demand for comprehensive impatient and outpatients services. This is supported by the construction of 16 new hospitals in new townships and urban areas. In addition, the Government is upgrading and rehabilitating 11 hospitals in state capitals and districts as well as providing specialist services in selected hospitals in the districts.

To further support these services, high technology medical equipment such the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerised Tomography (CT Scan) are being made available along with well-trained health personnel.

General outpatient services are dispersed and the scope widened to provide improved services. This is implemented through the decentralization of outpatient services in hospitals which are re-located closer to the community In this regard, 13 health clinics and 45 polyclinics are being built. More outpatient services are provided by these health clinics which are equipped with radiology and laboratory services, thus providing comprehensive primary health care.

The Plan also witnessed the establishment of 37 health centres and 86 rural clinics. A total of 49 rural health centres will be upgraded with diagnostic facilities and trained manpower. They will also continue to provide a comprehensive range of services including maternal services for rural women. More mobile dispensaries are underway to extend services to under-served parts of the country in order to improve equity and accessibility.

The private sector, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) complement the government’s effort in providing a comprehensive range of health care services for all income groups. To date, there are more than 200 private hospitals in the country.

(b) Associations

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Rural health centres are being continuosly upgraded with diagnostic facilties and trained personnel. Rural healthcare is given priority by the Malaysian government.

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), formed in 1959, is the official representative for the medical profession in Malaysia. It is governed by a Council headed by a President. This Council comprises:

1. Elected National Office Bearers
2. Chairman of the national Government doctors' association (SCHOMOS)
3. Chairman of the national private practitioners fraternity (PPS), and
4. MMA branch representatives from the 13 states.

Presently, MMA representatives sit on the boards and committees of more than 44 government and private sector organisations. The objectives of the MMA are as follows:

• To promote and maintain the honour and interest of the profession of medicine in all its branches and in every one of its segments and help to sustain the professional standards of medical ethics.
• To serve as the vehicle of the integrated voice of the whole profession and all or each of its segments both in relation to its own special problems and in relation to educating and directing public opinion on the problems of public health as affecting the community at large.
• To participate in the conduct of medical education, as may be appropriate, and
• To promote social, cultural and charitable activities in building a united Malaysian nation.

The association publishes a monthly in-house newsletter called 'Berita MMA', the quarterly "Medical Journal of Malaysia', and the annual Public Health Bulletin.
The journal was originally published in 1890 as the 'Journal of the Straits Medical Association'. With the formation of the MMA, it became the official organ of the association. It is a scientific journal found in many medical libraries around the world, and is also listed in the prestigious Index Medicus, the internationally accepted reference index of medical journals.

Berita MMA was born in 1969, and by 1974 had become a monthly publication and an income earner. It carries reports on the association's activities, focussing on the Council. The bulletin, published by the association's Public Health Society, features current developments on health in Malaysia.
The MMA Foundation, established in 1976, raises funds from members and other sources to provide monetary aid for needy medical students, medical research, post-graduate medical studies and for charity

The Malaysian AIDS Council is an umbrella organisation whose affiliates are 22 AIDS-specific NGOs and non-AIDS-specific NGOs that have incorporated the HIV/AIDS agenda into their existing project structures. The role of the Council is to implement, coordinate and monitor programme and activities related to HIV/AIDs. The Council’s members are involved in educational, preventive and care activities that concurrently complement, supplement and support the Government’s efforts, which are coordinated by the Ministry of Health.

The Malaysian AIDS Foundation was formed to secure funds for the Malaysian AIDS Council’s vital work. It is administered by a Board of Trustees, which includes prominent members of the community.

(c) Schemes

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High technology medical equipment along with well-trained health personnel are common feature at most urban hospitals.

The health sector is an integral part of Malaysia's socio-economic development. Under the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000), health services are further expanded and improved to help the people achieve a higher standard of well-being and a better quality of life.

As the lead agency, the Ministry of Health continues to nurture and develop a national healthcare network which ensures universal access to a comprehensive package of public sector services, which are largely provided free to those who cannot afford. In 1996, the thematic health lifestyle programme focused on the prevention of diabetes; in 1997, on healthy diets and nutrition; in 1998, on exercise and fitness; in 1999, safety at home, the work place and on the road; and in 2000, promotion of a healthy family life.

The overall health education and awareness programmes will continue to focus on diseases such as cardiovascular, AIDS, cancer and stress-related illnesses. The immunization programme will be further expanded to cover all children in order to prevent and reduce incidences of diseases such as tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, pertussis, tetanus and measles. In addition, vaccination for the prevention of Hepatitis B will be continued.

The programme on the control of communicable diseases will give priority to reduce incidences of tuberculosis, malaria and dengue as well as to contain the spread of AIDS. The construction of the National Blood Services Centre was undertaken recently. The implementation of the Action Plan on Nutrition include standards for preparation of food quality and safety, nutritional surveillance and dietary guidelines as well as food and nutritional labeling for the providers and sellers of food.

In this regard, programmes and projects which assist individuals and communities to achieve and maintain better health status are implemented. Information on healthy lifestyles and the maintenance of healthy behaviour is disseminated through the mass media and health education in schools. In its efforts to improve equity of distribution and access to the health services for the population, particularly in the rural areas, the Ministry puts into action its Public Health Programme, which cover the following activities:

• Primary Care and Family Development which aims at promoting and maintaining the health of women, infants and children up to school leaving age, adolescents and young people as well as elderly members in the family.
• Environmental Health and Food Quality Control which covers Environmental Sanitation and ensures the effective enforcement of the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance 1952, the Food Act 1993 and Food Regulations 1985.
• Communicable Diseases Control which covers Malaria Eradication, Vector Control, Tuberculosis Control and control of other communicable diseases.

The Ministry's Medical Care Services Programme consist of five main activities:

• Inpatient Care, which is to provide quality inpatient care to patients requiring institutional and ambulatory care through an appropriate, efficient, effective and accessible diagnostic, curative, rehabilitative and promotive services. The Inpatient Care is implemented through a network of state hospitals, district hospitals and mental institutions throughout the country and Hospital Kuala Lumpur (National Referral Centre). Supportive services like Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology are available in all hospitals but their sophistication varies with the type of hospital. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy services are available in all state hospitals and a few hospitals with specialists. Most hospitals provide their own catering and laundry services.
• Outpatient Care which is to provide accessible, efficient and effective diagnostic, curative, promotive and rehabilitative services so as to facilitate early and maximum recovery from illness. Outpatient services are provided at Accident and Emergency Departments, General Outpatient Clinics and Specialist Outpatient Clinics in hospitals, and also at urban polyclinics, health centres, rural clinics and mobile dispensaries. A 'Flying Doctor Service' serves inaccessible remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak. Pathology, Diagnostic Imaging Services, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services are provided where indicated. Minor surgery are done at outpatient level. An easily accessible referral system exists - i.e. from health centres to hospitals with different levels of care.
• Pathology services are available in all hospitals. The smaller hospitals provide basic clinical and biochemical tests. The larger hospitals provide a wider range of test including microbiology, serology, and drug detection. Transfusion services are also available in all hospitals. The National Blood Transfusion Service in Hospital Kuala Lumpur coordinates blood transfusion services throughout the country.
• Diagnostic Imaging Service are and available in all hospitals. In state hospitals the services are managed by Radiologists while in smaller hospitals the Senior Radiographer head the departments. Only plain X-rays are available in smaller hospitals while the larger ones provide, in addition, specialised services like contrast media X-rays. Even more specialised services like angiography, tomography and flouroscopy are available in state hospitals. In addition. Ultrasound diagnostic facilities are available in all hospitals and some hospitals with specialists. Computerised tomography is available in most state hospitals while Magnetic Resonance Imaging is available in Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
• The quality Assurance Programme was launched in 1985 to ensure that the patient, family and the community obtained the optimum achievable benefit from the services of the Ministry of Health within the available resources. In the Quality Assurance Programme, the National Indicator Approach (NIA) and the Hospital Specific Approach (HAS) have been adopted as strategies to improve quality. The NIA looks at specific areas or problems common to all hospitals. Under the HAS, the hospitals concerned identify possible areas of shortfall in quality specific to their hospitals.

The Ministry's Dental Services Programme is to improve and maintain dental health status of the people by providing quality promotive, preventive, curative and restorative dental services. The services promote dental health through dental health education, prevention of tooth decay through water fluoridation, and provide curative and restorative dental services through an extensive network of dental infrastucture both in urban and rural areas.

c. SPORTS

(a) Traditional

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Look out! There’s one coming from behind armed with a stick”

Malaysia has a vast range of popular traditional sports and games. Even though these are generally identified with particular ethnic groups in the country, many have now been completely adopted by all Malaysians. Almost all of these traditional pursuits and pastimes are symbolically representative of the buoyancy, energy, vitality and vigour of the age-old Malay culture. Among the more important and enduring traditional sports and games are bird singing, congkak, kite-flying, self-defence arts, top-spinning and sepak takraw.

Bird singing contests are held at district and national levels every year. There are about 18 bird clubs in the country. Members train singing birds, especially ‘merbuk’ and ‘terkukur’ to enter these contests. At national level, two challenge cups are available, namely the Merbuk Malaysia Merdeka Cup presented by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad; and the Tekukur Malaysia Cup presented by Tan Sri Dato’ Mohammed Zahir Bin Hj. Ismail.

Traditionally confined to the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia, bird singing contests today have gained nationwide popularity. Over time, more and more non-Malays are showing interest in this traditional pastime that also serves as an effective instrument for social integration. With greater demand, the value of singing birds have escalated sometimes touching RM50,000 for one bird.

Flying a moon kite require an extra hand.

Kite-flying in Malaysia is no child’s play. It is the serious business of adults and elevated to the level of a performing art before an enthusiastic audience. The origins of the ‘wau bulan (moon kite)’ can be traced to the classical days of the Melaka Sultanate, and thereafter it used to be a traditional pastime in the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu. Nowadays kite-flying has more or less become a nationwide phenomenon. Competitions are often held, with whole villages turning out to support their local champion.

Kite-flying is critically judged with reference to certain technical parameters like level and stability of flight, handling skill and design. In the making of kites, principles of aerodynamics and aesthetics are applied with due care and caution to produce either small and light kites or heavily decorated giant kites made of bamboo and paper. Often a bow-shaped tail is attached to produce a high-pitched humming sound.
Today, the ‘wau bulan’ flies higher and further as Malaysia Airlines has chosen it as their corporate logo. Apart from the ‘wau bulan’, there are six or seven other distinctive types of kites. Malaysian teams have participated in several international kite-flying competitions.

In farming communities, top-spinning contests are generally held after the rice harvest and the champion spinner is declared as the village hero. This form of top-spinning is no simple feat as the top is about the size of a dinner plate and may sometimes weigh over 5 kilos.. The heavy tops made in Kelantan are worthy of mention in this context. Handling them is an art requiring pliable dexterity, skill and strength. Once the top is launched, it is scooped up with a thin wooden bat and transferred on to a steel plate fixed on a wooden post. An expert can make a top spin for hours, an epitome of perfect balance, skill and craftsmanship.

Sepak Takraw, now an international games, traces its history back to the Melaka Sultanate. It made its debut in the SEA Games in 1965 and the Asian Games in 1982. The Malaysian sepak takraw team won a gold medal in the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing.

As for the arts of self defence, each of the ethnic communities in Malaysia practise different forms of martial arts handed down over the generations. Nevertheless, all require arduous and tough training for several years to inculcate the flexibility and dexterity of the body as well as the infusion of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual self-discipline into the student.

Most Malay youths, both boys and girls, learn silat from a young age. Established in the Malay Archipelago for centuries, silat is based upon Islamic tenets. The art, which is also a dance form, is performed during weddings and national celebrations. Of late, silat has become popular among Americans, Japanese and Europeans who themselves organise regular silat competitions. The more renowned silat groups in Malaysia are silat gayung, silat cekak and silat kalimah.

Elderly members of the Chinese community subscribe to tai-chi for preserving good health and general well-being. Yoga is generally considered its equivalent in the Indian community, whose younger members, however, prefer the more active forms of self-defence such as kalari payat. Of late, various imported forms of martial arts and self defence practices have attracted young Malaysians, among them karate, kendo, judo and taekwondo.

Congkak is a popular indoor game played on a board consisting of two rows of seven holes with two larger holes at either end. It is played with counters of cowrie shells, red seeds, rubber seeds or simply marbles. Originally a favourite game among women and children, it is gradually being introduced to a wider audience today.

(b) Sports and Games

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Swimming sensation Nurul Huda Abdullah won many medals for Malaysia

The Malaysian Government is energetically promoting sports and games as an integral part of the national programme of socio-economic development launched under the Five Year Plans. In the decades after Independence, the process of growing urbanisation has led to the emergence of new townships opening up fresh opportunities for the construction of additional sport facilities, accompanied by sports goods promotion and sports education. The growing national affluence has served as an impetus to increased investment in leisure sport activities, sports clubs and events.

Among Malaysia’s modern sports heritage, badminton reigns supreme, followed by soccer, hockey, weightlifting, and sepak takraw. Athletics and swimming, too, are fast gaining prominence.

In the field of badminton, Malaysia’s record has been very impressive and even outstanding. A great pioneer in badminton was A.S. Samuel who started his career in 1929 at the age of 23. He was the first Malayan Open Champion in 1937, and was also the first Malayan to compete in the All England Tournament. On his first English tour, Samuel won in eight of the 13 local tournaments he competed in, and emerged as a semi-finalist in the All England Tournament.

Malaysia was among the 11 countries which took part in the inaugural Thomas Cup competition in England in 1949. The pioneering team of shuttlers triumphantly brought home the cup. The ‘Little Men from the East’, as they were dubbed by the British press then, went on to win two more successive Thomas Cup tournaments in 1952 and 1955.

The Commonwealth contingents on parade at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.

The player who made Malaysia into world's badminton power was undoubtedly Wong Peng Soon - four-time All England Champion, three Thomas Cup Finals appearances when Malaysia became champion, eight times Malayan Open Champion, and seven times Singapore Champion.

Weightlifting as a sport in Malaysia has a proud past. It brought honour and prestige to the country when a four-man team won the team title in the British Empire Games (predecessor of the Commonwealth Games) in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1950. In the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games, Cheong Kam Hong won the bronze medal for Malaysia; and Martin Gunthali of Sabah won a silver medal for Malaysia in the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada.

Malaysian hockey has enjoyed international standing ever since its infant team finished eighth in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. In the 1975 World Cup held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia secured fourth place. Players like S. Selavanagam, Aminullah Karim, Sheikh Ali, Noel Arul and Philip Sankey have all-etched their names as national heroes in the world of Malaysian field hockey.

The sport of the masses in Malaysia has been and still is soccer since the inauguration of the Malaya Cup competition in 1921. Great players who became household names in soccer those days included Dolfattah, Abdul Rahman, Chiah Keng Hock, Awang Bakar, Ghani Minhat and the Pong brothers - Siang Teck and Siang Hock. Another outstanding player was A. L. Henry, brother of badminton legend A.S. Samuel. The late Mokhtaar Dahari or ‘Super Mokh’, dubbed as Malaysia’s ‘King of Soccer’ will be remembered for a long time.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has retained the Malaysia Cup competition among the states as it is popular among the fans and enjoys strong crowd support compared to individual clubs within the states. The Premier League traces its immediate origins back to 1989 when Malaysia took its first steps into professional football. The Semi-Pro League then consisted of 18 teams divided into first and second division with 10 and 8 teams respectively.

In 1994, FAM abolished the two-division system and introduced a one-division professional league with 16 teams, comprising all the Malaysian states, Brunei and Singapore, who decided to pull out in 1995.

Today, the professional league is played over a period of nine months with weekend matches and some during midweek. The total number of matches played is 210 (14 matches on home and away basis). The teams with the highest accumulated points is declared the league champion while the top 10 finisher advance to the prestigious Malaysia Cup competition.

In 1993, Malaysia was chosen as host for the 1997 FIFA / Coca-Cola World Youth Championship. The competition was held from 16 June to 5 July 1997 in six venues across the country. A total of 24 teams comprising winners from six football confederations participated in the Championship.

The ultimate in the world of domestic sports happened when Malaysia successfully hosted the Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games from 11-21 1998. The games were declared open by the king,His Majesty Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman; and closed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

At the close of the Games Malaysia ranked fourth in its collection of gold medals, totalling 36 in all, which was the biggest haul in the country’s history of participation in the Commonwealth Games since 1950.

(c) Associations

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There are ample associations to drive out boredom from Malaysian youths.

All clubs and organisations that promote sports, games and recreational activities in Malaysia come under the purview of the National Sports Council. Following is a list of associations that are responsible for guiding, controlling, supervising and regulating their own areas of sports and games.

• Archery
  The National Archery Association of Malaysia
  c/o TITAS, Lot 223, 2nd Floor
  Kompleks Antarabangsa
  50250 Kuala Lumpur.
• Athletics
  The Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) (Kesatuan Olahraga Amatur Malaysia KOAM)
  Tingkat 1, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
• Badminton
  The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) (Persatuan Badminton Malaysia)
  No. 9, Jalan 1/75C, Off Jalan Pria, Taman Maluri
  55100 Kuala Lumpur
  Tel:603-9845421/9878773
• Basketball
  The Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) (Persatuan Bola Keranjang Malaysia)
  Tingkat 12, Bangunan MABA
  Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
  Tel:603-2380055
• Billiards and Snooker
  The Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (Persekutuan Snooker Dan Billiards Malaysia)
  P O Box 1089, Jalan Semangat
  46870 Petaling Jaya
• Body-Building
  Malaysian Body-Building Federation
  1st Floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur.
• Bowling
  Tenpin Bowling Congress of Malaysia (Kongres Tenpin Bowling Malaysia)
  d/a Asia Kent Bowl,
  3rd Floor, Asia Commercial Complex
  Lorong Utara C
  46200 Petaling Jaya
• Boxing
  Malaysian Amateur Boxing Federation
  Ground Floor, MABA Building
  Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur.
• Chess
  The Malaysian Chess Federation (Persekutuan Catur Malaysia)
  Kementerian Kebudayaan, Kesenian & Pelancongan
  Aras 34- 36, Menara Dato’ Onn
  Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra
  45, Jalan Tun Ismail
  50694 Kuala Lumpur
• Cricket
  The Malaysian Cricket Association (Persatuan Kriket Malaysia)
  1st Floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
• Cycle Racing
  Malaysian National Cycling Federation (Persekutuan Kebangsaan Lumba Basikal Malaysia)
• Equestrian
  Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM)( Persatuan Equestrian Malaysia)
  27, Jalan 2/71, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
  60000 Kuala Lumpur
• Fencing
  Malaysia Fencing Federation
  P.O. Box 1275, Jalan Pantai Baru
  59800 Kuala Lumpur.
• Football
  Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) (Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia)
  Tingkat 4, Wisma FAM,
  Jalan SS5A/9, Kelana Jaya
  47301 Petaling Jaya
• Women Football Association (Persatuan Bola Sepak Wanita)
  International School of Kuala Lumpur
  Pt. 3350 Jalan Melawati 3, Taman Melawati
  53100 Kuala Lumpur
• Golf
  Malaysian Golf Association (Persatuan Golf Malaysia)
  12A, Persiaran Ampang
  55000 Kuala Lumpur
• Malaysian Women Golf Association (Persatuan Golf Wanita Malaysia)
  22B, Jalan SS 2/63
  47300 Petaling Jaya
• Gymnastics
  Malaysian Gymnastic Federation (Persekutuan Gimnastik Malaysia)
  2, Jalan Mahkota Satu, Taman Mahkota
  43900 Kajang
• Hockey
  Malaysian Hockey Federation (Persekutuan Hoki Malaysia)
  Stadium (Hoki) Tun Razak
  Persiaran Duta, Off Jalan Duta
  50480 Kuala Lumpur
• Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association
  1st floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
• Judo
  Malaysia Judo Association
  Lot 2, 1st Floor, Wisma OCM
  Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
  Tel:603-2989740
• Karate-Do
  Malaysian Karate-Do Federation
  Lot 71, Jalan 219, Federal Highway
  46100 Petaling Jaya
  Selangor.
• Netball
  Malaysian Netball Association (Persatuan Bola Jaring Malaysia)
  1st Floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
  Tel:603-2013320
• Rugby
  Malaysian Rugby Union (Kesatuan Ragbi Malaysia)
  Ground Floor, MABA Building, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
• Sailing
  Malaysian Yachting Association (Persatuan Kapal Layar Malaysia)
  Markas Tentera Laut, Wisma Pertahanan,
  Jalan Padang Tembak
  50634 Kuala Lumpur
• Sepak Takraw
  Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (Persatuan Sepak Takraw Malaysia)
  Wisma Sukan, Ground Floor, Building MABA,
  Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
  Tel:603-2014128
• Shooting
  Malaysian National Shooting Association
  P.O. Box 12464
  50778 Kuala Lumpur.
• Silat
  National Silat Federation
  No.2753-C, Jalan Changkat Permata
  Taman Permata
  53300 Kuala Lumpur.
• Softball
  Softball Association of Malaysia (Persatuan Sofbol Malaysia)
  25th Floor. Menara Tun Razak,
  Jalan Raja Laut
  50350 Kuala Lumpur
• Squash
  Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (Persatuan Squash Malaysia)
  Room 5, 1st Floor, Wisma OCM,
  Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
• Swimming
  Malaysian Amateur Swimming Association (Persatuan Renang Amatur Malaysia)
  Majlis Sukan Negara
  Stadium Negara, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
• Table Tennis
  Malaysian Ping Pong Association (Persatuan Ping Pong Malaysia)
  Room 9, 1st Floor, Wisma OCM,
  Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
• Taekwondo
  Malaysian Taekwondo Association
  1st Floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
  Tel:603-2385041/5055/6851
• Tennis
  Malaysian Lawn Tennis Association (Persatuan Lawn tennis Malaysia)
  Kompleks Tennis Negara, Jalan Duta
  50480 Kuala Lumpur
• Volleyball
  Malaysian Amateur Volleyball Association (MAVA) (Persatuan Boa Tampar Amatur Malaysia)
  1st Floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur
  Tel:603-2304228/7089
• Water Skiing
  Malaysian Water-Skiing Association (Persatuan Para Ski Air Malaysia)
  Shah Alam Circuit, P.O. Box 7131
  40704 Shah Alam
• Weight-Lifting
  Amateur Weightlifting Federation of Malaysia
  714, Kelompok Mawar
  Jalan 16/56 Ampang
  54200 Kuala Lumpur.
• Wushu
  Malaysian Wushu Association
  Tingkat 3, MABA Building
  Jalan Hang Jebat
  50150 Kuala Lumpur.

(d) Stadiums

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Part of the Commonwealth contingent on parade at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

Many urban Malaysians today are aware of the need for a healthy lifestyle and quality leisure activities. This is in line with the Government’s policy towards creating a healthy sporting nation. This, together with the growing affluence and sophistication of Malaysians have led to the establishment of sporting facilities throughout the country, particularly in the Klang Valley.

The National Sports Complex at Bukit Jalil, specially built to cater for the Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games, is set to be the venue for other international events in the years to come. Presently, the Government has begun to lobby for the right to host the Asian Games and the Olympics Games in the first decade of the new millennium.

Set on 196 acres of land, the complex is easily accessible via the North-South Expressway, the Shah Alam Expressway, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) System, and the KTM commuter system. This modern complex will continue to fuel the need to train sportsmen and sportswomen of international calibre. At the same time, all the venues and sporting facilities that were utilised for the Games are now open to the public.

The Bukit Jalil National Stadium, which was the venue for athletics during the Games, has a seating capacity of 100,000. At the centre, there is a playing field with natural grass, a nine-lane 400 metre tartan track with a pit for steeplechase, and a 10-lane 100 metre track. There are several warm-up and training centres adjacent to the stadium.

The Aquatic Complex which seats 4,000 spectators comprises a diving pool, a competition pool and a training pool. The Indoor Stadium for gymnastics has a seating capacity for 13,000, while the Hockey Stadium with its two Astroturf pitches can seat 12,000.

The Squash Centre, with seating for 1,000, has 10 single courts that can be converted into eight double courts. The centre court has four glass walls and can be converted into a double court. The state-of-the-art facilities makes it one of the best squash complexes in the world.

Other venues that served the Commonwealth Games are located at several venues in and around the Klang Valley. There is a brand new netball stadium, a lawn bowling centre and a cricket pitch at the Bukit Kiara Complex.

The tenpin bowling alley at the Sunway Pyramid Bowl comprises 48 lanes, and is equipped with an accuscore computerised scoring system. The Langkawi International Shooting Range, built specially for the Games, provides state-of-the-art equipment.

The Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium in Jalan Cheras is built over three levels. It offers seating for 2,000 people, and boasts 10 courts for training and six international standard courts for tournaments. The Kuala Lumpur Velodrome with its concrete track can accommodate 2,000 spectators at any one time.

The Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium in Pantai Baru has a capacity for 3,500, and the Kelana Jaya Stadium in Petaling Jaya is also another excellent venue.

Most private clubs, golf resorts and hotels in Malaysia have swimming, tennis, badminton and squash facilities. Hockey and football pitches abound, as do small city and town stadiums, public swimming pools, and basketball and netball courts. Many of these are run by local municipal councils and are open to the public. They are usually located in easily accessible places served by public transport. Following is a list of some of the more popular sporting venues according to states:

Kuala Lumpur

Bangsar Sports Complex - Tel: 603 - 2546065

Badminton Stadium - Tel: 603 - 9849576

Soccer Stadium - Tel: 603 - 9315757

Cheras Swimming Stadium - Tel: 603 - 9308935

Titiwangsa Stadium - Tel: 603 - 4239558

Kuala Lumpur Velodrome - Tel: 603 -9315992

Johor

Johor Sports Complex, Johor Bahru - Tel: 607 - 2233818

Stadium Tan Sri Dato’ Hassan Yunus, Johor Bahru - Tel: 607 - 2247034

Kedah

Stadium Darul Aman, Alor Setar - Tel:604 - 7319960

Royal Kedah Club, Pumpong, Alor Setar. - Tel: 604 - 7330467

Kelantan

Stadium Sultan Mohamad IV, Kota Bharu

Kelantan Canoe Association, Kota Bharu - Tel: 609 - 7482719

Melaka

Kubu Stadium, Melaka - Tel: 606 - 2834008

Melaka Canoe Association, Melaka - Tel: 606 - 350230

Negeri Sembilan

Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Seremban - Tel: 606 - 7648494

Pahang

Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan - Tel: 609 - 5139909

Pulau Pinang

Pulau Pinang, City Stadium - Tel: 604 -2289454

Perak

DBI Sports (Wavepool) Complex, Ipoh - Tel: 605 - 5460651

City Hall Sports Complex, Ipoh - Tel: 605 - 5460651

Perak Sports Centre, Ipoh

Perak Stadium, Ipoh - Tel: 605 - 5478812

TLDM (Navy) Stadium, Lumut - Tel: 605 - 9302013

Taiping Stadium - Tel: 605 - 8090777

Perlis

Perlis Sports Complex, Kangar - Tel: 604 -9677406

Kangar Main Stadium - Tel: 604 - 9761867

Sabah

Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu - Tel: 6088 - 261611

Sarawak

Sarawak State Stadium, Kuching - Tel: 6082-313220

Selangor

BBBS Sports Complex, Petaling Jaya - Tel: 603-7570880

MPPJ Swimming Pool, Petaling Jaya - Tel: 603-7044932

Pyramid Bowl, Sunway Pyramid, Subang Jaya - Tel: 603-7552788

Shah Alam Sports Complex, Shah Alam - Tel: 603-5597766

Shah Alam Stadium, Shah Alam - Tel: 603-7037335

Terengganu

Stadium Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin, Kuala Terengganu.

(e) Commonwealth Games

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Royal guests at the the XVI Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur

On 21 July 1992, Malaysia won the bid to host the XVI Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. It was a day of national pride for Malaysia, being the first Asian country to ever host the Games since its inception in 1930. It was also a day of universal recognition of Malaysia as a country with great potential and ability. This event, the second biggest international sporting event after the Olympics, was held at the brand-new National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil from 11 till 21 September 1998.

A total of 70 countries from five regions, namely Asia, America, Africa, Europe, Oceania and the Caribbean, fielded more than 5000 of their best athletes to compete in 15 categories of games, including four new team events, namely rugby, cricket, netball, and men's and women's hockey. The other traditional events were aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, lawn bowls, shooting, squash, tenpin bowling, gymnastics and weightlifting.

In Malaysia, the Commonwealth Games have been termed SUKOM 98. "SUKOM" is derived from the union of two Malay words: Sukan and Komanwel. Sukan means sports while Komanwel is the localised spelling for Commonwealth.

The Games Village or Vista Komanwel is easily accessible. Apart from the highways and expressways, there is also a Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station in the Village to cater for transport to any part of Kuala Lumpur at the rate of 23,500 passengers per hour. Situated on a 40-acre site, the Village comprises three tower blocks of 30 storeys and six hillside blocks of 19 storeys offering a total of 1,300 condominiums with full facilities. Each unit consists of three air-conditioned bedrooms and two bathrooms. In addition, there are three clubhouses with complete recreational facilities and a 30,000 sq metre shopping centre which became the International Zone during the Games. This shopping complex has five levels of shopping area and two basement parking levels for over 380 cars.

Some 6000 athletes and officials stayed at the Village during the duration of the Games. It housed the 2000-seat dining hall, medical and doping control centre, sports information office and other requirements for the International Zone.

In total, the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex, including the 21 sports venues, the international shooting range in Langkawi, the Doping Centre and the International Broadcasting Centre, was built at a cost of RM 560 million (1 USD = RM 3.80). The main stadium has a seating capacity for 100,000 spectators, and includes tracks for the 100 and 400 metre events as well as warm-up areas. On top of the infrastructure expenses, the Malaysian government had allocated RM 160 million for the preparation of the athletes and participants representing the national Commonwealth contingent.

The Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games were declared open by His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the king of Malaysia, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Edward of England. The closing ceremony was conducted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

At the close of the Games on 21 September 1998, Malaysia ranked fourth in its collection of gold medals. The 36medals won was the biggest haul ever since it first took part in the Commonwealth Games in 1950. True to its word, in a special ceremony on 3 October 1998, the Malaysian government rewarded its athletes handsomely. In the individual events, gold medallists were awarded RM 80,000 each, silver medallists RM 40,000 each, and bronze medallists RM 20,000 each. For team events with more than 6 players per team, gold winners were rewarded RM 15,000 each, silver winners RM 8,000 each and bronze winners RM 4,000 each.

In total, the national sporting heroes received a hefty sum of RM 2.2 million, with the biggest cash prizes of RM 120,000 each going to tenpin bowler Kenny Ang and weightlifter Muhammad Hidayat Hamidon. On top of their cash prizes, Hidayat and top shooter Nurul Hudda Baharin, qualified for one Proton Perdana car each offered by leading national car distributor Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON).

With the grand achievements of SUKOM 98, Malaysia is now setting its sights on the Asian Games as well as the Olympics.

(f) Formula One Racing

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The Sepang International Circuit promises more thrilling action in the world of motorsports.

Malaysia is the second Asian country after Japan to stage the Formula One race since the world class championship was introduced half a century ago. The event, dubbed the ‘Petronas Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix Sepang’, was held at the brand new F1 Circuit on the fringes of the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport, from 15 till 17 October 1999.

Construction of this 5-kilometre state-of-the-art circuit for the most glamorous and prestigious event in motor-racing had started three years earlier. The project was undertaken by Malaysia Airports Berhad. Designed to the specifications, and with direct consultation, of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the Sepang F1 Circuit is considered one of the first purpose-built circuits for Formula 1 today.

The circuit has been described as futuristic, monumental, superb and huge. With its many ‘firsts’, the Sepang F1 Circuit has already been hailed as a benchmark for future tracks. With a unique Double Frontage Grandstand which can accommodate an audience of 30,000 seated spectators, the circuit is set to bring out best among the world top drivers. Unlike many other racing circuits, its wider tracks allows spectacular maneuvers bound to thrill fans with the best of F1 action.

Dr.Mahathir launching the Formula One race at the Sepang F1 circuit.

The hairpin-shaped grandstand heightens the drama of any race. Pristine white and breathtakingly graceful, it occupies a position of honour at the heart of the circuit, where spectators enjoy an unrivalled experience of high speed action in a theatre-like atmosphere. The grandstand is constructed along an east-west alignment to ensure shade from the sun’s glare at all times during the day.

Spectators in the North Wing command a panoramic view over the ‘Main Straight’, as well as up-close action of the frenzy in the Pit. The south Wing offers a sweeping view of 50 per cent of the track, including the tortuous hairpin turn. The 2-level grandstand also features 18 Corporate Suites, 22 Corporate Platforms and 42 Commentator Booths. Its unique double frontage structures enables two separate events to run concurrently.

Its Canopy Tower is not merely an architectural master, but a perfect spot for diehard fans. Nowhere in the racing world is there a viewing area from where they can witness a race from start to finish. The Sepang F1 circuit has an overall capacity of 130,000 spectators.

The ‘Petronas Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix Sepang’ drew the world’s leading Grand Prix drivers, including title challengers such as:

• Mika Hakkinen, the 1998 world champion (West-McLaren- Mercedes Team)
• David Courthard, third in the 1998 drivers championship (West-McLaren-Mercedes team)
• Eddie Irvine, Fourth winner in the 1998 championship (Ferrari team)
• Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Seventh winner in the 1998 race (B &H Jordan team); and
• Michael Schumacher ( Ferrari team)

The Ferrari team comprising Eddie Irvine and Michael Shumacher, who were initially disqualified on a technicality, were finally declared the winners. They won both the driver’s and constructor’s championships.

This maiden effort by Malaysia was recognised by the world racing fraternity, and it won the special Formula One Management (FOM) award for the best-organised Grand Prix of the 1999 season. The award, presented during the FIA (Federation International de I’Automobile) Gala prize-giving ceremony in Monaco, further fired Malaysia’s plans to run a motor-racing programme comprising several races a year, including the FIM World Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Malaysia’s involvement in Formula One is seen as an ideal platform to introduce the country and the Southeast Asian region to a larger global audience. The Formula One race reaches out to some five billion spectators wordwide. It is also expected to jump-start the country’s motorsports environment and its involvement in the higher end of the automotive industry.

(g) Le Tour de Langkawi

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Participants of Le Tour de Langkawi cycling through Alor Setar, Kedah.

The Malaysian Le Tour de Langkawi international bicycle race, born out of an inspiration in 1995, today stands among the top Tours in the world. Its upgrading from 2.5 to 2.4 ranking by the International Cycling Union (UCI) is in itself evidence of the event's current status and pride.

Although still in its infancy, the race has now become the talking point of many of the world's professional cyclists. The inaugural Tour in February 1996, organised by First Cartel corporation of Malaysia, had a dual mission - to promote Malaysia as an international destination for cyclists and to promote tourism through sports. Winners of the 1,400 kilometre Le TDL '96 won the largest purse in Asian cycling history.

A participant in the annual Le Tour de Langkawi cycling race.

This maiden event was followed by similar races in 1997, 1998 and 1999. All afforded wide exposure and favourable publicity for Malaysia as participants, officials, journalists and fans followed the races, traversing cities, towns and villages across the country.

Le TDL 2000, held from 26 January till 6 February, pitted the world's best cyclists in a race that required mental strength and physical endurance. It was flagged off in the picturesque island of Langkawi and ended in the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Spectators at the start and finishing lines were treated to exciting cultural dances, parades, performances and a host of other shows and displays.

d. HOUSING

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Children playgrounds are a common feature in urban centres throughout Malaysia.

It is the objective of the Malaysian government that all citizens, particularly the low-income group, have access to adequate, affordable and quality housing. In order to achieve this, the private sector was given the task of constructing 71.3 per cent of the targeted number of houses in various categories, particularly the low and medium-cost houses. During the review period of the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000), a total of 402,943 units of houses were built which represent 50.4 per cent of the Plan target. Of these completed units, the public sector built 83,408 units, while the private sector built 319,535 units.

In the low-cost housing category, a total of 90.032 units were constructed, of which 26,774 units by the public sector. In the low-medium cost housing category, a total of 44,283 units were made available. For medium and high-cost houses, construction by both the private and public sectors exceeded the target. For the medium-cost category, a total of 136,203 units (104.8%) were completed, while in the high-cost category, 119,833 units (141%) were built exceeding the targeted 85,000 units.

The establishment of the National Housing Corporation (SPNB) in 1997 with a capital of RM2 billion is expected to boost the supply of houses costing RM150,000 and below. Since its establishment, the SPNB has provided bridging finance to housing developers facing liquidity problems in the wake of the Asian currency crisis. As of October 1998, SPNB approved RM733 million in bridging loans for the construction of 50,725 units, of which 13,644 were low-cost units, 13,482 low medium-cost units and 23,599 medium-cost units.

Under the Low-cost Housing Revolving Fund established by the National Bank (BNM) with a capital of RM1 billion, construction activities were concentrated in Johor, Pulau Pinang, Selangor and Sabah. Since the Fund's inception and as of December 1998, a total of 38,118 low-cost units, 10,650 low medium-cost units, 21,376 medium-cost units and 12,277 high-cost units were in various stages of implementation. Of the RM1 billion revolving fund, a total of RM596.8 million has been utilised for the purchase of land.

Under the public low-cost housing programme, new designs will be introduced to optimise land-use through increased density and reduce construction cost. Through the application of the new designs, land plot utilisation is expected to increase from 26 units to 41 units per hectare for low-cost houses, thereby increasing the land-use density.

e. MEDIA

(a) Print

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The Malaysia media serves as watchdogs and trustees of the larger public interest.

The history of the Malaysian press began on 15 July 1845 with the roll-out of the Straits Times and the Singapore Journal of Commerce. Initially, barely 200 copies of the commercial newspaper were sold. However, over the next 150 years, the newspaper slowly but inexorably evolved into two national dailies: the New Straits Times Malaysia and the Straits Times of Singapore, with a combined circulation of almost 600,000.

The newspaper survived two World Wars (publication was stopped from 11 February 1942 till 6 September 1942), and the birth pangs of newly emerging nationhood after nearly one and a half centuries of colonial domination. It was first a weekly, then became an afternoon daily in 1858. The first Malaysian edition of the paper was produced in 1956.

Today, both are established institutions in their respective countries, covering a vast range of news interest items from social and political developments, business, commerce, economy, to sports, arts and entertainment,on both the national front and international scene.

Today, the Malaysian company publishes five dailies:

• The New Straits Times Publishing Group
• Berita Harian
• Business Times
• Malay Mail
• Harian Metro

It also publishes four Sunday editions:

• The New Sunday Times
• Berita Minggu
• Sunday Mail
• Metro Ahad

The first daily newspaper in the Malay language, Utusan Melayu, was launched in Singapore in 1938. Written in Jawi Arabic characters, it catered to the needs of the Malays in what was then British Malaya. After Independence, in 1958, the publisher moved its head office to Kuala Lumpur. In 1964, a weekly called Mingguan Malaysia was published using the Roman alphabet. This was followed, three years later, by Utusan Malaysia, the first daily in romanized Malay. In no time, Utusan Malaysia became the most widely circulated Malay-language newspaper throughout Malaysia and also the superior medium for reaching the white collar/housewife segments of the population.

In the spirit of true parliamentary democracy, the Malaysian government allows the other ethnic groups in the country to publish vernacular newspapers for the benefit of all the people at all levels of society. As such, one finds a host of Chinese, Tamil and even Punjabi newspapers in the racks. All, to some extent, serve as watchdogs and trustees of the larger public interest. In the real sense, the various media acts as the keeper and spokesman for the conscience of their respective communities.

The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), registered in 1974 as a non-profit organisation, trains working journalists. It actively participates in international efforts to help upgrade the standard of journalism in this region. Since 1981, MPI has presented awards, including the 'Journalist of the Year' award, in recognition of the contributions by Malaysian journalists in nation-building as well as other journalistic achievements.

The welfare of Malaysian journalists is looked after by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ); while the Women Journalist Association of Malaysia (PERTAMA), set up in 1971, strives to promote the professional, intellectual and social interests of its members. Apart from working closely with various women organisations in the country and also a number of voluntary bodies, PERTAMA cooperates with its counterparts in other ASEAN countries.

Under the Original Printing Press Act of 1948, all newspaper publishers need to possess two documents - a licence to use a printing press and a permit authorising the printing and publication of a newspaper, both renewable annually. In the aftermath of the 13 May (1969) incident, the Act was amended to prevent the publication of items that can fan communal feelings or endanger national security. This led to the birth of the 'Objective of the Essential (Newspaper and Other Publications) Regulations, 1969'.

In February 1971, Parliament amended the Seditions Act to prohibit any public discussion or questioning of sensitive issues, such as the special position of the Malays, Malay as the National Language, citizenship, the position of the King and the Sultans. Another amendment to the Printing Act 1948 was passed in January 1974, stipulating that investment stakes in newspapers should be more in the favour of Malaysian citizens over those held by non-citizens.

With effect from 1 May 1984, the Government appointed the national news agency, BERNAMA, as the sole distributor of news from all foreign agencies. News, including features and photographs distributed by foreign news agencies direct to subscribers, was taken over by BERNAMA.

Since its inception in 1968, BERNAMA has progressed rapidly. Its invaluable services, including news and features, are made available not only to newspapers and news agencies but also to embassies, banks, universities, industrial firms and various other organisations. It also provides telecommunications facilities to all its subscribers for the distribution of news and other services, including various on-screen real time information services such as BERNAMA Teletrate, UniQuote, Equities and Newscan.

BERNAMA distributes the services of several international news agencies, and also news items from the 27-member OANA agencies in the Asia Pacific Region, including ANTARA of Indonesia, PNA of Philippines and TNA of Thailand.

Related websites:

Berita Harian -http://www.jaring.my/bharian
Utusan Malaysia -http://www.utusan.com.my
Bernama -http://www.bernama.com.my
Star -http://www.thestar.com.my
Jaring Link -http://www.jaring.my/msia/newhp/news/news.html

(b) Electronic

Click to listen the narration

Broadcast journalists preparing to document a major story.

Broadcasting was started in British Malaya in the mid-30s by a group of enthusiastic amateurs. Their efforts paid off well when Department of Broadcasting of Malaya was set up on 1 April 1946. Then, it was known as Radio Malaya.

With the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, the call-sign of Radio Malaya was changed to Radio Malaysia, covering a wider area to include Sabah and Sarawak.

Today, Radio Malaysia has 21 stations equipped with state-of-the-art electronic equipment. Nine of these stations are strategically located in the following state capitals:

Kuala Lumpur (headquarters) Kuala Bharu Kuala Terengganu Kuantan Johor Bahru

Melaka Ipoh Pulau Pinang Alor Setar

Radio Malaysia operates six networks domestically, namely Radio1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio 5 and Radio 6. In December 1991, a new network Radio 8 was set up, focussing on tourism. Radio 8 broadcasts for 18 hours in a week in both English and Bahasa Malaysia. Radio Malaysia also broadcasts special programmes for the Orang Asli in the Semai and Temiar dialects, two hours a day.

The Voice of Malaysia, also known as Suara Malaysia, went on air on 15 February 1963. Its principle objective is to project the true image of Malaysia from its political, economic and social viewpoints to overseas listeners and also to foster and cement the existing friendly relations with neighbouring countries in the region. The Voice of Malaysia also broadcasts special programmes to Malaysians living abroad so as to inform them about the latest development in Malaysia. These overseas services now broadcast a total of 168 hours a week in Arabic, Bahasa Malaysia, English, Indonesian, Mandarin, Myanmar, Tagalog, and Thai.

Television Malaysia was launched on 28 December 1963. It telecasts a total of 163 hours and 10 minutes per week, that is 87 hours and 10 minutes over TV1 and 76 hours over TV2.

Geared to serve the public, the programmes are guided by the nationhood principles of 'Rukunegera'. Both radio and television constitute two major forms of electronic media for communicating with the people, particularly in the rural areas.

As such, Radio and Television Malaysia (RTM) is responsible to the Ministry of Information which coordinates all Government mass media institutions - information, press, liaison, and broadcasting. Being a government body, RTM presents government programmes and policies to the people. Besides promoting national unity, it also stimulates public interest, develops civic consciousness and provides information and education. RTM is placing great emphasis on the INFOTAINMENT concept, that is combining information and entertainment in order to become a truly 'public service broadcasting station'.

In keeping with the policy of privatisation initiated in the 1980s, several sectors in the field of broadcasting have also been privatised in recent years. Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad, Malaysia's first private network, TV3 went on air as a fully commissioned station on 1 June, 1984. Intially, its services were confined to Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. In September 1988, it extended transmission to cover all the states in Malaysia. At present, TV3 has a group of 7 subsidiary companies and 3 associated companies connected with all aspects of broadcasting as listed below:

Cableview Services Sdn Bhd. (Mega TV), the nation's first subscription television network was incorporated on 18 October 1994. Its five channels feature News, Sports, Documentaries, Movies and Variety/Cartoons.

City Television Sdn Bhd, (METROVISION), the operator of the second private television station, was officially launched on 18 September 1995. Its main objective is to become the premier entertainment station, delivering high quality entertaining programmes to the discerning public in the Klang Valley. Metrovision is currently off the air and is expected to make a comeback in the year 2000.

Time Highway Radio went on air on 31 August 1994, with the call-sign 'THR'. The station belongs to Radio Lehuhraya Sdn Bhd. (RLSB), a subsidiary of TIME Engineering Berhad, a public listed company within the Renong Group. THR is owned by Anaza Sdn Bhd., the Government and BERNAMA, whose equity stakes are 60 per cent, 30 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. TIME Engineering Berhad has a 60 per cent equity stake in Anaza Sdn Bhd. THR has galvanised radio into one of the most exciting sectors in the advertising and entertainment industry.

MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd. has been licensed by the Malaysian Government to provide broadcasting services utilising a mix of satellite, wired and wireless transmission systems and Direct-to-User (DTU) services, which utilise the high powered Ku-Band payload of the Malaysian East Asia Satellite (MEASAT) system. Introduced simultaneously in mid 1996, these services include 22 video channels and 8 channels of digital radio and music services. Programmes will be broadcast in multiple languages via multiple audio tracks giving a variety of choices to the subscriber to select the language of his choice.

The MEASAT Broadcast digital transmissions provides Laser Disc quality picture and CD quality stereo sound for the discerning subscriber. The Ku Band footprint of the MEASAT system covers India, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Eastern Australia. In short, MEASAT is fully poised to provide the latest technology to enable MEASAT Broadcast to offer its subscribers a balanced mix of international and local programmes. The company plans to invest more than RM1.5 billion over three years for the combined ALL Asia Broadcast Centre Satellite systems, production facilities and original programming. Recognising the importance of the human element, MEASAT Broadcast has also invested in a truly global team of experienced professional talent.

Related websites:

RTM -http://www.asiaconnect.com.my/rtm-net
ASTRO -http://www.astro.com.my
Time Highway Radio -http://thr.time.com.my
Jaring Media Link -http://www.jaring.my/msia/newhp/news/media.html

f. SERVICE ORGANISATIONS

(a) Youth Organisation

Click to listen the narration

The Prime Minister at a youth function.

All youth and students’ organisations in Malaysia come under the aegis of the Malaysian Youth Council. To be eligible for membership, the organisation must have at least 2000 members with at least 6 branches or affiliates operating within all the 13 states of Malaysia.

The Malaysian Youth Council (MYC), formed in 1948, is an independent voluntary organisation which coordinates the activities of all youth and students’ organisations in the country. Membership is open to all eligible national and state youth organisations.

The MYC structure consists of the General Assembly, the Supreme Council and the Executive Committee. The General Assembly comprises delegates from all member organisations who meet annually to formulate policies, elect the Executive Committee, and consider the annual reports on activities and finance. The Committee consists of a president, deputy president, 3 vice-presidents, a secretary-general, a treasurer, 8 ordinary members, and a representative from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Among the organisations affiliated to the MYC, to date, are:-

1. Boys Brigade
2. Federation of Malay Student Unions (GPMS)
3. FELDA Youth Council
4. 4B Youth Movement
5. Girls Brigade
6. Girl Guides Association of Malaysia
7. Malaysian Hindu Youth Council
8. Malaysian Youth Hostel Association
9. Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM)
10. National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students
11. Sabah National Youth Organisation
12. St. John’s Ambulance, Malaysia
13. Scout Federation of Malaysia
14. Tamil Bell Youth Club
15. United Malaysian Youth Movement
16. United National Youth Organisation of Sarawak
17. Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia
18. Young Christian Workers
19. Young Malaysian Movement
20. Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
21. Young Methodist Association of Malaysia
22. State Youth Council of the Federal Territory, and
23. State Youth Councils of the 11 states of Peninsular Malaysia.

(b) The Cooperative Movement

The first cooperative in the Malay States was the Federated Malay States Posts and Telegraphic Cooperative Thrift and Loan Society Limited, registered in 1922. In Sarawak, the cooperative movement started in 1940, while in Sabah it began to take root in 1959.

Various activities are undertaken by Angkasa . Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officiating the 78th National Cooperative Day.

From the very onset, co-operatives have been recognised as a vehicle for elevating the standard of living of the poor and low income earners by their ability to mobilise resources among people within the urban and rural sectors of the population. They indulge in all kinds of activities and generally their development have been quite encouraging. Today, cooperatives play an important role in the upliftment of the socio-economic status of Malaysians nationwide.

Originally cooperatives were engaged in a single activity such as giving of credit or rice milling. In time there were many diversifications and as a socio-economic movement, the co-operatives have grown steadily in terms of participation in the economic activities of the country.

In the 1970s, the Cooperative Movement expanded rapidly. In 1973, the Government of Malaysia directed the Department of Cooperative Development Malaysia to concentrate only on non-agro-based and non-fishery-based cooperatives. The Department's objective among others is to ensure that the co-operative movement comply to the laws and principles of co-operative.

Today, cooperatives are diversifying into almost all fields of business. Besides the popular credit-giving activity, the trend is now shifting rapidly towards activities such as consumer, housing, transport, land development, industrial production, insurance and providing consultative services. These cooperative are strong and efficient with well defined objectives and think big in terms of membership, share capital as well as giving good returns. JPK is now monitoring these activities and steps are being taken to ensure that strays are curbed.

As member of theInternational Co-operative Alliance (ICA), and in line with ICA recommendations made in Manchester in 1995, the Malaysian co-operative movement adopt the following principles:

• Voluntary and Open Membership
• Democratic Member Control
• Member Economic Participation
• Autonomy and Independence
• Education, Training and Information
• Co-operation Among Co-operatives
• Concern For Community

As at end of 1998, there were 3,933 registered co-operatives in Malaysia with an individual membership of 5.018 billion and 4,210 co-operatives membership, contributing RM 3.09 billion towards the share capital. This, coupled with funds generated internally and from external borrowings has enabled the co-operatives to carry out various socio-economic activities for the benefit of their members and the public.

The movement recorded a gross income approximately RM 450 million and an accumulated total asset of RM 13.65 billion. These co-operatives have a total investment of RM 4.2 billion (i.e. RM 2.85 billion in investment, RM 0.9 billion in fixed deposits and RM 0.45 billion in various development projects).

The co-operatives have in a small way provided job opportunities for about 13,834 people in various levels of management. About 70 co-operatives are investing in 150 subsidiaries/associates (registered companies under the Companies Act 1965). In line with the vibrant economic environment of the country, the membership is expected to grow steadily at a rate of 4.0%, while share capital at 9.6% and total asset at 12.2% per annum.

[Note: Website address of the Department of Cooperative Development Malaysia:www.jpk.gov.my]

(c) Public Welfare Services

Click to listen the narration

Children are the torch bearers of the future. Helping the needy and the poor.

In Malaysia, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Welfare Services is responsible for the economic and social well-being of the people. It provides welfare services to needy families and relief for victims of natural disasters, and also caters to child care, rehabilitation and reformatory services as well as a host of other community services. State Social Welfare Directors undertake similar responsibility for their respective state governments.

The Social Development Services Division encourages and initiates community participation in socio-economic activities in order to achieve a better quality of life. The Family and Child Care Service Division helps to prevent and minimise social problems, and encourages healthy development within the dependent segment of society. There are presently six Children's Homes, accommodating a total of 645 children.

Counselling the age.

The Rehabilitation Services Division assists disabled persons to become useful and productive members of the community, while the Reformatory Service Division helps to rehabilitate the socially maladjusted for eventual integration into the community. The Institutional Services Division provides care, treatment and vocational training for the handicapped; while the Institutional Management Division provides remand homes, hostels and protection centres.

(d) Social Service Organisations

Click to listen the narration

Kidney Dialysis Centres to lessen the burden of those who cannot afford the high cost treatment. Down's Syndrome centres have been established to assist children to achieve their own potential.

There are many service organisations in Malaysia that participate in charitable and social events. Such activities provide an opportunity for members to express good fellowship, self- improvement and leadership qualities.

Some of the more popular service organisations in Malaysia are the Apex Club, Oasis Club Jaycees Malaysia, Lions Club, and the Rotary International Club. They participate in a wide range of activities, and some have branches in all major towns throughout the country.

The Apex Club, originally from Australia, was established in Malaysia in 1956. Today, it is known as the National Association of Apex Clubs in Malaysia, which is affiliated to the World Council of Young Men’s Service Clubs. The three basic aims of the Apex Club are service, fellowship and citizenship. Membership is open to men between the ages of 18 and 40 years.

The Oasis Club was formed in 1981 for Apex members who have attained the 40-year age limit, and are still keen to continue association with their former club. Oasis stands for "Old Apexians Still in Service".

The Jaycees organisation originated in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, in 1915. It preaches self-improvement, community improvement and fellowship among members who are between 18 and 40 years. The first Malaysian chapter was formed in Kuala Lumpur in the mid-50s. Primarily, it is a training organisation offering courses such as effective speaking, business administration, chairmanship and committee management.

The Lions Club is reputed to be the largest and most active service club in the world with a membership of over 1.3 million. Malaysia falls under District 308, together with Brunei and Singapore, where there are more than 80 clubs with a combined membership exceeding 4500. The Lions Club sponsors both the Lioness Club and the Leo Club, which have some 8000 members.

The Rotary Club in Malaysia falls under District 330 together with Singapore, Thailand and Brunei. Rotary International also sponsors the Rotaract Club for youths aged between 17 and 25 years, the Interact Clubs which are mostly formed in schools, and the Inner Wheels Club solely for wives of Rotarians.

(e) Other Organisations

Click to listen the narration

PERKIM lends a helping hand to the less fortunate. PERKIM lends a helping hand to the less fortunate.

There are a host of organisations throughout Malaysia doing voluntary social work. Among them are the the Centre for Battered Women, the Kuala Lumpur Rotary-Perkim rehabilitation Centre, and Perkim-Tasputra.

1. The Centre For Battered Women is run by the Women's Aid Organisation. It serves as a temporary haven from physical abuse encountered within the home. There are many volunteers from the professional sector who work on a roster schedule, providing counselling, medical treatment, accommodation and food to the victims. The Centre also helps the women to find employment, receive welfare benefits, and arrange education for their children who leave the house with them.

2. PERKIM is the acronym for Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia, or the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia. It was established in 1960 during the tenure of the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj. Then, it was the only organisation in the country devoted to preaching Islamic teachings to all Malaysians, regardless of their race or religion.. Till this day, Perkim places great emphasis on practical welfare programmes designed to benefit Muslims and non-Muslims alike, hence the word "welfare" in its name. Perkim has two main objectives:-

• To plan and organise various programmes with the intention of creating favourable impressions of Islam on the non-Muslims in Malaysia, thus breaking down age-old prejudices and removing misconceptions about the religion of Islam, and
• To assist, support, supplement and coordinate the activities of Perkim branches throughout Malaysia, including in Sabah and Sarawak, in the true spirit of Islam.

As a fully registered organisation, Perkim holds its annual general meetings in the different states for which a maximum of five representatives are sent by each branch. Each branch initiates its own fund-raising projects and strives to obtain donations from the Malaysian public. They have their own sub-committees to organise and carry out activities, such as:-

• Encouraging non-Muslims to embrace Islam and learn about the religion,
• Providing shelter and financial help to new converts disowned by their parents and/or former communities,
• Providing consultation to the new brothers and sisters,
• Organizing classes for correct Quranic recitation and interpretation, and
• Hosting regular meetings, study groups and group prayers.

3. Perkim-Tasputra is affiliated to the Muslim welfare organisation, Perkim. It is a day-care centre for severely retarded children of poor families irrespective of race, religion or colour.

4. The Kuala Lumpur Rotary-Perkim Rehabilitation Centre is a non-profit charitable organisation that helps the elderly, victims of stroke and neurological disorders, and patients recuperating from operations who require social and therapeutic services. The Centre provides a new approach to addressing these needs by combining community resources, volunteer services, and therapeutic facilities.

While the Kuala Lumpur City Hall donated the site, the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur constructed the building and provided the basic necessary equipment. Its day-to-day running is administered by Perkim. Individuals and community organisations volunteer food, transport, special equipment, time and professional skills to the programme. The facilities are available at a nominal fee to all regardless of race, religion or sex. Acceptance is based upon the medical recommendation of a doctor appointed by the Centre, which can presently cater for 50 patients at any one time.

It is open from 8.30 am till 4.30 pm, five days a week. Transportation is provided upon request for patients living within a 6-km. radius of the city. Designed for ambulatory or semi-ambulatory persons, the centre provides:-

• Day care and supportive help for elderly folks and patients who do not wish to remain at home alone,
• Training in daily living and self-help skills,
• Occupational therapy to improve muscle coordination,
• Simple rehabilitative services for disabled persons,
• Group activities and sosio-recreational activities,
• Daily lunch and tea, and
• Counseling and training in care skills for families.

5. In Malaysia, the hereditary Malay Rulers act as heads of Islam in their respective states. The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong is head of Islam in his own state, and also in the states of Melaka, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan. The state governments have jurisdiction over Muslim personal and family law, endowments or wakaf, Malay customs, the obligatory tithes of zakat and fitrah, the mosques, the Islamic Syariah courts, and the Baitul Mal treasury where unclaimed estates are held in trust.

Among the more active Islamic organisations in the country are:-

- The National Council for Islamic Affairs
- The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (ABIM)
- The Malaysian Islamic Woman's Welfare Board
- The National Muslim Students' Association of Malaysia (PKPIM)
- The Malaysian Ulema Society (PUM)
- Islamic Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (PERKIM)
- United Sabah Islamic Associations (USIA)
- Malaysian Islamic Call Foundation (YADIM)
- The Pilgrims Management & Fund Board (LUTH).

6. The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is the national Christian body that represents the various churches and organisations in the country. It groups together the Catholic Church in Malaysia, the Council of Churches of Malaysia, and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship.

The Malaysian Christian Association for Relief, or Malaysia Care, was established in 1970. It cares for children and families, mentally-ill patients, the disabled, the poor from urban and rural areas, rehabilitated drug addicts, and the unemployed. It also offers residence to genuine deserving cases.

7. There are over 3,500 Buddhist temples, societies and organisations in Malaysia, the majority of which are Chinese. Most adherents are members of the Malaysian Buddhist Association, which is affiliated to the World Fellowship of Buddhists. The main objective of the WFB is to bring together the various schools of Buddhism found in different countries, and to establish cooperation between them to further common Buddhist goals.

Some of the more active Buddhist organisations in the country are the:-

- Buddhist Missionary Society (Penang Buddhist Association (PBA)
- Malaysian Thai Buddhist Organisation(Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF)
- Malaysian (Mahayana) Buddhist Nicheran Shoshu Society
- Dispensation of the Buddha Society
- World Red Swastika Society, and
- Malaysian Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist Good Morals Society
- Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA)

8. Since the end of the Second World War, there have been considerable efforts towards revival of Hinduism amongst Indians in Malaysia. Hindu youth associations were established throughout the Peninsula to coordinate the various Hindu organisations.

There are two popular reform movements in the country, namely the Ramakrishna Mission and the Vivekenanda Society. Their aim is to purify the religion and get rid of its outdated or irrelevant aspects. Both movements have played an important role in preserving and propagating Hindu values. Other groups which exist for similar ends include the Divine Life Society, and the Society for Krishna Consciousness.

9. The welfare of the Orang Asli in West Malaysia is under the jurisdiction of the Department for Aboriginal Affairs. There are two non-government organisations that represent them: the Peninsular Malaysia Orang Asli Association, and the Malaysian Orang Asli Muslims Welfare Organisation.

In the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the various indigenous ethnic groups and communities, such as the Bajau, Bidayuh, Dayak, Iban, Kadazan Murut, Penan, etc, have their respective traditional councils that manage their interests and welfare.

10. There are two main organisations which oversee and coordinate Sikh interests in the country. These are the Malaysian Gurdwara Council, and the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia.

g. LIBRARY AND ARCHIEVES

(a) National Library

Click to listen the narration

An areal view of the National Library of Malaysia.

Recognising the important role played by libraries in creating a well-informed society, which in turn will evaluate the general well-being of the people, the Malaysian Government spares no efforts in building public libraries in major towns and cities across the nation. The most prominent of these is the National Library in Kuala Lumpur.

The seeds for the birth of the National Library were planted in 1956 when the Malayan Library Group (MLG) submitted to the government a memorandum on Public Library Services for the Federation of Malaya. The move resulted in the establishment of a National Library Board with executive powers to look into public library services on a national level and to prepare the groundwork for the setting up of a National Library.

From 1959 till 1961, under the Board's direction, various bodies, associations and organizations from relevant professions sat to map out the direction and the realisation of the National Library. In 1962, the Lee Foundation contributed RM 500,000.00; and this generous gesture, offered on a 'dollar-to-dollar' basis set the ball rolling for public donations.

In 1963, the National Archives of Malaysia prepared a report on the establishment of the National Library in Kuala Lumpur. This was followed by the 'Preservation Book Act 1966' which required all publishers in Malaysia to submit two copies each of their books to the National Library of Malaysia, then established as a unit within the National Archives to enforce the new Act.

The National Library Act was passed on 1 September 1972, and thenceforth the Reference Division located on the sixth floor of the UMBC Building was opened to the public. On 19 October 1973, Y.A.B. Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Datuk Hussein, then Prime Minister of Malaysia, visited the National Library.

In 1975, Public Lending Services was started within the Federal Territory; and in 1977, the National Library became a Federal Government Department. In 1982, it was appointed as the national body for International Standard Book Number (ISBN); and in the following year, as the Center for Malay Manuscripts.

In 1986, the Deposit of Library Material Act 1986 replaced the Preservation of Books Act 1966. This Act made it compulsary for all publishers to deposit 5 copies of printed materials and 2 copies of non-printed materials with the National Library. The following year, the National Library was put under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism.

In 1988, the National Library acquired its first computer system, and commenced with computerised catalogue services, known as OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) to benefit end-users. It was also entrusted to supply library materials to the Resource Center Malaysia located at the University of Ohio, USA, where the Tun Razak Chair was established in 1975. The prime objective of the Malaysiana collection in the University of Ohio library is to provide end-users in the USA with accurate and up to date information on Malaysia for reading and research purposes.

An entire new generation of readers.

In 1992, the National Library moved into its new impressive home at Jalan Tun Razak, ready to launch into a new phase to fulfil its vision to become the ultimate resource centre for all Malaysians.

Three vital features were established to propel the institution to new heights of achievement in public services: the Public Relation Division, the Library Resource Division and the Media Resource Centre. Officially opened in 1994, the new building measures 22,037 square metres. Specially designed as a library building, it takes into account the durability factor of the floor as follows:

• 150 pounds square feet for all floors
• 250 pounds square feet for all stack rooms, and
• 28 feet module (pillar to pillar) for the entire building.

Its layout allows maximum usage of space for renovation. Selected areas such as the Centre for Malay Manuscripts, Rare Collection, Data Processing Division and Media Resources Division have 24-hour air conditioning. Capacity-wise, the new National Library can accommodate the following:

• One million library volumes
• 400 staff
• 1,000 seats for readers
• An auditorium for 350 people, and
• A children's theatre for an audience of 150.

The National Library of Malaysia aspires to be a world class library in the provision of excellent information services towards the realization of Malaysia's vision of becoming a fully industrialised and developed nation by the year 2020 (Vision 2020).

Presently, its reference services include:

• Malaysiana
• Manuscript
• Periodicals
• General Collection
• United Nation Collection
• Media Resources

Its Publications Delivery System (PDS) Loan comprises Books, Bulk Loan and Postal Loan.

With its multifarious functions and services, supported by high-tech facilities and a well-qualified team committed to excellence, the National Library is poised to lead the nation in its pursuit of knowledge.

Libraries Network:

State Public Library

Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Kedah Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Perlis Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Sabah Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Johor Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Selangor Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Kelantan Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Sarawak Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Melaka Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Negeri Sembilan Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Pahang Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Perak Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Penang Perpustakaan Awam Negeri Terengganu Pustaka Peringatan Kuala Lumpur Perpustakaan Digital Pustaka Negeri Sarawak

Academic Libraries

Universiti Malaya Libray Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Tun Seri Lanang Library Universiti Putra Malaysia Library Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Sultanah Zanariah Library International Islamic University Library Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Library Universiti Sains Malaysia Library Universiti Utara Malaysia Library Mara Universiti Teknologi MARA,Tun Abdul Razak Library Universiti Telekom Malaysia Library HUKM Virtual Library Universiti Multimedia (Cyberjaya) Digital Librarry

Research Institutes Library

Institut Sistem Mikroelektronik Malaysia (MIMOS) Pusat Maklumat Sains dan Teknologi (MASTIC) Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan Industri(SIRIM) Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan (FRIM) Institut Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan Pertanian(MARDI) Institut Penyelidikan Kelapa Sawit (PORIM)

Department/Ministry Library Ministry of National Unity & The Community Development Women Affair Division (HAWA) Ministry of Defence Ministry of Youth and Sport Ministry of Health Kuala Lumpur Hospital Institute for Medical Research (IMR) Public Health Institute National Health Institute Prime Minister Department Judiciary and Legal Training Institute Legal Affair Division Chief Registrar of the Federal Court's Office Jabatan Peguam Negara Parliament Islamic Centre, Department of Islamic Advancement of Malaysia (JAKIM) Ministry of Information Pusat Sumber Maklumat Kementerian Penerangan Radio Televisyen Malaysia Filem Negara Malaysia Jabatan Perkhidmatan & Penerangan Malaysia Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism National Achives National Museum Ministry of Finance Treasury Inland Revenue Board National Institute of Valuation Royal Customs & Excise Department Ministry of Agriculture Fishery Research Institute Ministry of Primary Industries Ministry of Rural Development Community Development Division (KEMAS) Ministry of Land and Cooperative Development Ministry of Internation Trade and Industry Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Works Works Department Ministry of Home Affairs Anti Narcotics Task Force Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment Department of Environment (JAS) MASTI MIMOS Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia Statistics Department

Connected Learning House Malaysia (CLC)

(b) National Archives

Click to listen the narration

Storing microfilms for posterity.

The National Archives of Malaysia were originally set up on 1 December 1957, and was then known as the Public Records Office. It assumed its present name in 1963; and in 1966, Parliament passed the National Archives Act, legally entrusting the National Archives with the custody of public records of national and historical significance.

The present building housing the National Archives is a majestic landmark in white, officially opened by His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1982. Perched on a scenic hilltop amidst spacious gardens, the building is situated in the vicinity of Parliament House and the Lake Gardens. It represents the nation's memory, given its official duty of preserving and recording the nation's history. Visitors will find a fascinating repository of Malaysia's heritage awaiting them in the large repository of records and documents rich in information on local history.

The mission of the National Archives is to create a generation with a love for history and the nation; and its vision is to hold in custody and preserve archival materials pertaining to the nation's history and to disseminate information regarding their importance to the public.

Presently, its branches and functions are as follows:

• Administration and Finance Branch
• Training and Career Development Branch
• Planning, Research and Development Branch
• Documentation and Publication Branch
• Conservation and Reprography Services
• Archives Services Branch
• Reference And Finding Aids Services Branch
• Identification Of Information Sources Branch
• Records Service Branch
• Exhibition Branch
• Public Relations Branch
• Johore/Melaka Branch
• Kedah/Perlis Branch
• Kelantan Branch
• Penang Branch
• Perak Branch
• Sarawak Branch
• Sabah Branch
• Terengganu/Pahang Branch
  

Far from being a dusty storehouse of ancient documents and papers, the National Archives is alive and very much abreast with the times. Its doors are wide open to anyone interested in catching glimpses of the nation's past. It invites visitors to view the exhibits on display, visit the Memorials and utilise the research facilities. It also provides research facilities for visitors seeking information on the nation's history and collective heritage.

Towards this end, it offers the following research facilities:

• a research hall with a seating capacity for 120 persons
• a map-reading room
• a microfilm-viewing room
• an audio-visual room
• copying services, and
• transliteration services.

The National Archives collects public records including photographs from the general public, statutory boards in Malaysia as well as private collectors. Today, it has a collection of over 25,000 still images to present the social and economic landscape of Malaysia.

The Oral History Unit records, documents, preserves and disseminates information on the history of Malaysia through the collective memory of the people. This information is available in audio tapes and can be consulted for research purposes.

The Departmental Library provides supporting services to the Reference Unit of the Reference and Finding Aids Services Branch. It is established in order to provide reading facilities and reference services for officers and staff of the National Archives as well as members of the public. Its opening hours are as follows:

Mondays & Fridays: 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Saturdays : 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

The 'Library Collection' is as follows:

Monographs

Recording the contents of the national treasurhouse of knowledge. More and more young Malaysians are beginning to appreciate the subject of Library Science.

This is the single largest collection of library materials amounting to some 7,000 volumes relating mostly to record and archives management; local history and culture; as well as general reference books which include encyclopaedias, dictionaries, official yearbooks and finding aids such as bibliographies, catalogues and guides.

Serials
This collection includes journals and annual reports acquired locally and from abroad. The strength of the Departmental Library rests in its excellent collection of journals relating to archives and records management.

Thesis/Academic Exercises
The collection comprises theses written in pursuance of a University degree and various other academic exercises including assignments, project papers and essays for which archives' materials have been used.

Papers Relating to Seminars/Courses
This includes papers of various seminars and courses attended by officers and staff of the National Archives; as well as papers of local and international seminars relating to the administration and management of archives and records.

Circulars/Circular Letters
The library houses Circulars/Circular Letters acquired from the Public Services Department, Prime Minister's Department and the Treasury.

Pamphlets
Various types of pamphlets acquired from archival institutions all over the world are shelved along with the Annual Reports in the International Archives Corner.

National Archives of Malaysia Publications
The collection consists of various published materials created by the National Archives of Malaysia including annual reports, bulletins, the various published volumes of 'Today In History', finding aids and pamphlets relating to the services and activities of the National Archives of Malaysia.

Photocopying Facilities
Photocopying services are available through the research counter. The application for photocopying services may be made through request forms that are readily available. Fees for photocopying of materials are in accordance with the National Archives (Fees) (Amendments) Regulations, 1984.

Catalogue Cards
Catalogue cards are the main reference tool available to the users providing the necessary details of a particular material and their locations on the shelves. The access points are as follows: Author - Title - Subject. The catalogue cards are prepared for the library collection of monographs and thesis.

Bibliographies
Bibliographies, some of which are specially prepared on request, are available on various subjects such as Preservation of Paper Archives, Oral History, Business Archives, Records Management, and Archives and Automation.

Readers' Corner
A readers' corner is provided for library users on the mezzanine floor of the National Archives. The Corner is able to accommodate up to 12 users. The Research Hall on the first floor has a capacity of 250 seats.

At the international level, the National Archives is a member of the International Council on Archives (ICA), and the Southeast Asian Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (SARBICA). The National Archives has functioned as the Secretariat of Sarbica since its inception. In 1995, the Director General of the National Archives was appointed the new Chairman of SARBICA. It is also actively involved in organising seminars, conferences and projects.

The National Archives also participates in programmes organised by the the Malaysian Technical Co-operation Programme (MTCP), which promotes and facilitates technical co-operation amongst developing countries based on the concept of self-reliance. These programmes encourage the exchange of relevant experience, pooling and sharing of resources and the developing of complimentary capabilities, such as:

• Provision of scholarship and study awards for studies at various institutions in Malaysia
• Provision of training facilities where participants are sponsored by third countries/ organisations
• Study visits and practical attachments to various government agencies; and
• Services of experts.

For further information on the National Archives of Malaysia, visitwww.arkib.gov.my