Important Facts

General
The Federation of Malaysia comprises of Peninsular Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Situated between 2º and 7º to the North of the Equator line, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. In the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia lies Thailand, and in the south, neighbouring Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares borders with Brunei.

Area:  330, 803 square km

People and Language
Malays & Orang Aslis (Bumiputera) comprise 69% of the population, while the Chinese, Indian and other races make up the rest of the country’s population. While Malay is the national language the many ethnic groups also converse in their various languages and dialects, but English is also widely spoken. Islam is the official religion of the country, but other religions such as Buddhism and Christianity are widely and freely practised.

Currency
The monetary unit of the country is Ringgit Malaysia and is written as RM or MYR. Notes are available in RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100 denominations, while coins are issued in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents denominations. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and money changers. View the latest exchange rates here www.xe.com

Weather
The country experiences tropical weather year-round. Temperatures range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Higher elevations are much colder with temperatures between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm. However, the wettest parts of Malaysia could well be the hill slopes of Sarawak’s inland areas, which receive a mean annual rainfall exceeding 5,000mm.

Practicalities
Time Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S Standard Time.
Electricity Voltage is 220 – 240 Volt AC at 50 cycles per second. Malaysia uses standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
Weight and measurement Malaysia follow the metric system for weight and measurement.

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Before arrival, please email the following details to [email protected]:
1) Port of entry (airport) eg. KLIA or KLIA2 – Once you have landed, please proceed to the Immigration counters for visa clearance.
2) Which country you will depart from.
3) light number.
4) Arrival date and time.
5) Emergency contact.

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Please ensure that you keep the following documents in your hand luggage. Having all these documents with you will greatly ease your way through customs and immigration clearance. Documents to be presented for visa clearance includes: (if any)
1) Visa Approval Letter from the Immigration Department
2) Valid Passport (at least 15 months validity)
3) Offer letter – A letter from IMU, written in the Malaysian language (Bahasa Malaysia) addressed to the Malaysian Immigration authority.
4) Yellow fever card (applicable to students from Africa, Central and South America)

*Entry clearance: Check on this requirement at your local Malaysian Consulate or Embassy or High Commission well in advance of your departure.

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PLEASE ENSURE YOU REPORT TO the IMU International Office immediately upon your arrival in Malaysia. You may report to the said office on the next working day should you arrive over the weekend/public holiday. Our office is located at the Academic Services Department, second floor of IMU. Failing to do so in time, you may be considered overstaying in Malaysia without a valid pass which is a serious offence punishable by Malaysian Law.

How much should I bring?

Make sure you have sufficient funds to support you when you first arrive. It is recommended that you have approximately RM 700 available for the first two to three weeks to pay for transport and food. Consider bringing a portion of your money in cash and Traveller’s Cheques. An International credit card may useful as well.

Where can I change my money to Malaysian currency?

You can change money at any bank or at currency exchanges in Malaysia. Such services can be found upon at KLIA upon arrival. Services can also be found at most shopping malls in Malaysia such as Midvalley Megamall.

 

What are the banks available in Malaysia?

Among them are:
– Affin Bank Berhad
– Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad
– AmBank (M) Berhad
– CIMB Bank Berhad
– Citibank Berhad
– HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad
– Hong Leong Bank Berhad
– Malayan Banking Berhad
– OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad
– Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad
– United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd

Do I have to purchase a particular insurance while studying in Malaysia?

Yes, as an international student at IMU, you would require medical insurance coverage throughout your study period in Malaysia. You will need to make sure that you are insured for personal accident, hospitalisation and surgical procedures as long as you are our current international student (with the exception of deferred students).

You can bring items such as mobile phone, laptop and similar electronic equipment into Malaysia.

 

How do I know if my mobile phone will work in Malaysia?

Malaysian mobile phone networks operate on the GSM 900/1800 frequency bands. You should check your phone instruction booklet or call the phone supplier to see if your handset is compatible. Your phone needs to have support for the specific frequencies on which a carrier operates. You also need to ensure that your phone is not carrier locked if you want to use it with a Malaysian SIM Card.

 

What are the main mobile phone carriers in Malaysia?

There are four main mobile phone carriers here; Celcom, Digi, Maxis and U Mobile. You may want to find out more on the call rates and charges before making a purchase.

 

Where may I purchase a prepaid SIM plan/card?

Prepaid SIM plan/cards can be bought at any telecommunication shops/booth and even at the airport. However, personal identification (eg. Passport) is required to purchase a prepaid SIM Card here.

IMU do not provide accommodation for Mobility programme. However, we have listed down a few suggestions for reference. Please refer to the Accommodations page. Click here to view the list.

Where are the nearest shops and restaurants?

That would be Bandar Baru Sri Petaling which is only a 10 minutes drive from IMU. It is a suburban township with many shops and food outlets. Banks and offices are also located here.

Where can I do my grocery shopping?

The closest place to do grocery shopping is at Endah Parade Shopping Mall, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling. The hypermarket available there is Aeon Big (M) Sdn Bhd.

Are there any online grocery shopping stores with delivery?

Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd offers such service. For more information, please visit their website here.

What are the operation hours for IMU Food Stores and Cafeteria?

• Pandan Serai Cafeteria @ Lower Ground, next to the Student Lounge
  Operating Hours: 7.30 am – 6.00 pm (may differ due to peak/off-peak periods or Puasa Month)
• Medifood @ 3rd Floor, Library
  Operating Hours: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Assorted Stores @ 4th Floor, Lecture Halls
  Operating Hours: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
• The Mad Alchemy Coffee & Snacks @ Ground, IMU Driveway
  Operating Hours: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
  More Information Here

How can my family mail parcels or letters to me?
Please request that the sender include the following details on the front of the postage:

• Your Name
• Your Student ID
• Your Contact Number
• PopBox International Medical University & Student Services Hub
• IMU address

Where can I collect the parcel?

All parcels addressed to IMU is collectible from PopBox, International Medical University or the Student Services Hub.

Where can I make postage?

The closest post office to IMU is at Endah Parade, Sri Petaling.

• Address: Lot No. F12, Ground Floor, Endah Parade Shopping Mall, No. 1, Jalan 1.13E, Taman Sri Endah, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
• Telephone No. : 03-90573507
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10.00am – 6.00pm

Personal Safety

• You should be more vigilant than usual with regard to your personal safety.
• When you are in unfamiliar surroundings means that it is all the harder to weigh up the danger and to deal with the consequences of resulting problems.
• Avoid putting yourself in a situation which involves unnecessary risks.
• Avoid going out late at night without being accompanied by someone familiar with the area.
• Beware of people who seem excessively friendly.
• Don’t allow expensive items to be on the show, such as laptops, camera, mobiles.
• Be alert to pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around tourist attractions, stations or museums.
• Be wary of traffic and crossing points. Don’t cross roads until it is safe, even if crossing points indicate that it is safe.
• Stay in groups where possible, especially at night or in unfamiliar places.
• Research the laws of the country before you go.
• Don’t put yourself in obvious risk.
• Purchase a personal alarm
• Remember to lock doors and windows in your accommodation, keeping anything valuable out of view.

IMU Support Services
During your study abroad placement, you will receive support from your host institution as well as academics and administrators here at IMU. Student Services Support: The Student Support Team is able to offer a wide range of services some of which are available online. Please remember that all email communications will be to your email address you will need to make sure that you check this regularly.

First 7 Day Guide 

Take some time to understand IMU Dress-code policy and adhere to it at all time. The link is available HERE.

Money Exchange Counters in the nearby area:

• Endah Parade Mall, Ground Floor, Sri Petaling (10 mins drive)
  Open daily from 10:30am – 10:00pm
• Midvalley Megamall (30 mins drive)
  Open daily from 10:30am – 10:00pm

Convenience stores for essential personal items around the IMU area:

• Vista B Apartment, Ground Floor, Club House block, Bukit Jalil (3 mins walk)
  Open daily from 10:00am – 10:00pm
• Covellia Condominium, Block B, P4A Floor, Bukit Jalil (5 mins walk)
  Open daily from 10:00am – 10:00pm
• Vista C Apartment, First Floor, Club House block, Bukit Jalil (5 mins walk)
  Open daily from 10:00am – 10:00pm
• 7 Eleven, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 14, Esplanade Bukit Jalil (15 mins walk)
  Open daily 24 hours

Malls closeby to IMU for groceries and home items:

• Endah Parade Mall Ground Floor, Sri Petaling (10 mins drive)
  Open daily from 10:30am – 10:00pm
• Mid Valley Megamall, Petaling Jaya (30 mins drive)
  Open daily from 10:30am – 10:00pm
• NSK Trade City, Jalan Kuchai Lama (20 mins drive)
  Open daily 24 hours

Online Hypermarket (LOTUS ONLINE) A. You may order your groceries from HERE

Places to buy local mobile phone SIM cards

• KLIA /KLIA2 Airport
• Any telecommunication/ phone shop
• Endah Parade Mall, Ground Floor, Sri Petaling (10 mins drive)
• Mid Valley Megamall, Petaling Jaya (30 mins drive)
• Vista B Apartment convenient store (3 mins walk)

Medical clinics around IMU

• IMU Healthcare Clinic, Ground Floor, IMU
  Operation Hours:
  Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 9:00am – 6:00pm
  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00am – 10:00pm
  Saturdays, 9:00am – 12:00noon
• Poliklinik Kumpulan City Sri Petaling (10 mins drive) 26, Jalan Radin Anum, Sri Petaling
  Open daily 24 hours
• Klinik Mediviron Bukit Jalil (10 mins drive) 22, Jalan Jalil Jaya 6, Bukit Jalil
  Open daily 24 hours

Getting around – Cab/Taxi: The most convenient option if you are not familiar with the environment and surrounding. Some ways to get a cab/taxi:

• Hail from the side of the road/street
• A designated taxi stop/stand
• Prior booking via smartphone apps (MYTEKSI/GRAB/UBER)
• Phone booking