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SABAH Population: 2.4 million Major cities: Kota Kinabalu (State capital), Sandakan and Tawau.
Popular shopping spots: There are many modern shopping centers in Kota Kinabalu, which offer some latest brands and myriad options of shoes, jewels, electronic goods, camping gear, designer clothes and fresh food. Centre point, Wisma Merdeka, KK Plaza and Wawasan Plaza are the most preferred shopping malls. Another popular place to hunt for locally made products is the Pilipino market and Sunday Market in Gaya Street.
In the other major cities like Sandakan and Tawau, you would find mostly basic necessities and the malls usually cater to the local people.
People: Kadazan, Chinese, Bajau, Murut, Rungus and other minority ethnics. However, they are large influx of labors from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Economy:Palm oil is the main resource for the state's economy. Other important commodities include cocoa and rubber. Tourism is the second largest contributor to the economy of Sabah.
Major airports: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), Sandakan Airport, Tawau Airport, Lahad Datu Airport and Kudat Airport.
International flights: Kota Kinabalu is linked by several international airlines such as Malaysian Airlines (MAS), Royal Brunei Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Silk Air and Dragon Air
Domestic flights: Malaysia Airline System (MAS). Air Asia only links selected cities in Malaysia
SARAWAK Population: 2.1 million Major cities: Kuching, (State capital), Sibu, Miri and Bintulu
Popular shopping spots: There are several very modern shopping malls in Sarawak, mainly operated in Kuching. Wisma Sarbekas, Sarawak Plaza, Riverside Shopping Centre and Tun Jugah are just a few to choose from. If you are looking for handicrafts and tribal artifacts, Kuching is also the best place to shop around.
People: Iban, Malay, Chinese, Bidayuh, Melanau and other minority ethnics.
Economy: Sarawak is consists of many natural resources, such as LNG (liquefied natural gas) and petroleum which has kept Sarawak's economy on balance for ages. It is also one of the world's largest exporters of timber, even though the government is forming more strict logging rules for a more sustainable future for the delicate rainforest. The main export is palm oil, pepper and sago. Sarawak is transforming itself to a stabile and more industrialized area, which is paying off with its high tech industries and manufacturing is shaping its economic expansion.
Major airports: Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu airports.
International flights: Kuching is linked by several international airlines such as Malaysian Airlines (MAS), Dragon Air and Batavia Air.
Domestic flights: Malaysia Airline System (MAS). Air Asia only links selected cities in Malaysia
MALAYSIA (INCLUDING SABAH & SARAWAK)
Population
:
23 million
Capital city
:
Kuala Lumpur
Major cities
:
Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown (Penang), Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu
People
:
Malay (58%), Chinese (24 %), Indian (8 %) and other minority indigenous (10%)
Religion
:
Islam, Christian, Buddhism, Hinduism and animists.
Language
:
Bahasa Malaysia and other local languages. English and Chinese are widely spoken in urban areas
Currency
:
Ringgit Malaysia (RM). The exchange rate is app. US$ 1.00 = RM3.70.
Major airports
:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Kuching International Airport
Climate
:
Warm and humid throughout the year
Temperature
:
Lowland is 32 degrees centigrade and Highland is 21 degrees centigrade
