Location of Malaysia
Malaysia lies in Southeast Asia and close to the equator, so the country has an equatorial climate that is hot and wet all year. Malaysia is divided into two parts: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) on the island of Borneo. The two parts are separated by the South China Sea.
Key idea
Malaysia = Peninsular Malaysia + East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), separated by the South China Sea.
Landform features
- Highest mountain: Mount Kinabalu in Sabah (about 4 095 m).
- Main mountain range: the Titiwangsa Range that runs down the Peninsula.
- Longest river: the Rajang River in Sarawak (about 563 km).
Example
The Titiwangsa Range acts as a water catchment area and forms the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia from north to south.
Borders and seas
Peninsular Malaysia borders Thailand to the north, faces the Strait of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea to the east. On Borneo, Malaysia shares a land border with Indonesia and Brunei. The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, while the federal administrative centre is at Putrajaya. Malaysia's strategic position on the shipping route between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea has made it important for trade since ancient times.
Remember
The Strait of Malacca is an important trade route; Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia.