A sketch map of Malaysia is a simple outline drawing of the country used to show its shape, its two main regions and important features such as states, seas and mountains.
The shape of Malaysia
Malaysia has two parts separated by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) lies on the mainland of South-East Asia, bordering Thailand in the North and Singapore in the South. East Malaysia is on the island of Borneo and contains the states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Remember
- Peninsular Malaysia has 11 states and 2 federal territories.
- East Malaysia has 2 states: Sabah and Sarawak.
- The two regions are separated by the South China Sea.
Key features to show
When drawing a sketch map of Malaysia, mark the important physical and human features:
- The Titiwangsa Range, the main mountain range that runs down Peninsular Malaysia.
- Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, and Putrajaya, the administrative centre.
- The surrounding seas: the Strait of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea between the two regions.
Key idea
A sketch map of Malaysia should still include a title, North arrow, frame and legend, just like any sketch map.
Example
You could draw the outline of the Peninsula and Borneo, shade the two East Malaysian states, and add a dot for Kuala Lumpur with a North arrow at the corner.
Such a map helps students see how Malaysia's land is arranged and where the main places lie. Even though it is only a simple outline, it should still show the correct positions of the two regions and label the states, seas and major cities clearly so that anyone reading it can understand the layout of the country at a glance.