Executive Travel : SPOTLIGHT ON MALAYSIA : Malaysia Is Modern, User-Friendly : Asia: Business customs in the Pacific Rim nation are similar to those in the United States.

With its modern highway system, burgeoning industry and British-based system of laws, Malaysia is one Southeast Asian country that offers few impediments to the business traveler.

“Doing business there is very much similar to the United States,” said Wan Hashim, vice consul of investments for the Malaysian Consulate in Los Angeles.

Business is conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Business lunches are as common as they are in the United States. And there are no special customs to observe, such as bowing or gift giving.

Keeping religious customs in mind, however, is vital. Islam is the state religion, and you shouldn’t plan a business trip that coincides with Islamic holidays, because most business people will not be in their offices. Also, many Malaysians fast during daylight hours throughout March in observance of Ramadan, making midday business meals inappropriate for that period.

Travel is also relatively safe in Malaysia. According to the U.S. State Department, major crimes against tourists are uncommon. However, petty crimes, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, are common in tourist areas, and credit card fraud rates are among the highest in the world.

Foreigners traveling in Malaysia are subject to the country’s strict laws. For example, Malaysia has a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. For more information on laws and traveling in Malaysia, you can contact the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur at (011-603) 248-9011.

Getting Around

Malaysia is bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. A modern highway runs the length of its western coast.

The country’s major airline, Malaysian Airlines, offers international and domestic flights. Departures from Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpur, the capital, are scheduled every day except Wednesday and Friday. There are two flights on Thursday.

If you are traveling in other parts of Southeast Asia, the country is also accessible by train, bus or car from Thailand and Singapore.

The road system is modern, and all major international car rental firms have offices in Malaysia. (Although U.S. driver’s licenses are acceptable, having an international license is advisable.)

Before taking the wheel, you should familiarize yourself with the road customs. For maps and information, visit the Tourist Development Corp. offices in major cities.

The best way to get around in large cities is by taxi. “It’s busy, congested and very hard to drive,” said Hashim, the vice consul. Taxis are cheap and readily available.

Most of the major business destinations are along the well-developed west coast. Major industrial destinations north of Kuala Lumpur include Ipoh, Alor Setar and Penang, each of which is about 45 minutes by air from Kuala Lumpur. Penang is the Malaysian equivalent of Silicon Valley, and many electronics firms based in the San Jose area have plants or offices in Penang.

Flights for Penang, Ipoh and Alor Setar leave Kuala Lumpur every hour or so. Major business destinations south of Kuala Lumpur include Malacca and Johor Baru. There are no flights to Malacca, but Johor Baru is about 45 minutes by air. The latter, across the border from Singapore and one of the country’s most Westernized cities, is a frequent meeting place for Singaporean business people because food and lodging are less expensive.

Money

You can exchange the Malaysian currency, the ringgit, at taxi and bus stands, airports, banks and hotels.

The exchange rate is set by the central bank, and the best rate is usually available at banks. There is no currency black market. Most large department stores accept traveler’s checks.

Lodging

Luxury business hotels in Kuala Lumpur include the Shangri La and the Regent Hilton. In Johor Baru, there is a Holiday Inn, and in Malacca, the Ramada Renaissance caters to business travelers. For more information on hotels and facilities, contact the Malaysian Division of Tourism in Los Angeles at (213) 689-9702.

For more information on investing in Malaysia, the Malaysian government is sponsoring a one-day seminar on investment opportunities June 7 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose.

The Minister of International Trade and Industry will be the keynote speaker.

For more information, contact the Malaysian Consulate Division of Investments at (213) 621-2661.