Celebrating 57 years of unity, peace and harmony between the east and west coast, hence birthing forth MALAYSIA!
Isn't it wonderful to be citizens of a land filled with the richness of diversity and awesome treasures? We are blessed with the abundance of all things our land has to offer. Even though it feels like we have been living in Malaysia for quite a while now, there are still new things we discover every day.
Speaking of new discoveries, here are some fascinating facts about our beloved Malaysia that may increase your general knowledge.
How to impress your friends with some Malaysian trivia? Keep reading!
1. Ancient Rainforest
Source: TripSavvy
All of us are familiar with the tropical life of Taman Negara National Park but there’s more wonder about its grounds. This oldest rainforest is 130 million years old and that’s so much older than the Amazon rainforest which is only 55 million years of age!
Not to exaggerate…but we could be walking on the same land that once upon a time was a Jurassic Park. How cool is that?
2. Ring Of Honour
Ok, this may not be visible to our eyes when we are on the road, but it doesn’t change the fact it is there.
According to research and findings, Malaysia holds the record of having the world’s largest roundabout! Located in Putrajaya, this roundabout has a diameter of 3.5 kilometres. Feel the need to take a ride around the big circle?
Here’s more. On the contrary, we also have the smallest roundabout in our country. There is no supporting Located in Petaling Jaya, this almost invisible roundabout only has a diameter of 2 metres.
Source: Star Property
Here’s more. On the contrary, we also have a super small roundabout in our country. There is no supporting Located in Petaling Jaya, this almost invisible roundabout only has a diameter of 2 metres.
Well, don’t spin your head right round just yet.
3. Museum Dedicated To Ghosts!
Source: Ticket2u
The Penang Ghost Museum is a definite highlight among Malaysians and tourists. It consists of various types of ghosts catered towards Asian supernatural beliefs. You can finally get a glimpse of all the spooky stories of Orang Minyak, Toyol, Pontianak, Jiang Shi, and even a special appearance of th Ju-On ghost right here!
Are you afraid of the dark? Dare to walk among the undead? This is your place!
4. WWII Dutch Shipwrecks Vanished
Source: Atlas Obscura
Although this took place somewhere off the coast of Malaysia, this historical event seems untold!
During World War II, the Dutch submarines HNLMS O 16 and HNLMS K XVII, sunk in December 1941 by Japanese mines, have suddenly disappeared from the South China Sea. So, how could these warships, each 240 feet long, vanish in the ocean?
Well, if you’re feeling intrigued…watch the video below!
5. Biggest Cave Chamber In The World
It’s like entering a whole new world!
The Sarawak Chamber is located on the northern side of the Melinau Paku Valley about three and a half hours walk from Park HQ. Discovered during the British-Malaysian Mulu ’80 Expedition, it has maximum dimensions of 700 x 400m and an estimated roof height of 100m and that means it could fit in eight jumbo jets easily. IT’S HUGE!
6. Stinking Corpse Lily
Being the world’s largest flower, the rare, other-worldly and beautifully exotic Rafflesia flower is a real treat for those lucky enough to see it when traveling to Borneo, Malaysia.
Not only known for its size but also for its unique odor, the flower’s smell is similar to that of rotting flesh which explains why it’s commonly referred to as the “corpse flower”.
7. The Only Country Who Won Against Communism
Malaysia is the only country in the world to have actually won the war against Communism. According to our former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the willingness of Malaysians to take up arms and fight against communist terrorists, and the government's campaign to win the hearts and minds of the people, are the two reasons why we were able to defeat the insurgents.
8. One Of World’s Largest Natural Rubber Producer
As of 2017, Malaysia is the fifth largest producer and exporter of natural rubber. We contribute to 46% of total rubber production in the world and produce about 1-5 million tons of rubber annually.
In the 1930s, we produced half of the world’s rubber. Many of the Chinese and Indians that live in Malaysia today are descendants of laborers brought to work on the rubber plantations.
This is just the beginning of many more fun discoveries we can make in Malaysia. Let’s take a moment to be grateful and value the treasure of this nation. Among all the imperfections, we can still see a well put together nation.
Here’s to us, Malaysia!
On a side note, check out these eye-catching types of ways Malaysians celebrate a holiday by watching the video below.
Source: Sand In My Curls, Business Insider, Taman Negara, Tripzilla, Atlas Obscura, The Guardian, Seasia, Bionutricia Extract, Youtube