Kuala Lumpur Doing Business
Kuala Lumpur – An Ideal Business Location
Doing business at Kuala Lumpur especially if one is relocating, requires one to have a fair idea of its banking and business etiquette, which can bear an important affect on your business plans.
Financial Services and Accommodation at Kuala Lumpur
Malaysias central bank is the Bank Negara Malaysia. Banks are open in Kuala Lumpur five days a week (Mon – Fri) from 0900-1600. Some of the major banks in Kuala Lumpur are ABN AMRO Bank Berhad, Bank of America, Bank of China (Malaysia) Bank Berhad, Public Bank Berhad, etc.
Arranging temporary accommodation for self/family at Kuala Lumpur is easy. www.moveandstay.com provides all relevant information that you may require for renting a service apartment or an office place at Kuala Lumpur. One can also obtain information on the rental rates from the website.
Business Etiquettes at Kuala Lumpur
The following information will give you a quick glimpse of the business etiquette followed in Kuala Lumpur -
* Business Meetings: The most preferred place for conducting business meetings, whether formal or informal, at Kuala Lumpur is office. One can also conduct meetings at restaurants and other neutral places. Despite being highly humid, suit and tie form the formal dress code for men while for women wearing a smart dress is considered formal.
The business in Kuala Lumpur is carried mainly using English and mostly all business people understand and speak proficient English. However, few Bahasa Malaysian words can help breaking the ice quickly. Making use of the right hand is considered appropriate for handshakes and other important business activities. Business cards should be however handed over by making use of both hands.
* Business Timings: Kuala Lumpur business and office hours are 0900 to 1700, from Monday to Friday. When conducting a meeting or making a visit to a business associate, try not doing so on a Friday as most religious holidays fall on Fridays. Government departments in Kuala Lumpur do not observe the business timings mentioned above and hence close earlier.
* Meeting and Greeting: Clients and business associates are not invited home for business talks. Malaysia is a Muslim country and hence consuming alcohol at lunch and dinner hours may not be considered appropriate. While gifting, make sure that you have a fair knowledge about local tastes and preferences.
Business
Suits or safari suits are acceptable for business meetings. Business visitors should remember that the Malay population is predominantly Muslim and religious customs should be respected and normal courtesies observed, eg appointments, punctuality and calling cards.
Office hours:
These vary between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. In general most offices are open by 0830 and close between 1600 and 1730.Almost all close for an hour between 1200 and 1400. Most close at 1200 Saturday.
Important Business Departments
Contact information of important business departments is given below –
* American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce
Telephone: +60 (0) 3 2148 2407
Website: American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce
* Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
Telephone: +60 (0) 3 4253 2135
Website: Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
* Chinese Malaysia Chamber of Commerce
Telephone: +60 (0) 3 2141 1278 or +60 (0) 3 2142 3280
Website: China-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce
* Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce
Telephone: +60 (0) 3 404 24 711
Website: Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce
* French Malaysian Chamber of Commerce
Telephone: +60 (0) 3 2718 9888
Website: French-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce
Kuala Lumpur is a multi-racial metropolis and has plenty of business opportunities to offer to people who wish to set up their business unit there.
