States and territories of Malaysia

States and territories of Malaysia
Name	States and territories of Malaysia
Category	Federation
Territory	Malaysia
Established	Federation of Malaya (1957); Malaysia formation (1963)
Number	13 states, 3 federal territories
Capital	Kuala Lumpur (federal)
Largest city	Kuala Lumpur

States and territories of Malaysia. Malaysia is a federation in Southeast Asia composed of thirteen states and three federal territories on the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo. The territorial arrangement evolved through treaties such as the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 and agreements like the Malaysia Agreement 1963, involving entities such as British North Borneo Company, Raj of Sarawak and the Sultanate of Brunei's historical borders. Contemporary divisions reflect legacies from Straits Settlements, Federation of Malaya, and postcolonial integration with Sabah and Sarawak.

History

Colonial-era arrangements created distinct jurisdictions: the Straits Settlements (including Penang and Malacca), the Federated Malay States (including Perak and Selangor) and the Unfederated Malay States (including Johor and Kedah), influenced by treaties like the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 and the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. Post-World War II developments—Malayan Union, Federation of Malaya independence (1957), and the Formation of Malaysia (1963) with Sabah and Sarawak—recast boundaries, while events such as the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation affected federal integration. Subsequent constitutional amendments and state constitutions adjusted the role of Yang di-Pertuan Agong and state rulers like the Sultan of Johor and Governor of Penang.

Political and administrative divisions

Malaysia is divided into thirteen states—Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu—and three federal territories: Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya. States possess hereditary rulers (e.g., Sultan of Terengganu, Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan) or appointed governors such as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah. Administrative subdivisions include districts and mukims in Peninsular Malaysia, while divisions of Sarawak and divisions of Sabah reflect Bornean patterns, with municipal councils like the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and state legislative assemblies such as the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

Federal and state governments

Under the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, executive authority is split between the federal Prime Minister of Malaysia and state cabinets led by Menteri Besar or Chief Ministers in Sabah and Sarawak. The federal legislature—comprising the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara—interacts with state legislatures including the Perak State Legislative Assembly and the Penang State Legislative Assembly. Judicial matters involve the Federal Court of Malaysia and state courts; issues like land and Islamic family law are predominately under state purview, engaging institutions such as the Syariah Court. Intergovernmental mechanisms involve entities like the Intergovernmental Committee on Sabah and Sarawak and agreements referenced in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

Geography and demographics

Malaysia's geography spans the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo, featuring features such as the Titiwangsa Mountains, Mount Kinabalu, the Strait of Malacca, and the South China Sea. States differ markedly: Sabah and Sarawak contain vast tropical rainforests and river systems like the Rajang River, while Penang and Malacca are coastal and urbanized. Population centers include Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Johor Bahru; ethnic compositions in states reflect Malay, Chinese, Indian communities, and indigenous groups such as the Iban people, Kadazan-Dusun, and Orang Asli. Census data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia show urbanization trends and internal migration between states like Selangor and Perak.

Economy and infrastructure

State economies vary: Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are industrial and service hubs tied to Petronas headquarters and financial centers; Johor hosts manufacturing linked to Iskandar Malaysia and links to Singapore; Sabah and Sarawak economies are resource-oriented with petroleum projects involving Petronas and timber industries regulated under state laws. Transport infrastructure includes North–South Expressway, KTM rail corridors, Penang Bridge, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and port facilities like Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas. Energy projects span from the Bakun Dam in Sarawak to offshore fields in the South China Sea, with state-level investment agencies interacting with multinationals and institutions such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

Culture and symbols

Each state has distinct symbols: royal regalia of rulers like the Crown of Johor, state flags such as Flag of Selangor and Flag of Penang, and emblems used by administrations like the Coat of arms of Sarawak. Cultural heritage includes Batik, Wayang Kulit, Malay houses, and festivals observed across states like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Gawai Dayak. Historical sites—A Famosa, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Gunung Mulu National Park—and UNESCO recognitions such as the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca reflect state identities. State patronages extend to institutions like Universiti Malaya and sporting bodies exemplified by .

Category:Subdivisions of Malaysia