Malaysia, an independent federation of southeast Asia consisting of 11 states of West Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula and two states of East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, has an area of 127,316 sq. mi. (329,747 sq. km.) and a population of 22.3 million. Capital: Kuala Lumpur. The federation came into being on September 16, 1963. Rubber, timber, tin, iron ore, and bauxite are exported. ,The constituent states of Malaysia are Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, and Trengganu of West Malaysia; and Sabah and Sarawak of East Malaysia. Singapore joined the federation in 1963, but broke away on August 19, 1965, to become an independent republic. Malaysia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The ?Paramount Ruler? is Chief of State. The prime minister is Head of Government.,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Ringgit (Dollar) = 1 Sen,,