Malaysia – Natural Body and Homecare Products

Malaysia of late has become the most favorite destination for people all over the world seeking the art of cosmetic treatment.
The advantages of choosing Malaysia over other countries in this regard is interminable. The charge hospitalization, medical
charges or the charges of cosmetic products are comparatively less. In skin care and medical expertise Malaysia ranks
among the best in the world. The exchange rates are favorable further adding to the price compositeness. The flights,
accommodations, consultations surgery, post surgery check ups, aftercare, surgical instruments, aftercare and even
medications.

The beauty treatments in Malaysia make people seem years younger. They can easily do away with skin pigmentations,
blotches, wrinkles helping the skin to retain its genuine elasticity and firmness. However providing the best depends on
several factors like new product developments, lifestyle influences, and distribution or pricing issues. Herbal skin care is also
a rage in Malaysia as they combine the goodness of herbs and plant for our natural skincare. Plant parts used for making
bio actives roots, barks, seeds and leaves as these products fulfill every skin problem. Furthermore the safety and quality of
the products are guaranteed by the Malaysian Government itself.

It goes without saying that every cosmetic has its own share of shortcoming thus before using a product one must be
increasingly careful about its side effects.

COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES

Malaysia
SUMMARY

Buoyed by strong economic growth in 2003, the Malaysian cosmetics and toiletries market recorded sales of
approximately US$800 million.  Sales were sustained by increased urbanization, a rise in the number of women
working, and aggressive marketing and promotional activities of the retailers.  The numerous new product launches
also signified that the market still has room for growth. 

Imported cosmetics and toiletries are well received and are perceived to be of high quality.  An increase in purchasing
power resulted in more women seeking higher quality products and branded cosmetics.  Competition is stiff in the
local market, especially among the companies from the U.S. and France. Advertising and promotion play an
important role in cosmetic and toiletries products.

Market Overview

The local cosmetics and toiletries market is valued at approximately RM3 billion or about US$800 million, with a
growth rate of 13% annually. It is estimated that there are more than 60,000 types of cosmetic products in the local
market.  Imported products from Thailand, the United States, France, Singapore and Japan dominate the market in
Malaysia.

The local cosmetics and toiletries industry generally involves mixing and formulation processes, using imported
ingredients.  Many of these companies are contract manufacturers, mainly for products such as shampoo and
conditioners, other hair care products, perfumes, and cosmetics.  The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers –
Malaysian Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry Group (FMM-MCTIG) reported that there are now about 50 small and
medium sized local companies producing cosmetics.

Market Trends

Cosmetic products in Malaysia can be divided into the following categories:

a.        color cosmetics

b.       skincare

c.        perfumes and fragrances

d.       toiletries

e.        hair care

The market can be divided int  

a.        Mass market

Low to medium range price cosmetics and toiletries are sold at mass market in supermarkets, pharmacies and
through direct selling agents such as Avon, Amway, Cosway, Maybelline, Neutrogena, L’Oreal and Mode Circle.

b.       Prestige brands

Exclusive brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, Chanel, Christian Dior and Shiseido are usually sold at major
departmental stores.

c.        Others

Outlets (especially franchise chains) such as Body Shop, Red Earth, Origins, 5S, Sasa, and Roche operate
individually in shopping complexes. These individual outlets usually specialize in natural based products while
beauty centers such as Leonard Drake, Dermatologica, Thalgo Cosmetics, Clara International, PT Mustika Ratu,
and Bella Skin Care offer niche and specialized products to the middle and higher income groups. 

Sun care, skin care, and color cosmetics segments are still relatively undeveloped when compared those in
developed countries.  However, the skincare market is quickly growing, with suppliers trying to cater to the needs of
increasingly demanding customer base, which include both men and women.  Clarins recently introduced its men’s
range of skincare products and its beauty salon.

The latest concept of retailing cosmetic and skin care products in Malaysia is KENS apothecary.  Inspired by Barneys
Apothecary at Barneys Madison Avenue, E6 Apothecary in Boston and Space NK apothecary in London, KENS
apothecary seeks to bring clean brightness to the world along with unique and exciting products for connoisseurs
beauty.  KENS apothecary houses some of the finest fragrances, skincare, and cosmetics only previously available in
New York, Paris, Milan, and Hong Kong.  Hip and happening cult brands such as Aesop, T.LeClerc, and Diptyque
stand side by side with Annick Goutal and Peter Thomas Roth.

Although mass brands still continue to dominate color cosmetics and skin care, sales of premium products are
supported by the improving economy, especially as consumer spending increases.  Premium brands of color
cosmetics and skin care will soon overtake mass brands, just as premium fragrances have started gaining an edge
over mass fragrances.  It is projected that the sale of premium brands of color cosmetics and skin care will overtake
mass brands by 2006.

The same applies to the hair care products market.  Popular brands such as Sunsilk, Rejoice, Pantene, Organics,
Vidal Sassoon and Head & Shoulders fill the supermarket shelves.  From normal hair shampoo, shampoo for the
colored hair, dandruff-control, and niche market, to the salon-looking hair market, the current strategy is to offer a full
range of shampoos to fit different consumer needs and lifestyles, as well as to cater to different purchasing power.
In 2002 and 2003, more lifestyle products were launched.  As the economy grew stronger and purchasing power
increased, consumers were more willing to indulge themselves.  Hence, competitiveness in the beauty business is
increasing and niche products are highly sought after.  Aromatherapy products and spa-related products and services
have been widely introduced. Many beauty and cosmetic companies have started to include these ranges of new
products and services to their clients.  For instance, Esthetics International Group Bhd. owns and operates Leonard
Drake professional skincare outlets, which provides beauty and wellness treatments and services.  It also exclusively
distributes Dermalogica range of skincare products in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries.  In addition, the
company distributes Eve Taylor (London) Ltd for aromatherapy products and represents Nemecton GmbH,
Weyergans High Care AG and Ros’ Esthetican Electomedicina for beauty equipment. 

Statistical Data

Cosmetic and Toiletries

(U.S Million)

  2002 2003 2004(e)

Total Market Size 352.47 369.86 419.22
Total Local Production * 159.96 210.50 273.36
Total Exports 86.83 147.18 191.33
Total Imports 279.34 306.54 337.19
Total Imports from the U.S 44.40 32.84 34.48
Exchange Rate 3.8 3.8 3.8

* Note: the latest local production available is year 2000.  Estimated data is use for the purpose of this report.
Source:  Department of Statistics Malaysia

Import Market share of cosmetics in 2002 & 2003 (top exporting countries)

  2002   2003  
Country US$ mil % US$ mil %
Thailand 37.31 13.35 51.88 17.46
United States 44.40 15.90 32.37 10.89
France 25.46 6.57 31.29 10.53
Singapore 26.94 9.65 29.60 9.96
Japan 19.21 6.88 19.21 6.46

The U.S. was the highest exporter of cosmetics to Malaysia in 2002 with a market share of 15.9 %.  However, in 2003
its market share dropped to 10.89%, a 33.8% decrease.  On the other hand, Thailand’s exports of cosmetics to
Malaysia increased by 30.8% in 2003, to 51.88%.

Malaysia exports her cosmetic products such as beauty creams and skincare products to Singapore, Hong Kong,
Thailand, Japan, and Australia.

COMPETITION

Despite unfavorable currency exchange, some European brands (e.g. L’Oreal, Chanel, and Christian Dior) products
are successful due to their commercial responsiveness.  Consumers associate the brand with fashion, expertise in
cosmetology and dermatology research, and innovative breakthroughs. 

*Top Companies by market share in 2003 (% value)

 Colgate-Palmolive (M) Sdn. Bhd.            9.2

 Unilever (M) Holdings Sdn. Bhd.             8.4
 L’Oreal (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.                 5.7
  Unza                                                   5.6
 Procter & Gamble                                 5.5
 Johnson & Johnson                               4.8
 Avon Cosmetics (M) Sdn. Bhd.               4.5
 Estee Lauder                                         4.1
 Gillette (M) Sdn. Bhd.                             3.5
 Amway                                                  3.4
 Kao (Malaysia)                                       2.8
 Shiseido Co Ltd.                                     2.7

* Euromonitor

END USERS

Approximately six million, out of an estimated population of 24.53 million as of 2002, will fuel demand for cosmetics
and dermatological products.  When this segment of the population matures, demand should grow stronger because
age-related skin problems such as fine lines, wrinkles, dull skin and brown spots start to surface

Women in Malaysia tend to characterize their skin type by its external appearance: according to matte or shiny, the
skin texture, the size of the pores, and its thickness and sensitivity.

SALES PROSPECTS

Best Prospects

The following sub-sectors are ranked according to their highest retail value:

No. 1:  Skincare, especially for anti-aging and skin whitening

No. 2: Bath and shower

No. 3: Color cosmetics (includes foundation, rouge, face powder, blusher, highlighters, face bronzers and 2-way cake
products)

No. 4: Fragrances

MARKET ACCESS

Regulatory Regime

The Control of Drugs and Cosmetic Regulations 1984 Act stipulated that all cosmetics in Malaysia:

 Be Registered with the Drug Control Authority

 Manufacturers, importers and wholesalers must be licensed

All cosmetic products must be registered with the Drug Control Authority, National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau of
the Ministry of Health, effective January 1, 2004.  Due to the large number of cosmetic products in the local market,
the products are divided into two categories for the registration exercise.  Category 1 products are those that have the
potential of being absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes.  These products include those meant for
application around the eyes (except eyebrow products), lip products, oral cavity products, and sun tanning products
containing topical dyes or tan accelerators that are applied over a large area of the body.  Applications for registration
of Category 1 began in January, 2002. 

All other cosmetic products are placed under Category 2.  These include hair dyes not containing phenylendiamine,
toluenediamine, their salt and derivatives, and sun tanning products not containing topical dyes or tan accelerators
(hair dyes containing phenylendiamine, toluenediamine and their derivatives, and tooth whiteners, have already been
subjected to registration  during the 1990s).  Applications for registration of Category 2 cosmetics began in January 1,
2003. 

Manufacturers must disclose all the composition/ingredients of any cosmetics before they can be registered.  The
products must be manufactured, packed, and stored under sanitized conditions as stipulated under the good
manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements.  Products must be labeled according to the following information:

 the name of the product and its function

 instructions on how to use the product
 a list of all the ingredients in the product
 the country of manufacture
 name and address of the company responsible for the product
 the content – quantity in metric units of measurement
 the batch number
 the registration number
 warnings or cautions, where necessary for safe use of the product
 statement that declares the presence of bovine/porcine parts

Registration of cosmetics can be conducted on-line.  All the necessary information and guidelines are available on
the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau’s website: www.bpfk.gov.my

In regard to “cosmaceuticals”, the terminology has not yet been applied by the Drug Control Authority (DCA).  In
general, the DCA uses three basic criteria to determine whether the product is classified as a cosmetic.  The criteria
includes site of application, purpose, and composition or ingredient.  If the cosmetic product has medicinal claims, it
needs to be referred to the Drug Control Authority to ascertain its classification.  For example, a beauty cream that
claims its ability to treat acne is classified as an OTC product.

Currently, there is no duty for cosmetic products, except for the 20% to 30% import duty on talcum powders, face
powders and hair preparations.  However, as stipulated in the regulations, as of January 1, 2004 all importers,
manufacturers, and, wholesalers need to be licensed with the Drug Control Authority before they are allowed to
manufacture, import, or sell the products.

Distribution Channels

Department stores are the leading channel for premium lifestyle products such as fragrances, color cosmetics, and
skincare.  Branded cosmetic and toiletries such as Estee Lauder, Christian Dior, Chanel, and Bobby Brown are sold
at their respective counters in departmental stores.  However, some of the finest fragrance and cosmetic brands,
such as Laura Mercier, Annick Goutal, T.LeClerc, Peter Thomas Roth, Aesop, and, Philip B are only sold at Kens
apothecary outlets.  In addition, Crème De La Mer ranges are only sold at Metrojaya Departmental Store and Isetan. 
Other reputable brands such as Sothy’s and Thalgo are distributed by dealers. The products are only sold at their
beauty centers and beauty salons, as they offer not only cosmetics, but also slimming, and the latest trend in spa
products.

Other brands that cater for the mass market such as Neutrogena, L’Oreal, and Maybelline are sold at pharmacies,
supermarkets, and other personal care stores.  Direct selling companies such as Avon, Amway, Cosway and the
latest addition Tupperware are selling their products via direct-selling.  Direct selling stockists claim that their products
are 30% cheaper than those sold in pharmacy or retail outlets.  Direct sellers lead in sales in the rural and suburban
areas where the strength of their distribution network comes into play.

Advertising and promotion is crucial for cosmetics and toiletries products, in order to create an awareness of new
products and build brand loyalty among consumers.  Advertisements in TV and the print media such as newspaper
and magazines, especially women’s magazines, are very common.  Samples of toiletries products are distributed to
individual households and products in sachet form are attached to magazines.  Free gifts are given during promotion
periods and are advertised in the local major newspapers and on the web.

According to the industry, the market is saturated with many different types of products, and in the long run,
established brands that emphasize quality and service will have the edge.

Herbal Production in Malaysia

Many herbs used for Paul Penders natural organic herbal cosmetics come from Asia. One of the
most interesting and also among the most potent of these herbs is called Pegaga, grown in
Malaysia.
 
The Malaysian Government is not only a strong promoter of the conservation of their most beautiful
rainforests; they also promote cultivation of great rainforest herbs.

In Malaysia there is a semi-government company called Polens. Many acres of land are covered
with all kinds of growing herbs and other plants. These crops are naturally grown without chemical
fertilizers or pesticides. Clean air, plenty of sunshine, combined with lots of “TLC” delivers several
healthy, bountiful variations of pegaga.
 
Mr. Quek heads the agricultural development of Polens. He is a truly wonderful kind person. Talking
with him makes one feel very special,. He oversees work on the plantage that many “traditional
biologists” and all interested in organic farming would be interested in seeing. He even employs a
colony of bees near a small natural lake and to put them to work in a very unique way that helps the
eco system at Polens.
 

Country Profile

Malaysia consists of two geographical regions divided by the South China Sea: the peninsular Malaysia (or West
Malaysia) on the Malay Peninsula bordered by Thailand on the north, and Malaysian Borneo (or East Malaysia)
located on the northern part of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and surrounding the Sultanate of Brunei.

Government –
Malaysian Monarchy System - Malaysia practices a system of government based on Constitutional Monarchy  and
Parliamentary Democracy at two levels, Federal and State levels.  At the Federal level the head of State is the King
and the head of government is the Prime Minister. The monarchy is seen as a symbol of power, authority, and
government. It is an embodiment of strength, protection and justice for the people and personifies their love and
loyalty towards the country. In countries, which practice parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, the
power of the people is conveyed through Parliament which in turn delegates its executive power to the Cabinet. In
Malaysia, whatever action is taken by an authority is executed in the name of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who acts on
the advice of the Government. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state of Malaysia. The office was
established in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia) gained independence.
Translated into literal English, the words mean "He who is made Lord". Malaysia is a constitutional
monarchy with an elected monarch as head of state. TheYang di-Pertuan Agong is one of the few elected
monarchs in the world.

Geography:
Location: Southeastern Asia, partly on Malay Peninsula south of Thailand and on the northern one-third of the island of
Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam.
Area: 330 000 sq. km. (127 316 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Coastal plains and interior, jungle-covered mountains. The South China Sea separates peninsular Malaysia from
East Malaysia on Borneo. 

Climate: Tropical, annual southwest (Apr to Oct) and northeast (Oct to Feb) monsoons. 

People:
Nationality: Malaysian(s).
Population: 25.5 million.
Ethnic groups: Malay 50%, Chinese 24%, Indigenous 11.0%, Indian 7%, non-Malaysian citizens 7 %.
Religions: Islam (60%), Buddhism (20%), Christianity (10%), Hinduism (6%),Confucianism (2.6%), Animism (1%), others
(including Taoism, Sikhism, Baha'i faith).
Languages: Malay, Cantonese, Hokkien, Mandarin Chinese, English, Tamil, indigenous.
Literacy: 94%. 

Natural resources: Tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite.

Agriculture products: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah - subsistence crops, rubber, timber,
coconuts, rice; Sarawak - rubber, pepper; timber. 

Industries: 
Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining
and smelting, logging and processing timber.
Sabah - logging, petroleum production.
Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging. 

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 

Government Initiatives for Business

Workers and Trade Unions: Programmes and Projects: The output of skilled manpower in the
engineering trades from public training institutions increased. Increased competitiveness and
the use of modern and high technology production methods and processes increased the
demand for highly skilled, trained and multi-skilled workers. To meet this demand, the
Government built seven additional advanced skills training centres, which offered courses in
specialized trades such as mechatronics, industrial engineering technology, computer
engineering technology, telecommunications engineering technology, avionics engineering and
multimedia development. Status : Theabsorptive capacity of skills training institutions expanded
to meet the increasing and changing demand of industries for skilled manpower during the Plan
period. Capacity-Building, Education, Training and AwarenessRaising: Rapid technological
changes and the need to enhance competitiveness required employers in all economic sectors
to retrain and upgrade the skills of their workers. In this regard, the Human Resources
Development Council (HRDC) intensified its efforts to further encourage employers, especially
the small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to retrain their workers. In addition, the
coverage of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) was expanded to include firms
in the energy, education and training industries.

Business and Industry: Decision-Making: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
areresponsible for the formulation and implementation of industrial policy in Malaysia. Malaysia
IndustrialDevelopment Authority (MIDA), an agency under MITI, is responsible for promotion
and coordination of industrial development in Malaysia. MIDA processes applications for
manufacturing licenses in the manufacturing sector and investment incentives, as well as
assists in formulation of industrial policies. Other organizations responsible for industria l
promotion are the Small and Medium Scale Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC),
Multimedia Development Corporation (for information communication technology (ICT)
industries), and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) (for start-up and
venture capital industries).Relevant legislations include the Companies Act, 1965, Income Tax
Act, 1976, Industrial Co-ordination Act, 1975, and the Promotion of Investments Act, 1986.
Malaysia’s industrialization strategy is guided by the 1st Industria l Master Plan and the 2nd.
Industrial Master Plan (1996-2005). Programmes and Projects: Various programmes are being
implemented to develop the industrial sector. These include the vendor development
programmes to develop supporting industries for the automotive and electrical industries, the
industrial linkage programme to develop small and medium scale industries, as well as local
content programme to promote the use of local parts and components in the automotive
industry. Tax incentives are granted in the form of duty exemption on import of machinery, raw
materials and components for the storage, treatment and disposal of toxic and hazardous
wastes, accelerateddepreciation allowance for environmental protection equipment, and pioneer
status for 5 years for companies directly involved in the storage, treatment and disposal of toxic
and hazardous wastes in an integrated manner. Status: The industrial sector, specifically the
manufacturing sector is the engine of growth of the economy, contributing 30% of GDP. The
current focus since the 90s is in the capital intensive, high-tech industries with greater emphasis
on knowledge-based industries, and the promotion of manufacturing related services. Efforts
were

also undertaken to increase environment-friendly processes and systems in industries. To

facilitate adjustments in this direction, the Government provided tax the procurement of pollution
control equipment and for the setting-up of facilities for incentives to encourage the storage,
treatment and disposal of industrial wastes. Industries were also encouraged to implement good
environmental management practices including cleaner production technologies and more
efficient utilization of resources through recovery and recycling. Capacity-Building, Education,
Training and CP2002–MALAYSIA: Page 40 of 50

Awareness-Raising: Training programmes are being organized by the Malaysian Technical

CooperationProgramme and the National Institute of Public Administration to train officials from
other developing countries on economic and environmental management. Various training
institutions have been established by the government, private sector and foreign governments in
Malaysia to provide training to meet the needs of industry. The government hopes to make
Malaysia the centre for educational excellence. In this regards many private foreign universities
and colleges have been established in the country. Research and Technologies: The
Government has invested in R&D activities in an effort to strengthen the technological capability
of the manufacturing sector. These include measures to encourage higher investments on R&D
activities, overcome shortage of skills and knowledge workers, and strengthen collaboration
among public research institutes, universities and industries. Information: Information on
industries is available from the MIDA web site and the MITI web sites - http://www.miti.gov.my;
http://www.mida.gov.my; and http://www.matrade.gov.my. Cooperation: Industrial co-operation
in the ASEANregion is being pursued through the ASEAN Industrial Co-operation Scheme,
which encourages co-operation in manufacturing of products through mutual sourcing of
materials, parts and components by participating companies from the ASEAN countries.
Malaysia is also a signatory of the framework agreement on the ASEAN investment area, which
aims to make ASEAN a competitive and attractive region for Intra-ASEAN as well as foreign
investments.

CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS

Decision-Making: Fiscal and monetary management policies, as well as rules and regulations,
are geared towards encouraging the private sector to contribute to the expansion of the
economy. Development expenditures in recent years were mainly allocated for infrastructure,
human resources development and poverty eradication.Environmental aspects are incorporated
into the programmes of relevant government agencies and reflected in the Federal development
allocations.

Programmes and Projects: Several funds have been allocated to eradicate poverty. ‘Amanah
Saham Bumiputera’ Loan Scheme was launched to fund the Hardcore Poor (ASB-PPRT)
Scheme. A Revolving Fund for Low Cost Housing (TPPKR) was launched to increase the
number of affordable houses for low-income earners, to solve the critical problem of low cost
housing in the major towns, to promote house ownership for the low-income earners

and to upgrade the living standards of low-income earners. Housing Foundation for the Hard
Core Poor (YPUT) was established under the Trustees Act (Incorporation) 1952 in August 1994.
The objective of the fund is to build low cost houses for the hard-core poor.

Status: External financial and technical assistance is still sought for the following areas:
improving institutional capacity for policy analysis and programme evaluation; to help meet
additional expenses to carry out Agenda 21 projects; and provide resources and technical
assistance for specialist training to strengthen technical expertise in priority areas.

Information: Information related to loans by sector is available on www.bnm.gov.my and

www.mof.gov.my.
Research and Technologies: Fiscal measures and programmes to address economic,
environmental and social welfare are constantly under review and assessment to provide the
best possible means of implementing activities which achieve national objectives and
sustainable development goals.

Financing: Foreign equity guidelines are being relaxed considerably for the approval of
investment projects in manufacturing- and tourism-related sectors, as well as for export
promotion. Greater emphasis is needed in the planning and allocation of available finances to
remove constraints in providing attractive economic incentives and mproving the capacity of
existing institutional structures.

Cooperation: Malaysia receives official development assistance (ODA) from development

partners, which is provided in the form of capital assistance (loans) and technical assistance
(bilateral, multilateral, regional and international). This assistance is provided through project-
type cooperation, development studies, supply of equipment, dispatch of experts and
volunteers, counterpart training and grants for cultural activitie s. The focus is on capacity-
building in key areas including biodiversity, climate change, competitiveness, small- and
medium-scale industries, rural tourism and health policy. Malaysia extends technical assistance
to other developing countries through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)
through training, study visits, attachment, services of experts and the provision of supplies and
equipment

Factors Affecting the Sales of Natural Care Products

Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.4% (male 4,153,621/female 3,914,962) 

15-64 years: 63.6% (male 8,210,373/female 8,143,043) 
65 years and over: 5% (male 569,245/female 724,575) (2010 est.)

Definition: This entry provides the distribution of the population according to age. Information is
included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure
of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations
(high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older
populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The
age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid
growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest.

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.069 male(s)/female 

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female 
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Definition: This entry includes the number of males for each female in five age groups - at
birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at
birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some
countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to
sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future
marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually, it could cause unrest among young adult
males who are unable to find partners.

Exports - commodities: electronic equipment, petroleum and liquefied

natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals

Definition: This entry provides a rank ordering of exported products starting

with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar
value.

EXported Products--- Food and live animals, Beverages and tobaccoCrude materials, inedible,
except fuel, animal and vegetable oils, fats, Chemicals and related products, 6 - Manufactured
goods classified chiefly by material

Imporeted Products-