Being strategically located, the land now known as Malaysia has had a long history of maritime trade.  Arab dhows, Chinese junks and local fishingfolk (known in some parts as Orang Laut, or people of the sea), traded across these waters for centuries well before European colonial influence.

The historic settlements of Malacca (Melaka) and Penang were once two of the world's principal trading ports, for spices and produce from the lowland

rainforests, the mountainous interior and coastal waters.  Malacca was where vessels often had to wait months for favourable winds to arrive before setting sail to their next port.

Trade winds influenced ship movements from east to west and vice versa.

Malaysia has strong tradition of boat building especially on Pangkor Island, on Duyong Island in Kuala Terengganu and in parts of East Malaysia.