The many seas surrounding Malaysia are important to the country as they are rich in both fisheries and non-fisheries resources. Some are also important shipping routes, with the Strait of Melaka being among the busiest in the world.

The Encyclopedia of Malaysia is the first authoritative single reference source to be produced on Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant developing countries. Over 400 academics and subject specialists from Malaysia and overseas have contributed to the encyclopedia, which has been developed with the guidance of a distinguished editorial board. Great emphasis is placed on the visual content of the series, which is illustrated in full color throughout. Each volume features photographs, archival material, artwork, maps, diagrams and charts, which help bring to life the thematic double-page spreads which form the encyclopedia's core structure. In addition, each volume contains a general introduction, glossary, bibliography and index.