Living in Malaysia
The famous Wawasan Bridge, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Ever more people are choosing to shun their homelands in the West and settling in Southeast Asia. Whilst Malaysia may not be the first name on people’s lips when discussing exotic destinations, there are many factors which makes moving here an attractive proposition. Standards of living are generally higher than Thailand or any surrounding nation, but costs stay low and there’s plenty of sunshine and beautiful beach for everyone.
In general it is Kuala Lumpur where most expats in Malaysia decide to settle. This is because the majority of job opportunities are found here, and the sight of smartly dressed Westerners is common on the metro and around the city centre. Many multi-national corporations have KL offices meaning that the chances of being able to move to the city are relatively high.
Expats in Kuala Lumpur tend to live around Bangsar, Kenny Hills or Damansara Heights, but the city end of Jalan Ampang also has its fans. Bangsar, situated a few kilometres west of the centre, is rightly considered the trendiest neighbourhood and there are numerous European restaurants, lively nightspots and boutique shopping in the grid of Tewali Streets. Being close to the metro is the key factor when living in KL as rush hour traffic is an unbearable headache.
Penang is also a popular spot for those with office jobs. The city has shrugged off its previous guise as a rubber exporting hub to become the centre of the Malaysian electronics industry. Penang ranked number 10 out of 255 cities in Asia for ease of living, demonstrating its appeal. Expats based in Penang normally take residence in a Georgetown flat or perhaps rent a villa on the beach. Batu Ferringhi is popular but just closeby is Tanjung Tokong where new developments of plush residential properties retail from RM800,000 to RM3 million.
Malaysia expats – culture shock
Culture shock takes a variety of forms and can take a while to truly sink in. An unfamiliar climate and diet can leave new expats queasy, and loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhoea can deteriorate into worse conditions. Relationships can get strained as the different way situations are handled in Malaysia start to irritate, and it’s not uncommon to be less tolerant towards local people and make unfair generalisations regarding their behaviour or embracing mocking stereotypes.
Malaysian flag symbolises 50 years of independence
Most difficulties arise when attempting to speak to people whose grasp of English is poor. But obviously, as a foreigner in someone else's country, it is your responsibility to learn the language. Basic Bahasa is surprisingly simple to learn, with language tapes and tuition easy to come by. A few words in the local dialect are wondrous for opening doors, getting the best prices when shopping and making new friends.
If the worst should happen and you find yourself in a conflict with a Malaysian; while it is never wise to lose your temper anywhere in Asia, don't accept people walking over you. Shouting and screaming is rarely how to get your way in Malaysia and you will probably just end up looking silly if you do so. Keep calm, explain yourself in level tones and try to smile. Have the telephone number for the police in your phone.
Malaysia expats – networking
Making friends or finding business contacts is the normal way in which expats can avoid homesickness and get in with a social group. Shared interests, such as tennis, golf or learning a language, can help new expats meet one another.
Expat bars are also great places to mingle in a social environment, and most cities have clubs where foreigners predominate. In addition, they may also have a printed magazine or be involved with a web forum to exchange views.
Living in Malaysia – accommodation
Renting an home in Malaysia is likely to be an expat’s greatest expense so it pays to spend a little time getting your living situation just right. A lot depends on the length of then lease and whether the property is being let unfurnished or is equipped with all mod-cons. A modern three-bedroom condo in KL’s trendy Bangsar district should cost around RM7,500 per month, with a centrally-located semi-detached house around the RM5,000 mark. Penang condos are around the same level with prices for beachfront villas rising sharply. For more on property in Kuala Lumpur or Penang real estate.
Of course, many people these days work from home and so have little need to stay in the big city. Working from a villa by a paradise beach is a great way to live in Malaysia, with opportunities for lunchtime snorkelling trips and watersports at the weekend. Many guesthouses will offer attractive discounts for long-stay guests. But for a little more comfort it is normally possible to find a house to rent if you ask about the area. Otherwise, property health insurance is another must with various companies such as Expat Health specialising in those working overseas.
Malaysia expats – education and schools
Most of the educational establishments which cater for the families of expatriates are found in the big cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur. In generally lessons are conducted in the national language Bahasa Malaysia, many establishments hold classes in English, Tamil and Chinese. And students can be prepared for university abroad with the syllabuses of US-style SAT exams or British A-levels studied.
