Chris and Christina Fletcher
An Australian and a Malaysian talk about relocating to Malaysia from their home in Australia Chris and Christina Fletcher moved to Malaysia from Australia in 2003 under the Malaysia My Second Home programme. Christina is Malaysian and moved to Australia to attend school many years ago and liked it so much she stayed and made her career there. They met and married in 1991.
What was the main reason you decided to come and live here?
Chris: I took early retirement due to ill health in 2001. We moved to Bali first which we like a lot but it does not have the infrastructure available here. Since, we both loved Malaysia and the cost of living offers a great lifestyle, it was an obvious choice.
Why did you choose to come and live here?
Chris: We love the weather, the affordability, and lifestyle. The food is wonderful and you can travel easily and inexpensively around Malaysia and the rest of the region. Malaysians are friendly and live peacefully together.
Where did you set up home?
Christina: We originally decided to live in Penang and stayed there one year before moving down to Kuala Lumpur, which is closer to my family. We purchased a home in USJ, Subang Jaya, which is convenient for the airport, major highways, and visiting my family.
Did you visit Malaysia much before you actually moved here?
Christina: Yes, we have been coming back every year since our marriage 14 years ago.
Are there things you do not enjoy about living here?
Chris: I cannot get used to the way people drive here and their lack of basic road manners. The enforcement is not as tough as we are used to in Australia.
Did you find time to do any travelling in Malaysia in the last year?
Chris: Yes, we love travelling and discovering places. We drove up the east coast and took the boat over to Redang Island which is breathtaking, we have also been to Penang, Malacca, and Seremban.
What do you miss most about your country?
Chris: The good air quality, the courteous drivers, and my friends and family back home. Fortunately they do come and visit us.
Do you feel the MM2H programme can be improved?
Chris: There should be a one-stop source of information and application. I also think there should be a club to help MM2H settle and network. It would be preferable if they gave us an ID card so we were not required to carry our passports. It would also be very welcome if they allowed us to buy a replacement duty free car after five years. I would also welcome a Seniors Card that would give us the same discounts they offer to the local seniors. These cards are available in most western countries.
Have you made many friends here?
Chris: As a retiree we tend not to mix much with other expats as most of them are working. But we have met lots of locals and Christina has a large extended family.
Any final thoughts?
Chris: Malaysia is a great place to have your second home whether it is for retirement or a good base to travel and see the world. It offers a great lifestyle at an affordable price. I have named my e-mail signature "the Happy Second Homer" because I am one.
