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In
this section you can read about people living in Malaysia with an
MM2H visa. If you are an MM2H visa holder and want to share your
views then please contact the website owner Andy Davison at andyd@expatkl.com.
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" Malaysia has a high ‘standard of living’ compared to many countries, at least in the capital, but you can’t simply judge a country purely based on standard of living. What is just as important is that Malaysia seems to be a stable country." Frank Lambert [ read the interview ] |
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" It was easy and I always recommend the programme to people I meet. The pleasant people, the nice climate and low cost of living in Malaysia, plus the relative ease of getting the visa make Malaysia a great place to live, especially when you’re retired." Adrian Reginald Butler [ read the interview ] |
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" One of my favourite holidays was spent in Langkawi, which is much more beautiful than any island in Thailand or Indonesia, in my opinion. In Sabah, the diving is great. I went to Sarawak two times to visit the National Parks and then to Kuantan, Redang Island, Penang, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, Johor Baru, Terengganu and on numerous occasions to the Genting Highlands. " Thomas Semadeni [ read the interview ] |
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" The cost of living here is reasonable, as is the cost of health care and the quality of health care is excellent, we hear. The opportunity to explore nature is a major draw. I feel much more comfortable living in a country with a common legal system and there is a real sense of freedom here that you don’t have any more in western countries; you can do as you wish so long as you don’t bother anyone else,” Ian & Chitomi Pash [ read the interview ] |
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" The advantages of living in Malaysia all begin with the letter ‘C’ – climate, culture, cuisine and cost. The continual warmth and virtual 12 hours of daylight are a huge boon. The cultural mix makes acceptance here easy. The cuisine is so varied and good quality and this makes entertaining and socialising simple and enjoyable. Lastly, the cost of living here is so much more acceptable " David & Pauline Edney [ read the interview ] |
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" I was looking for somewhere warm, probably tropical in climate, where the cost of living was less expensive. I am gregarious, so I wanted somewhere near a large city, but not to live in a central city area-just be able to travel into town for the night life if and when I wanted. Malaysia has provided most of what I was originally looking for and the MM2H programme made the decision even easier.” Michael William Martin [ read the interview ] |
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" We travelled around the world looking for a place to settle down, after many years of hard work. We got close to going to the Caribbean and also Thailand. Eventually we decided that Sabah in Malaysian Borneo appealed the best to us! We first came here on a scuba diving holiday, then returned twice more. That clinched it for us." Dick Sluijmers & Ineke Hertogh [ read the interview ] |
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" Malaysia is one of the top five countries that are rich in biodiversity. “You have the verdant jungle, amazing flora and fauna, tropical climate and beautiful islands… it is truly a fascinating country. It is, however, quite a challenge to have a balance of economic development and environmental preservation.” Matthias Gelber [ read the interview ] |
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" Malaysia is as westernised as Australia. The infrastructure is just amazing. Although some habits such as spitting and littering are offensive, at least there are no drunks on the streets. Yes… the people are very friendly here and Malaysia is such an easy place to live in. People in Terengganu are the friendliest in my opinion." Balfour Ross [ read the interview ] |
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" I liked the location because it’s near Australia, India and Singapore – the countries where we carry out businesses often and Kuala Lumpur is very convenient for us. The quality of living is quite good although there are some downsides, as is in any country. Overall, Malaysia is a good place to be as the general population is warm and friendly. " Dean & Simonetta Smith [ read the interview ] |
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" The cost of living – much more reasonable than the Caribbean – and the climate and the friendliness of the people. When we fi rst arrived we were at a mall and were going down the escalator. On the other side was a group of teenage boys coming up. When they saw us they nudged each other and then they all yelled “Welcome to Malaysia!” What a great welcome… that had never happened to us before in any other country." John & Olga Zepke [ read the interview ] |
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" It totally suited our lifestyle and Malaysia welcomes you to live in their country and treats you the same as the locals. The fact that they welcome expats to live here and don’t give you continual visa hassles as elsewhere, plus as a long as you don’t work here there are no tax obligations, which is fair, as I spend my money here. " John & Kiki [ read the interview ] |
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" Britons Brian and Jo Clayton are happily settled in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and love the friendly and casual atmosphere that Malaysia has to offer. Having lived in this country under the MM2H program for a year, the Claytons made time for The Expat to tell us all about their life here. " Brian & Jo Clayton [ read the interview ] |
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" Malaysia is the ideal blend of a low cost of living with a high standard of living, so a UK pension (tax free under MM2H ) is worth much more than in UK. The recent removal of capital gains tax on property is also an important factor." Edward & Siti Pertinez [ read the interview ] |
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" Following a vacation in Melaka, Penang, Langkawi etc … I knew Malaysia had gentle and happy people. Another trip to Kuala Lumpur a year later and I was hooked. I met such wonderful people and I like the laid-back lifestyle.." David H.Harding [ read the interview ] |
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" Malaysia is the perfect balance of quality of life versus cost of living. Comparing Malaysia to other Asian countries, Malaysia represents the best value in the region." Michael Lamb [ read the interview ] |
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" I’m a nature lover and I have always dreamed of living in a tropical country and it is also peaceful with no language barriers... Shawgi. I like friendly people and warm places and the homes are affordable compared with other places... Buthaina." Shawgi & Buthaina [ read the interview ] |
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" We like the stable government which looks after its people. And it is partly for fi nancial reasons, some things are cheaper in Australia, although overall Malaysia is cheaper. We also intend to travel every four to six weeks, and will use Penang as a springboard to visit the rest of SE Asia." Pat & Tom Collinson [ read the interview ] |
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" The people here are very nice. Overall, the social side of it and the choices of dining out and entertainment are very conducive. Plus, the race relations in Malaysia are also better, compared to some other places. It’s a peaceful place." Paul Tyminski [ read the interview ] |
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" The laid back feel here is refreshing. Of course, we are also very happy with the warm tropical climate. Even as foreigners, we have no problems with Malaysian customs. Everyone is always good to us and we love the quality of life here. But most of all, we love the great Malaysian cuisine." Daniel & Eleonora [ read the interview ] |
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" I had become a bit of a city rat in Tokyo and still enjoy the big city experience. KL is a nice step down from the ultra-urban Tokyo environment – to something greener, with less density and more relaxed. The restaurants, the nightlife, the ready availability of goods and services and the malls… all of which are great. I really love Bangsar in particular. It’s cosy, comfortable, interesting and convenient. Everything I need is here." Karl Hutchison [ read the interview ] |
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" The overall ambience of the country, Malaysia is a nice place to settle down. Well, one reason is because most of my family members are here. We also considered Penang and Langkawi. We think that the city life is more conducive for us " Roger & Mee Mee Ditch [ read the interview ] |
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" The people here are so friendly and always smiling. For me, that’s very refreshing. Of course, in Malaysia it’s also easy to employ a maid. The good food here is another plus point. You can get all types of food here, anywhere and anytime. " Eddy & Maithe Indonesia/France [ read the interview ] |
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" This is our first MM2H interview brought to you all the way from the beautiful land of Sabah. This month, Britons Steve and Eva Telenius-Lowe share with The Expat their experience and adventures in living in Malaysia under the MM2H programme. Happy and settled in East Malaysia, they are proud to call Malaysia their second home. Steve is from England and Eva hails originally from Sweden. " Steve & Eva United Kingdom/Sweden [ read the interview ] |
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"I like living in a tropical climate, being able to get up early and not have to feel pinched and hunched over with the cold. If I had to put it into a single sentence, I would just say that I feel at home here." Vicki Fennessy Australia [ read the interview ] |
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"We wanted to fi nd a quiet place in a stable country, with modern amenities and an established infrastructure and a great climate." • Bella "We like the friendly people, the relaxed lifestyle, the reasonable cost of living and of course, the weather. We especially like eating outdoors and love the abundance of fresh fi sh here." • Steve Steve & Bella Howse United Kingdom [ read the interview ] |
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"After a few years very happy stay in KL, we started talking about it to friends and visitors from Japan. We were so proud of this nice city and pleased about our decision to move here. We enjoy everything we do here, sports, cultural activities especially connected to singing and dancing, volunteer works for MM2H promotion, eating, drinking..." Sakamoto & Yoko Yasuhiko Japan [ read the interview ] |
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"I love the people who are so friendly, especially all our neighbours who have made us feel so welcomed. We have become an instant “Aunty and Uncle” to so many children. We both love to travel and the opportunities we have here are wonderful." • John Carol-Anne Reynolds & John Cox United Kingdom [ read the interview ] |
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“I like the warm tropical weather here, although that is often the opposite of the Malaysian view-point. In addition, it’s tax-free for pensioners.” Willem A. & Patricia Whitlau Netherlands [ read the interview ] |
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“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.” • Chris Chris & Christina Fletcher Australia [ read the interview ] |
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“Penang fits the bill as the home-away-from-home because of the large expat community and of course, the good food! Another good thing is that English is widely spoken here.” • Robert Robert & Eileen Slater Scotland [ read the interview ] |
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“The high standard of living at reasonable cost in an interesting, multicultural environment.” • Angela Dieter & Angela Jarosch Germany [ read the interview ] |
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“We were impressed by the ease of communication, the simplicity of the retirement scheme, the relatively low cost of living, the access to top quality medical care, excellent sporting opportunities, easy availability of domestic help, and the year-round pleasant climate.” • Bob Bob & Helena Holland United Kingdom [ read the interview ] |
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“I love living here. There is lots for the kids and I to do. We have some really nice friends, some of whom I met through schools and the expat associations.” • Michelle “I have travelled far and wide but I still regard KL as my favourite city. The people are so accommodating and friendly wherever you go.” • Peter Peter & Michelle Butler United Kingdom [ read the interview ] |
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“The wonderful array of food choices at very affordable prices and the climate here is much more pleasant than a cold, wet, and windy alternative.” • Raymond “The amalgamation of people/races/religions all living in harmony and with an appealing open house policy in operation during the key festivals is something the rest of the world could learn from. I also wanted our children to continue their education here, as we were very impressed by the level of education.” • Joy Raymond & Joy Keys United Kingdom [ read the interview ] |
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"Malaysia is 'the' place to retire as it's friendly and you never feel cold. No regrets at moving here as each day we discover more and Malaysia is now our comfortable established home. The MM2H programme invites you to move to paradise even though the rules can cause confusion. Friends are strongly encouraged to move here where, life begins again." Harry & Stephanie Boswell United Kingdom [ read the interview ] |
