The Land of The Longhouses, The Mulu Caves

& The Petronas Towers

Information on Relocating to Malaysia

• The capital city of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur with about 2.5 million people. The political centre is in the new capital of Putrajaya where the President resides. Malaysia is a Commonwealth country.

• Languages: The languages spoken are Bahasa Malaysia (official) English, Cantonese and Tamil. The TV programs are generally in Bahasa Malaysia or English with Bahasa Malaysia, English or Mandarin subtitles. Satellite TV is available and offers numerous channels.

• Population: The population is about 26 million people - 50% are Malay, 30% Chinese, 10% Indian and 5% others.

• Expat areas: Kuala Lumpur and Penang are the primary Expat locations within Malaysia.

• Housing: In general, expatriates live in Kuala Lumpur and the suburbs; and in Penang close to the beaches. There are houses and condominiums in the city and suburbs for rent. Condominiums are the primary option in the city, and detached and semi-detached houses in the suburbs. Families with children tend to live in KL or the suburbs to be closest to the international school of choice. There are four international schools in the KL metropolitan area.

• Cost of housing: Housing in Kuala Lumpur can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 1200 for a small apartment in the city to US$ 5000 and more for a modern house in the suburbs. The local currency is RINGGIT MALAYSIA (RM).

• Schools: There are 2 American International Schools offering education from pre-K to grade 12; 2 British International Schools offering all grade levels based on the British school system; German and French schools.

• Transportation: Good public transport facilities are provided in the main centers and to some suburbs. KL has an excellent LRT (Light Rail Transit) railway. The LRT does extend outside the city to a few select suburbs. Tickets are purchased – pay as you ride. Taxis are very inexpensive, but you must be careful of dishonest drivers.

• Bank: The banks are open on Monday–Friday from 9.15 am – 3.30 pm and alterative Saturday mornings from 9.00 am – 12 noon. Banks in Kelantan and Terengganu open Sunday-Thursday 9.15 am -4.00/4.30 pm.

• Shopping: Monday-Sundays from 10.00 am - 10.00 pm for most shops and shopping centers.

• Climate: Located just above the equator, Malaysia’s climate is tropical and monsoonal. The lowlands are subject to high temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) in the mornings to 34°C (93°F) in the afternoons with extremely high humidity. Temperatures in the highlands can be 10°C (50°F) cooler.

• Culture: Kuala Lumpur offers many museums, theaters, concert halls, and local cultural events, but programs are almost always in English. Movies are in their original language with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles.

• Public holidays: January 1st-2nd-New Year; May 1st-Labour Day; August 31-National Day; Dec 25th Christmas Day; 2 days for Chinese New Year (falls between mid January to mid February); 1 day for Awal Muharrum (Muslim New Year – varies according to the Muslim calendar); 1 day in May for Wesek (to celebrate the attainment of Nirvana for the Buddha); 1 day in June for the official birthday of the Agong (King); 1 day for the birthday of Prophet Mohammed varies according to the Muslim calendar); 1 day in October/November for Deepavali (Hindu festival of lights); 2 days for Hari Raya Puasa (end of fasting month for Muslims – varies according to the Muslim calendar).