Job Discussion Forums

[unreasonable]

The 'original' mentoring gig in Malaysia was nearly 3 years (Jan 2011 to Sept 2013).

My wife and I were supervisors for 1 of the big 3 for 18 months at the beginning. We left for all of the unpleasant reasons you can find elsewhere over a year ago.

I see that 'round 2' is opening up with the same pay and situations but with quite different minimum qualifications required.

I thought I'd comment on the one thing that doesn't seem to be anywhere on the boards ... the weird tax rules in Malaysia.

When you start you are taxed at 26%. After 182 days of residency that drops to a retro-active sliding scale of 0 to 26% for the year (my wife and I paid 18% for the duration) - your income and allowances determine what tax you pay. The problem this creates is what happens if you start after June ... you don't get 182 days in that calendar year and thus your rate never drops ... you pay the full 26% and never get it back.

What is also no-where to be found, is the exact same thing is done when you leave. Your residency is re-calculated and vacations out of country and even day trips to Singapore are held against you. If you fall below 182 days - your rate is hiked back up to 26% and you must pay the difference to get your exit visa.

Our friend got burned quite badly by this when she left in June 2012 - it was her vacations that got her.

My wife had to re-schedule her resignation to avoid it while I left earlier without the exit visa. I was owed taxes but not as much as it would cost to change dates and flights and such (employers can be quite vindictive when they wish).

So the long and the short of it : start before June, leave after June and count your residency carefully

[Eijse74]

...

[christmas]

Just finishing my 7 month post here in Malaysia working for one of the companies involved in the mentor ship. For those reading this to determine whether or not to take a position and move to Malaysia, I have one word of advice. If your name isn't Mr. or Miss Resilient then think again. It isn't the workload that gets you here. The turn over is high for a reason.

[Eijse74]

...

[U99A]

I lasted just 4 months- could not take the isolation of my small boring town in Johor!!

[Hod]

Don't blame you for moving on. I understand if you don't want to say where you were, but just out of curiosity, what was the nearest big town?

Malaysia's got some great places, but none of them will be in the back of beyond.

[Jagariko]

[Kipling]

On a mentoring contracts can you bring your family? Could your child go into a local school near where you are based or based in a city if you are in the wilds. Could your wife work ? Anyone have experience of this.

Thank you in advance


Kipling

[2m01z]

[Whatever will be]

Kipling, your child could go to a local school if your child speaks a high level of Chinese (Mandarin), Indian (Hindi) or Bahasa (Malay).

The rattan is often used as to "spare the rod is to spoil the child" so be prepared for your child to be beaten by the teacher.

Otherwise, your child will have to attend an International School, which is rather costly, have often waiting lists and are only found in the cities.

Your partner's chance of finding work without a work permit are negligent, unless your partner is willing to work illegally, which is risky business.

[pooroldedgar]

They won't beat your child.