Job Discussion Forums

micropiglet · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject: Regarding Kuala Lumpur

Hi everyone.
I just wanted to post a few thoughts, after looking around at the wildly differing bits of advice that are floating around about life here, especially as some are from people who no longer live here!
There are lots of jobs here...but you can't just arrive and expect to walk into one and survive really. It needs a bit of planning. This is not Thailand or Cambodia. I really wouldn't suggest it as a destination for anyone wanting to do a few months and then head off again.
I have invested a few years so far here, and have been richly rewarded. It wasn't all easy, but definately worth it.
I wouldn't recommend KL for those who want to party and paint the town red every night. Doing that is expensive (and silly.)
A wage of RM4000 is enough to live well on, and pay rent. I did it for two years. Other doors have opened, and I now earn more, but life was rich and rewarding enough on RM4000. I have been all over Malaysia, and the region on that, and not had to penny pinch at all.
Schools will even hire non native teachers, without Celta's, and I know a number of people who are happily working (legally, with work permits) in this situation...earning around 3000rm per month.
KL is a modern city. It has a better public transport system than the UK really. The east coast is stunning. Like Thailand was 20 years ago, before it was raped by tourism.
I have spent the last 22 years travelling in Asia and South America, and I am as happy here as I have been anywhere previously. It just requires some effort and focus and staying power to make it work for you. Like most things in life really. Very Happy

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

I was reading an article today http://money.cnn.com/2007/03/19/magazines/business2/Liverich_global.biz2/index.htm?postversion=2007032008 that suggested buying real estate in Malaysia as an investment. I'm going to do a few more searches but do foreigners have better property rights there than most other places in SEA? In most of those countries (Thailand, China, etc) you pretty much don't have property rights or can't be assured of a visa to live in it.

micropiglet · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 1:24 am Post subject:

The situation here changes quite often. Or at least the money that you need to have in the bank to qualify for the scheme changes.
You are required to have a large sum in the bank, and to have an overseas generated income, as owning property here does not give you the right to work. It's carefully monitored. Youcan't just turn up and buy, settle in and stay. Personally, I think it is a rip off, and investing in Asia (unless you are a multinational) is a terrible idea.
You can find lots of helpful information at www.alloexpat.com
The Malaysian section of the forum has lots of advice on this subject.
Hope this helps!