Malaysia
■ Population: 23,522,482
■ Capital: Kuala Lumpur
■ Mercer cost of living: 67.7
■ Life expectancy: 72 years
■ Literacy: 88.7%
■ Government: Constitutional monarchy
■ GDP per capita: US$9,000
■ Unemployment: 3.6%
■ Currency: Ringgit (RM)
■ Exchange rate: RM1 = £0.14; £1 = RM7
■ Languages: Bahasa Melayu
■ Climate: Tropical, hot and humid with two monsoon seasons
■ Expats: More than 60,000 expats, including many British.
Malaysia is a multicultural, modern society spanning two land masses. Mainland Malaysia occupies the southern part of the Malay Peninsula, while East Malaysia occupies the top third of the island of Borneo. Malaysia is a mountainous country, and boasts some of the world’s most ancient rainforest. Jobs and economy: Malaysia has one of the best standards of living in Southeast Asia, and a booming, and continually expanding, economy. It is the world’s largest producer of rubber and a major provider of tin. But the main economic driver is manufacturing, particularly electronics. Labour costs are relatively low and productivity is high.The main employment centres are Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Ipoh and Johor Bahru. English language dailies The Star and New Straits Times have good online job sections. Malaysia also has a reputation for being a largely safe country with a
low crime rate.
Education: English is taught in state schools, but the main curriculum is usually in Bahasa Melayu. There are, however, plenty of private international schools for foreigners.
Healthcare: Standards are high, but foreign workers have to use private clinics. If health insurance isn’t part of your employment package, you will need private insurance.
Renting: Expect to pay an initial deposit of one month’s rent plus two months’ rent and utilities deposit.The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is RM9,500 (£1,335) per month.
Buying: A decent apartment starts from RM256,125 (£36,000), which is the minimum price for foreigners investing in property and obtaining a mortgage (of up to 60 per cent). Approval is needed from the Foreign Investment Committee, and properties may not be sold within three years of approval being granted. Stamp duty is 1.5 to 1.75 per cent.There is
no annual property tax. Capital gains operates on a sliding scale, from zero to 30 per cent. Visas: EU nationals can stay for up to three months without a visa.To work, you will need
an Employment or Professional Pass, which your employer should apply for.Any accompanying family members need Dependents’ Passes. Tax: Income tax for residents is charged on a sliding scale of up to 28 per cent.You are classed as a resident if you are in the country for 182 days or more a year, any fewer and you are liable to pay 28 per cent as
a non-resident. Malaysia has a taxation treaty with the UK, so you won’t be taxed twice.