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Depending on the state where you reside, you may find the experience finding housing and accommodation differs from state to state.

Generally, there are more housing options in larger and developed townships like Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru. Units like condominiums, apartments, townhouses and landed houses are readily available for rent.

Finding a rental property in Malaysia typically involves several steps. Here is a breakdown of the process:

Just like any other countries, getting utilities in Malaysia may need some getting used to. For instance, the electrical plug associated with Malaysia is the G type which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The supply voltage for Malaysia is 240V. Familiarizing yourself with options and service providers in Malaysia can help you settle in with ease.

Here are some of the information of basic utilities in Malaysia:

Malaysia offers a comprehensive healthcare system accessible to non-citizen, comprising public and private sectors. 

Here's an overview of healthcare options in Malaysia:

Malaysia offers a well-connected and efficient transportation network, making it easy for locals and visitors to explore the country. 

1. Driving in Malaysia

Driving in Malaysia can be very straightforward. Malaysia has a developed and well-maintained road network connecting major cities, suburban and rural areas. 

Foreign nationals from country signatories of the 1949 Convention On Road Traffic Geneva and from ASEAN countries are allowed to use their domestic driving license for a limited period, based on terms and conditions below:

Early education plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Malaysia offers a diverse range of early childhood education and childcare services to meet the needs of families from various cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

Types of Childcare in Malaysia

Malaysia’s education system offers a structured and holistic approach to developing young minds through primary and secondary education. The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) ensures access to quality education for all children, emphasizing academic excellence, character building, and national unity.

There are two channels to enroll your child for formal education in Malaysia, which are through the public or private education.

Public School

The mainstream education system in Malaysia is primarily designed for Malaysian citizens, but foreign students are welcomed to enroll in public schools under certain terms and conditions.

Here’s quick guide if you wish to enroll your child to public schools in Malaysia:

Public Schools in Malaysia

Malaysia is culturally diverse, and just like any other countries, it has its own unique cultural norms and customs. For non-citizens, understanding the specific cultural norms can help them integrate into Malaysian society and enrich their overall experience.

Religious Observance

Malaysia is deeply influenced by Islam, and you may see customs such as:

• Observing prayer times or call to prayer
• Fasting during Ramadan
• Attending Friday prayer at the mosque

Dress and Modesty

• Wearing hijab for Malay women is considered a socially accepted culture
• When entering any religious places like mosque and temples, dress modestly or wear head covering
• Avoid public displays of affection and loud or disruptive behaviour

Meal Etiquette

• Using right hand to hold utensils/eat food is considered clean and hygienic
• Some Malays and Indians prefer to eat with their right hand as it is culturally normal, so don’t be alarmed if you see people forgo their utensils during meals

Social Etiquette

• A handshake between male and female has to be observed during the approach. Some Muslim women prefer to put their right hand on the chest to signify a handshake as it is not permissible for them to shake hands with other males that are not a family member
• When walking in front of the elders, most will prefer to bend their heads as a show of respect
• Taking off shoes before entering a house is common practice

Salam Sejahtera! Want to learn some Bahasa Melayu?

For foreigners, learning and adapting to a new language is no easy feat. But with practice, you will find that Bahasa Melayu is practically and grammatically easy to understand.

Take a look at these basic words:

• I - Saya
• You - Awak
• Want - Nak/Mahu
• What - Apa
• When - Bila
• How - Bagaimana
• This - Ini
• That - Itu

These basic words will help you get started with additional vocabulary as you go along.

Here are some basic greetings in Bahasa Melayu :

• "Selamat pagi" – Good morning.
• "Apa khabar?" – How are you?
• "Terima kasih" – Thank you.
• "Maaf" – Sorry.
• "Berapa harga ini?" – How much is this?
• “Jom makan” - Let’s eat.

Learning these common phrases is a great start for foreigners wishing to engage in everyday conversations in Malaysia.

You can also take basic classes for Bahasa Melayu, but we recommend mingling and befriending with the locals. You will find that conversational Bahasa Melayu is slightly different from formal ones. 

Listen to the way locals speak. Most of the time, they will use shortened wordings like “ni” for “ini” and “tu” for “itu”, which are considered normal conversational words in Malay.

To facilitate financial transactions, many local and international banks in Malaysia allow non-citizens to open bank accounts, provided they meet certain documentation and eligibility requirements.

Below is a list of major banks and financial institutions in Malaysia:

Local Banks

• Maybank (Malayan Banking Berhad)
• CIMB Bank
• Public Bank
• RHB Bank
• Hong Leong Bank

Foreign Banks Operating in Malaysia

• HSBC Bank
• Standard Chartered Bank
• United Overseas Bank (UOB)
• Citibank Malaysia
• Deutsche Bank
• Bank of China

Non-citizens can generally open either savings accounts or current accounts, depending on their status and banking needs.

Key requirements typically include:

• A valid passport
• A valid visa, employment pass, student pass, or dependent pass
• Proof of Malaysian address (e.g., utility bill or tenancy agreement)
• A minimum deposit amount (varies by bank and account type)
• Sometimes, a letter of employment or institutional reference

Banks may also conduct identity verification and risk assessment. The requirements may differ between banking institutions, so be sure to check with your respective agents or bank officers.

Malaysia is generally considered a safe country, with public spaces being well-patrolled. The agencies responsible for maintaining safety are:-

1. PDRM

In Malaysia, The Royal Malaysia Police or Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) is responsible for maintaining law and order. Auxiliary police stations provide point of contact for those needing help or reporting concerns.

2. BOMBA

The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, known as BOMBA plays an essential role in fire safety and other hazards relating to humans and property. BOMBA main services include extinguishing and controlling fires, protecting life and property, and carrying out humanitarian service during disasters.

If you and your spouse plan to give birth in Malaysia, there are several steps you need to take. Below is some guide on registering your newborn:-

1. Eligibility

• Your child must be born in Malaysia.
• If both you and your spouse are non-citizen, your child will be registered as a non-citizen.
• If your spouse is a Malaysian, your child is eligible for Malaysian citizenship under specific conditions outlined in the Federal Constitution.

2. Steps to Register Birth in Malaysia

You may register your child’s birth at the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara - JPN).

• Where to Register : Nearest JPN office or branch
• Timeline : Peninsular Malaysia Normal: Within 60 days of the child’s birth Late registration: > 60 days Sabah & Sarawak Normal: within 14 days Delayed registration: between 15 - 42 days Late registration: >42 days

If the registration is delayed, you may be charged a late fee.

Thinking of getting married in Malaysia?

The process for marriage registration for non-citizen is generally similar to that for Malaysian citizens, but there are specific procedures and requirements needed.

Below are the key steps to register your marriage in Malaysia:

Process of Getting Married for Non-Citizen in Malaysia

Divorce is a deeply personal and often challenging experience, especially when experiencing it in a foreign country. For non-citizens in Malaysia, the process can feel overwhelming due to unfamiliar laws, cultural differences, and language barriers. However, understanding the steps and support available can make this journey more manageable.

Below are some of the information about marriage dissolution / divorce in Malaysia:

Experiencing death of a close family in a foreign country can be devastating, if not traumatizing. Here is the step-by-step of what you should do if your loved ones passed away:

A Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) is a certificate issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (MOFA) which verifies an individual's records during their stay in Malaysia. 

This certificate is strictly for abroad use only and is often required for purposes such as employment, education, or emigration abroad.

Application Process

Online Submission

• Submit your application through the e-Konsular portal:

Gaining Malaysian citizenship is a significant milestone for many individuals seeking to make Malaysia their permanent home. The pathway is governed by the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. It involves fulfilling specific eligibility requirements and undergoing a thorough application process. 

**The current pathway is valid until the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 is passed.

Below are the current pathways for acquiring Malaysian citizenship: