The country of Malaysia is separated into two sections by the South China Sea: Peninsular and East Malaysia. The terrain of coastal plains, dense forests, and mountainous regions make it an exciting tourist destination and even more inviting as a place to retire and relax. The warm climate makes it a breath of fresh air for those who have grown weary of extreme cold as seen in some parts of the US and Canada or even Russia. Being in the equatorial region, the annual monsoon is a major characteristic of the country. The rainforests here are the oldest in the world, surviving geographic and climatic upheavals for centuries.

As a federation of 13 states, Malaysia is a country rich in diversity with multiple ethnicities, cultures, and religions. The majority of the approximately 25 million strong population are Malays; a smaller percentage are Chinese, and less than 10% are Indian (of which most are Tamil). The last two are generally descendants of workers brought in by the British to work in the mines and on plantations in Malaysia. Small minority groups of Eurasians, Vietnamese, Cambodians, etc., and the indigenous tribes are also present.

The Malays are considered to be mostly Muslim. While a few may have apostatised, this process is rather difficult as it must be declared and defended to the Sharia’a court. Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus make up the rest of the religious sectors, along with the faiths practiced by the indigenous people or smaller minorities, such as animism, shamanism, Sikhism, Baha’i, Taoism, Confucianism, and traditional Chinese belief systems. The diversity of culture and religion displays the best examples of inter-religious tolerance and acceptance among the Malaysian people.

Although the national language is Malay, residents of the area can send their children to one of the several schools available, which teach in Malay, Chinese, or Tamil. Only Mathematics and Science subjects at the secondary school level are taught in English. The international schools, on the other hand, do conduct regular classes in English, as well. Public universities, as well as international university branch campuses, accept students for continuing education. Many schools offer an exchange program for Malaysian students to study abroad.

Adequate healthcare is available to those that need it. Efforts are underway to improve the current system and to attract foreign investment and foreign doctors of varied qualifications and expertise. Medical tourism is being encouraged and promoted as a cheaper alternative to similar treatments in industrialized countries like the US and Canada. Malaysia is, itself, seen as a newly industrialized country. The stable infrastructure with its international airports, seaports, extensive road networks, expressway, and strong telecommunications keep things running smoothly for businesses and residents alike.

Buying Property in Malaysia

For a foreigner interested in buying property in an exotic locale without being too far removed from the facility of city living, Malaysia has much to offer. From its beautiful beaches, tropical rainforest, and mountains to its stable infrastructure and economy, and all the comforts of the city, this is one country that truly has it all, making it a preferred destination for people from around the world.

Malaysian Property Market

The Malaysian government introduced a scheme called “My second home”, which is to try and attract retirees to invest in a property in Malaysia. Malaysia also welcomes foreign investors and second home buyers to hedge their bets on properties in Malaysia. The city is booming as many of the old parts of town are being cleared to make way for new super skyscrapers to compliment the Petronas Tower, which is a marvel to see. As well as the city investments, there are beach resorts springing up in Port Dickson, Sepang and Borneo.

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Real Estate in Malaysia