Practical Guide to Life in Malaysia – some essentials
One of the attractions of living in Malaysia is that everyday life is relatively easy to organise. Mobile connectivity is excellent in most populated areas, shopping and food delivery are convenient, English is widely used, and an enormous range of services can now be handled online.
There are, however, some differences newcomers should understand, from registering a Malaysian SIM card and paying utility bills to dealing with public holidays, domestic helpers, local etiquette and emergency services.
This guide covers some of the practical details that can make settling into Malaysia considerably easier.
Mobile Phones
Getting a Malaysian mobile number should be one of the first things a newcomer does. Local numbers are useful for banking, delivery services, ride-hailing apps, government services and the increasingly common use of WhatsApp by businesses.
Malaysia has several major mobile networks, including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Unifi Mobile and Yes. Both prepaid and postpaid packages are widely available, and eSIMs are increasingly offered.
Prepaid is usually the simplest option for someone who has just arrived. Foreigners must register their SIM using identification such as a passport. Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission guidelines specifically provide for the registration of foreign users and tourists using passport information.
Postpaid plans may offer better packages for heavy data users, but providers can have additional identification, deposit or residency requirements for foreigners.
Mobile data coverage is generally good in cities and along major transport routes, although coverage can be less reliable in remote parts of East Malaysia, rural interiors and some islands.
Internet
Fast home internet is readily available in most urban areas. Fibre broadband has become standard in many condominiums, housing developments and commercial buildings, although the providers available can depend on the building.
When renting a property, check which broadband companies serve the building before signing a long contract. Some condominiums have several options, while others are effectively tied to one infrastructure provider.
Installation can take several days or longer, so people who need to work immediately after arriving may initially rely on mobile data or a 5G home broadband service.
Before signing up, also check the contract period and early termination terms, particularly if your Malaysian visa or employment contract is shorter than the broadband agreement.
Utilities
Electricity, water and internet are the main household utilities most newcomers will need to arrange. Tenaga Nasional Berhad, usually known as TNB, supplies electricity throughout most of Peninsular Malaysia, while Sabah and Sarawak have their own electricity providers. Water services are organised at state level, so the provider depends on where you live.
In rented properties, some utility accounts remain in the landlord’s name, with the tenant paying the monthly bills. In other cases, accounts are transferred to the tenant. Make sure this is clearly stated in the tenancy agreement.
Many providers allow bills to be viewed and paid online or through mobile apps and Malaysian online banking. Malaysia uses 230V electricity at 50Hz and the British-style Type G three-pin plug. Gas arrangements vary. Many homes use electric cooking, while others use bottled LPG or, less commonly, piped gas.
Shopping
Malaysia is an extremely convenient place to shop. Kuala Lumpur and other major cities have large shopping malls ranging from luxury centres to neighbourhood malls offering supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, cinemas and everyday services. Malaysia’s malls often stay open considerably later than shops in many Western countries, with 10pm a common closing time.
Traditional shopping remains equally important. Wet markets are excellent for fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, while night markets, known as pasar malam, operate in neighbourhoods throughout the country.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, while QR payments and e-wallets have become common even among smaller businesses. Nevertheless, it remains sensible to carry some cash, particularly when visiting markets, smaller restaurants or rural areas.
Supermarkets
Newcomers will find everything from premium imported-food supermarkets to large low-cost hypermarkets. Higher-end supermarkets tend to carry imported meat, cheese, wine, European groceries and specialist products, while mainstream chains generally provide an extensive mix of Malaysian and international products.
Local fruit, vegetables, rice, noodles and many Malaysian products can be extremely good value. Imported Western foods, particularly dairy products, wine and certain specialist groceries, can be much more expensive. For fresh produce, do not overlook neighbourhood grocers and wet markets. They can offer excellent quality and considerably more variety than newcomers sometimes expect.
Online Shopping
Malaysia has embraced online shopping enthusiastically. Shopee and Lazada are among the best-known general online marketplaces, while supermarkets, pharmacies, department stores and specialist retailers increasingly operate their own online stores. Same-day and on-demand delivery are common in large cities. It is possible to order groceries, meals, medicine, household goods and even forgotten computer cables without leaving home.
As anywhere, buyers should pay attention to seller ratings, product reviews and unusually cheap offers. Counterfeit goods and online scams do exist, so expensive purchases should be made from reputable sellers or official online stores.
Domestic Helpers
Domestic help is relatively common among expatriate and Malaysian households, particularly families with children. Arrangements range from part-time cleaners who visit once or twice a week to full-time or live-in domestic helpers.
For occasional cleaning, many people use recommendations from friends, condominium residents or professional cleaning companies. Full-time foreign domestic helpers are more complicated because immigration and employment requirements apply.
Anyone employing a foreign domestic helper should ensure that the worker has the correct immigration permission and that the employment arrangement complies with current Malaysian requirements. Reputable licensed agencies can assist with recruitment and documentation.
Before employing anyone, agree clearly on salary, working hours, rest days, duties, accommodation if applicable and responsibility for expenses.
Postal and Courier Services
Malaysia’s national postal operator is Pos Malaysia, with Pos Laju providing express parcel services. Private courier companies are also widely used, and delivery networks are extensive throughout the country. In the Klang Valley and other major cities, on-demand motorcycle and car delivery services can deliver documents or packages across town within hours.
Condominium residents should check how their building handles deliveries. Some properties allow couriers to leave parcels with security or in designated parcel rooms, while others require residents to collect items directly. Make sure Malaysian addresses include the correct postcode, unit number and building name, as large developments can contain several towers with very similar addresses.
Public Holidays
Malaysia has a large number of public holidays reflecting its multicultural population and federal system. Some holidays apply nationwide, while others are specific to individual states or federal territories. Religious holidays can also move from year to year.
Major celebrations include Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, National Day on 31 August and Malaysia Day on 16 September. The Malaysian Government maintains an official calendar of important dates and public holidays, and newcomers should check the current year’s calendar rather than relying on previous dates.
Banks and government departments may close on public holidays, but shopping centres, restaurants and tourist attractions often remain open and can become especially busy.
Malaysian Etiquette
Islam is Malaysia’s official religion, but the country has substantial Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other religious communities. This diversity is visible everywhere, from mosques and temples to religious festivals and public holidays.
Visitors are generally welcome at many religious sites, but appropriate clothing is important. Some mosques provide robes or head coverings to visitors when required.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast between dawn and sunset. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, and restaurants continue to operate, although showing consideration when eating or drinking around fasting colleagues is appreciated.
Religious rules can also affect matters such as alcohol, halal food and entertainment, and regulations can differ between states.
Religion and Customs
Islam is Malaysia’s official religion, but the country has substantial Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other religious communities. This diversity is visible everywhere, from mosques and temples to religious festivals and public holidays.
Visitors are generally welcome at many religious sites, but appropriate clothing is important. Some mosques provide robes or head coverings to visitors when required.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast between dawn and sunset. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, and restaurants continue to operate, although showing consideration when eating or drinking around fasting colleagues is appreciated.
Religious rules can also affect matters such as alcohol, halal food and entertainment, and regulations can differ between states.
Languages
Bahasa Malaysia, also known as Bahasa Melayu or simply Malay, is the national and official language. English is extensively used in business, tourism, private healthcare and major cities, making Malaysia relatively easy for English-speaking newcomers to navigate.
Mandarin and a variety of Chinese dialects are also common, as is Tamil, while Sabah and Sarawak have numerous indigenous languages. Learning even a little Malay is worthwhile. Simple words such as terima kasih (thank you), selamat pagi (good morning) and tolong (please/help) are easy to learn and generally appreciated.
Weather
Malaysia has a tropical climate, so temperatures remain relatively high throughout the year. Humidity is also high, and sudden heavy rain is a normal part of life. Rather than four seasons, Malaysia experiences monsoon and inter-monsoon periods. The Southwest Monsoon generally runs from late May until September and the Northeast Monsoon from November to March. The Northeast Monsoon is the main rainy season and can bring particularly heavy rainfall to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and parts of Sabah and Sarawak.
Thunderstorms can be intense but relatively short-lived in Kuala Lumpur and other west coast cities. Flooding is an occasional concern, particularly during prolonged heavy rain. Drivers should never attempt to cross visibly flooded roads when the depth or current is uncertain.
Light clothing, umbrellas, sunscreen and air conditioning quickly become part of everyday Malaysian life.
Safety and Crime
Malaysia is generally straightforward to live in, but normal precautions still apply. Bag snatching, theft from vehicles and opportunistic crime can occur, so avoid leaving valuables visible in cars and take normal precautions with phones and handbags in crowded areas.
Online and telephone scams deserve particular attention. Criminals may impersonate banks, police officers, government agencies, delivery companies or acquaintances and attempt to persuade victims to transfer money.
The Police check suspicious bank accounts, telephone numbers and companies. Victims of financial scams should contact the National Scam Response Centre on 997 as quickly as possible. The Government states that the NSRC now operates 24 hours a day and advises victims to report incidents rapidly, contact their bank and make a police report.
Emergency Numbers
The most important number to remember in Malaysia is 999. Malaysia’s MERS 999 emergency system connects the public with the Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Ministry of Health emergency services, Civil Defence Force and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police, ambulance, fire and main emergency services | 999 |
| National Scam Response Centre | 997 |
| Malaysia Civil Defence Force | 991 |
| Talian Kasih welfare and abuse helpline | 15999 |
Talian Kasih operates 24 hours a day for issues including abuse, child neglect, family crises and assistance for vulnerable people. Save these numbers in your phone when you arrive rather than waiting until an emergency occurs.
Police
The Royal Malaysia Police is generally referred to by its Malay abbreviation, PDRM, from Polis Diraja Malaysia. For an immediate emergency, call 999.
For non-emergency matters such as theft, lost property, lost passports or incidents requiring documentation, you need to visit a police station and make a formal report. Keep a copy of any police report, particularly if the matter involves insurance, immigration, a stolen passport or financial fraud.
If your passport is lost or stolen, a police report will usually be an important part of the process of obtaining replacement travel documents from your embassy or high commission.
Government Services
A growing number of Malaysian government services can now be accessed online. The Government’s MyGovernment portal acts as a central gateway to digital public services and currently provides access to hundreds of services from different government agencies. It has a separate section for non-citizens.
Foreign residents are also likely to deal directly with specific agencies. Immigration handles visas and passes, JPJ deals with driving licences and vehicle matters, the Inland Revenue Board handles taxation, while local councils deal with various property, licensing and municipal services.
Government terminology can initially be confusing because agencies are frequently referred to by Malay abbreviations. It is worth learning the abbreviation of any department you deal with regularly.
Consumer Rights
Malaysia has consumer protection legislation covering goods and services, and consumers should keep receipts, invoices, online order confirmations and correspondence when a dispute occurs. For unresolved disputes, the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia provides an alternative mechanism for consumers seeking redress against suppliers or traders.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, the Tribunal can hear qualifying consumer claims of up to RM50,000. It is intended to provide a comparatively simple and accessible way of resolving disputes without conventional court proceedings. Consumers should normally approach the business first and provide it with an opportunity to resolve the problem before escalating the dispute.
Useful Apps
A smartphone can make living in Malaysia considerably easier. Grab is widely used for ride-hailing, food delivery and other services. Google Maps and Waze are useful for driving, while Touch ‘n Go eWallet is frequently used for payments and transport-related services.
Food delivery is dominated by apps such as GrabFood and foodpanda, while Shopee and Lazada cover much of the online shopping market.
Drivers may find MyJPJ useful for accessing certain Road Transport Department services, while electricity and other utility providers increasingly have their own apps.
WhatsApp is particularly important. Malaysian businesses, salespeople, restaurants, property agents, schools and service providers frequently use it as their main method of day-to-day communication.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Malaysia and there is no strong tipping culture. Many restaurants, particularly higher-end establishments and hotels, already include a service charge in the bill. In those cases, an additional tip is entirely optional.
For good service, customers sometimes round up a bill or leave a modest cash tip. The same applies to hotel staff, delivery riders and drivers, but there is generally no expectation of the 15 to 20 percent gratuities common in some countries.
Alcohol
Alcohol is widely available in many parts of Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and major tourist destinations. Beer, wine and spirits are sold in many supermarkets, specialist shops, bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants, although availability and licensing restrictions vary by state and local authority.
Malaysia prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years old. Alcohol can be relatively expensive because of taxes, particularly imported wines and spirits.
Malaysia’s Muslim population is subject to Islamic rules regarding alcohol, while non-Muslims can generally purchase and consume alcohol at licensed premises. Visitors should nevertheless be aware that attitudes and local regulations can be more conservative in some parts of the country.
Drinking and driving should be avoided completely. Ride-hailing services are inexpensive and widely available in the main urban areas.
Settling into Everyday Malaysian Life
For most expatriates, the practical side of living in Malaysia becomes familiar surprisingly quickly. A local phone number, Malaysian bank account, a few essential apps and an understanding of how local utilities and services operate will take care of much of everyday life. The rest is largely about becoming accustomed to Malaysia’s multicultural society, tropical climate and slightly different way of doing things.
One of the advantages of living here is convenience. Meals can arrive at your door in half an hour, bills can be paid from a phone, shops stay open late, and an enormous range of goods and services is available within a relatively small area.
Learn a little Malay, keep an umbrella nearby, save 999 and 997 in your phone, and give yourself some time to understand how things work. Before long, much of what initially seems unfamiliar simply becomes part of everyday life in Malaysia.