Living in Malaysia
Peaceful Environments
Ranked 28th in the 2015 Global Peace Index, Malaysia is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in the world with a relatively low crime rate. Malaysia is also free from most natural disasters, and the weather is sunny and rainy all year without extreme cold of hot weather conditions.
Reasonable Cost of Living
A major advantage for international students who choose to study in Malaysia is the relatively reasonable cost of living. While the cost of living largely depends on your accommodation and your personal lifestyle, it is generally affordable for the cosmopolitan lifestyle that Malaysia offers.
The typical expenses of students living in Malaysia are listed below:
• Accommodation: RM300-800 (€60-160)
• Food: RM400-600 (€80-120)
• Laundry: RM40-60 (€8-12)
• Public Transport: RM50-100 (€10-20)
• Communication/Internet: RM30-60 (€6-12)
• Reading Materials: RM50-100 (€10-20)
• Personal Expenses: RM200-400 (€40-80)
• Medical Insurance: RM30-60 (€6-12)
Food in Malaysia
With its delightful varieties of cultures and traditions, Malaysia is undeniably a food heaven that offers a sumptuous range of cuisine. Malaysians love their food and most will agree that there is no other country in the world that has as much variety of food that tastes so good. The price of the food is so affordable that you van ear out most of the time during your stay in Malaysia.
Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines are easily available at most restaurants and hawker stalls. At the same time, there are many restaurants that serve cuisine from all over the world – American, Middle Eastern, Thai, Italian, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean and many others. Fast food outlets serving burgers and pizza can be found easily. Halal food is available everywhere and there are ample eateries that offer vegetarian food. Eating out in major cities is convenient as many restaurants are open 24 hours.
Colourful Culture
Malaysians celebrate the festivals of different communities together, giving them the opportunity to learn more about various cultures. During these festivities, the official residences of Malaysian leaders are open to the public. Malaysians also invite guests to their homes for friendly get together while partaking in the festivity. It is no wonder that many tourists have remarked that Malaysians are very hospitable, welcoming and warm-hearted.
Muslims from other parts of the world can definitely feel at home here with Muslim celebrations like Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The Chinese celebrate Wesak Day (a Buddhist festival) and the Lunar New Year. For Hindus, Deepavali and Thaipusam are more important festivals while the Sikhs celebrate Vasakhi. Christmas is celebrated by Christians in Malaysia; Pesta Kaamatan is celebrated by the people of Sabah; and the Dayak Harvest festival, marked by family reunions, cultural dances, kenduri (feasts), games, beauty contests and public entertainments, is celebrated in Sarawak.
Malaysian Currency
Monetary transactions are conducted in Ringgit Malaysia (RM or MYR) and sen. The notes are in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100. Coins are issued in 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen pieces. Credit cards are also widely accepted at commercial business, while travellers’ cheques can be cashed at any commercial bank, hotel or authorised money changer.
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