Embassy Contact

Hi! Edwin here to give you the Embassy contacts located at you home country and in Malaysia.

Malaysian Embassies

Malaysian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 572 9700.

Malaysian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 8033.

Malaysian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 241 5182.

Malaysian High commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 61 200 300/310.

Malaysian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5990/1/2/3.

Malaysian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 667 7280.

Malaysian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 385 2439.

Foreign Embassies in Malaysia

United States Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2168 5000.

British High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2170 2200.

Canadian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2718 3333.

Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2146 5555.

South African High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2170 2400.

Irish Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2161 2963.

New Zealand High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2078 2533.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Bersih 3.0 Gathering Allowed- Malaysia News

Hi! Edwin here to talk about a recent news on Bersih 3.0 rally gathering.

22 April 2012- The Star Malaysia News today reported that the Bersih 3.0 rally gathering is allowed, but not at Dataran Merdeka. This order was given by Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, Malaysia’s Home Minister.

To recap, the previous 2007 Bersih rally and Bersih 2.0 were held on 10 November 2007 and 9 July 2011 respectively both were campaigning for electoral reform and Bersih 3.0 was planned and announced last month after the Parliamentary Select Committee published the final report on Electoral Reforms. The organizers claimed that the report were insufficient to address the issues they raised following the previous Bersih 2.0 rally.

The reason why Dataran Merdeka was not allowed for Bersih 3.0 gathering was that Dataran Merdeka is only designated for national events. Although the Malaysia’s Peaceful Assembly Act allows this sort of gathering, it also stipulates guidelines on how the gatherings should be conducted.

Malaysia Police presence is imminent.

Hishamuddin defended authority actions during Bersih 2.0 citing lack of reaction could have been condemned similar to what happened at the London riots which happened during 6 to 10 August 2011.

How will this affect tourism in Malaysia? Are you traveling to Malaysia on the day of gathering? Share your thoughts and leave a comment below!

What to Do in Pulau Perhentian

Hi! Edwin here to talk about what to do in Pulau Perhentian and when to visit Pulau Perhentian.

Pulau Perhentian is arguably one of the best islands in East Coast Malaysia. Pulau Perhentian Besar (bigger) and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (smaller) are two parts of the Island. The bigger island has more establishment and other amenities that the smaller doesn’t. However, the smaller island has plenty of motels and chalets that cater to budget travellers and backpackers.

Pulau Perhentian is located near Redang Island and Lang Tengah Island. Take a boat from Kuala Besut, Terengganu to Pulau Perhentian. Boat trip takes about 30 minutes.

Thousands of tourists flock to Pulau Perhentian every year to visit its well-preserved Corals reef that is excellent for snorkelling. Not only tourists, even locals find it hard resist the temptation to visit this beautiful and exciting feature of Pulay Perhentian.

There are many boats there with locals offering their services to guide your snorkelling or scuba diving trips. Mask, snorkel and flippers are available for rent. Local food is available at small villages and resorts, but International cuisines with fresh seafood are also served at restaurants at resorts.

If you opt for something more exciting, then go for the Jungle trekking tour and discover the lush Rainforest Pulau Perhentian has to offer. Most jungle treks are well marked and easy to follow, although you may choose to hire a guide. One of the trails leads to a waterfall, which folklore has told that the water has healing properties.

Take note that most restaurants are closed quite early at night, so be sure to keep some snacks with you in case you get hungry at night although bars and pubs may open till much later.

The best time to travel to Pulau Perhentian is between April to September. Heavy rainfall monsoon starts from late October to early March. The more popular places of accommodation at Pulau Perhentian Besar are Panorama Resort, Perhentian Paradise and Flora Bay Resort are upscale hotels in the area with affordable room rates, albeit steep prices during peak seasons.

Take note that the Boat service from Kuala Besut to Pulau Perhentian is only available from 8 am to 4 pm, so do not miss the last ride. 

If you intend to visit Pulau Perhentian, booking a room now would be an excellent idea because rooms are usually full during peak seasons. Use the search hotel gadget (courtesy from Hotelscombined.com) below to search and compare features and prices of all hotel rooms available in Pulau Perhentian. Just select the dates and click Search.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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5 Must Know Tips When Taking Taxi in Malaysia

Hi, Edwin here to talk about 5 Must Know tips when you take a taxi.

For some, taking a taxi is a daily routine. Others find it difficult to escape from some unscrupulous bad apples that have taunted the good others. Overcharging is one of the more common consequences if you are not careful.

To say they are criminals is an overstatement. After all, every business runs on a willing buyer, willing seller basis.

However, equipping yourself with some of the best tips, you will be better able to seek for the best deals when taking a taxi in Malaysia.

Malaysia Taxi Tips 1#

Whenever possible, arrange your transportation with your travel agent before you arrive in Malaysia. Otherwise, call to hire a cab from a reputable taxi company.

Malaysia Taxi Tips 2#

When you are at the airport, taxi touts are everywhere. These are accomplices to unlicensed taxis lurking around unwary foreigners and first time visitors getting ready to pounce on you. Overcharging is common. Robbery is rare but possible as they are not licensed. Our advice is to politely reject their offer and proceed to the designated taxi counter in the airport.

Malaysia Taxi Tips 3#

Identifying a proper taxi is one essential point many chose to ignore. Budget city taxis are Red and White in color or yellow. Blue taxis are luxury taxis and will cost more than budget taxis.

A proper taxi would have the mandatory taxi permit and license displayed clearly at the passenger dashboard with their photo and car number plate on it. Your travel insurance may void in any case of a mishap if the taxi is unlicensed or unpermitted.

Malaysia Taxi Tips 4#

Insist on using a metered taxi. Although it is a mandatory regulation that taxis use meters, some do not comply. More likely than not, the price offered will be much higher than if the meter was used.

Malaysia Taxi Tips 5#

Have a map with you whenever you travel. Knowing the distance to your destination may prove useful. The first advice I got from an old timer in KL was that no place around the city of Kuala Lumpur should exceed RM 30.

Additionally, although you may insist on tipping the driver, however, it is not a common practice in Malaysia to tip.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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When To Travel To Malaysia

When to travel to Malaysia

Hi, Edwin here to talk about what are the best times of the year to visit Malaysia.

I get asked this question very frequently from our loyal readers of Malaysia Information Site who are planning their vacation trips to Malaysia so I thought I’d write it down in a post for everyone.

If you are visiting the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia, we would strongly encourage you to plan your travel during April to September. Heavy rain Monsoon season starts from October to early March. Many island resorts near the beach coastline are closed and watersports are strictly discouraged. Even fishermen take time off during October to December, while sea activities are slower from January to March.

If you are planning to travel to West Malaysia, any time of the year can be a good idea. However, temperature may be hotter during January to March but rainfall is almost constant throughout the year.

As for Sabah or Sarawak, June to August is the best time to visit Borneo. Here is when the local harvest festival, Hari Gawai is celebrated. Avoid Janurary and December months at all costs due to heavy rain pour similar to the West coast of Peninsula Malaysia.

Take note that hotel and other accommodation prices are normally lower at off season periods and may skyrocket once the better season starts. Therefore, it is advisable to book your hotel in advance.

Search and compare features and prices of the hotels available in Malacca using the Search Hotel gadget (courtesy of HotelsCombined.com) below to help you get the best deal.

 I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Malacca Malaysia

Day-Trip Ideas on What to Do in Malacca

Hi! Edwin here to discuss what you can do for a day trip in Malacca and where to stay in Malacca.

Malacca is the only state in Malaysia that has a mix of Portuguese culture and heritage. It is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Getting to this place is just an hour drive from the KLIA airport or 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Lets start with some history of Malacca. Before the Portuguese came, Malacca was a strategic trading port for the much sort after spices and it made sense they controlled it. The A’Famosa fort was built on St Paul’s hill by the Portuguese during the 16th century to fend off attacks by the Dutch who also wanted to control the strategic spice trading port.

Today, the A’Famosa fort ruins is a major tourist attraction in Malacca. The intricate architecture and sculptures left an important mark on our history, culture and heritage. The Portuguese descendants today live in a small community in Malacca and are mostly Catholic Christians.

The Baba Nyonya culture is opulent in Malacca, from tasty Nyonya cuisines to the traditional attire seen on the streets. Some of the local favourites are ayam panggang, ikan bakar and satay celup can be found at food stalls within the vicinity of the City.]

If you desire to discover the culture and heritage of the Baba Nyonya, then visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum on Heeren Street, which is parallel to Jonker Street. Historical artefacts of the past are displayed and take note that prior appointment is needed for a guided tour.

One of the more popular resorts in Malacca is A’Famosa Resort which houses the Cowboy Town, where cowboy inspired architecture and lifestyle can be seen felt. You may also visit here for a day trip.

The Cowboy Town has restaurants, a massage center, shopping village, Disco and pub and a bowling centre along the one lane town. If you are there and crave for some good meat, then going in The Ranch Steakhouse can be a good idea.

Or if you fancy a touch of Mother Nature, then visiting the Melaka Zoo at Ayer Keroh for a Night Safari can be an excellent idea. They also offer other adventurous activities like horse riding and elephant ride.

Just a few kilometres from Ayer Keroh, pay a visit to the Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN, where life-sized houses built depicting local architecture of all 13 different states of Malaysia. Some of the more exotic houses displayed are the long house of Sabah and Minangkabau House of Negeri Sembilan.

Malacca can be visited all year round as it is located on the west coast of Malaysia with temperature and rainfall pretty constant throughout the year.

There are many hotels and other accommodations available in Malacca from upscale Renaissance Melaka Hotel and Equatorial Hotel to a vast lot of hotels catered for budget travellers.

Search and compare features and prices of the hotels available in Malacca using the Search Hotel gadget (courtesy of HotelsCombined.com) below to help you get the best deal.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

Go from Day Trip Ideas on What To Do in Malacca to Malaysia Holidays and Malaysia Information

FAQ Answered - Differences between Service Charge, Sales Tax and Governement Tax

Hi! Edwin here to answer one of the frequent question asked by my foreign friends who intend to do business in Malaysia and they often get confused if service charge, service tax and government taxes are all the same

A service charge is a charge over and above the cost of goods or services imposed by business to its customer, normally stated in the bill. This is normally applied in the hospitality industry and the normal rate is 10%.

The establishment then accumulates the charge into a fund and is to be paid to its workers. Service charges can be a replacement for tipping charge albeit not necessary.

Service tax or government tax is a legislated tax at rate fixed at 6% (effective From January 2011) imposed under the Service Tax Act.. This is imposed by businesses in the hospitality industry (or any services industry) under license by the Customs Department.

The service tax collected by the business is paid to the government once every two months. Service tax is not imposed on the service charge but on the cost of goods or services provided.

Only businesses and the type of services that are listed in the Second Schedule of the Service Tax Regulations 1975 are subject to licensing and payment of service tax.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Baba and Nyonya Culture and Heritage in Malaysia

Hi! Edwin here to talk about the Baba Nyonya Culture and Heritage in Malaysia.

The Baba Nyonya community is very distinctive from other ethics and races such as the more common Chinese and Indian. You may have often heard of the Peranakan ethnic but they are really similar to the Baba Nyonya.

Peranakan and Baba Nyonya refer to the descendants of Chinese immigrants who arrived in Malaysia during the 15^th century as traders, which is not to be confused with Malaysian Chinese who arrived in Malaysia in the 19^th century used by the British to work the tin mines.

These people are often intermarried with the native Malays in Malaysia, particularly in Malacca and most of them are fluent in Bahasa Melayu. Most Baba and Nyonyas can converse in Chinese Hokkien dialect.

Folklore has it that in the early 15^th Century, the Emperor of China sent a beautiful princess by the name of Hang Li Po to the Sultan of Malacca as a token of appreciation. This has sparked the first Baba Nyonya tradition.

Read more about Baba and Nyonya cuisines at the Malaysia Food section.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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A list of Private Universities and Colleges in Malaysia

Private Universities in Malaysia

• AIMST University

• Asia Pacific University College of Technology

• Binary University College of Management

• Cosmopoint International University College

• Help University College

• International Medical University

• INTI International University College

• Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College

• LIMKOKWING University

• Multimedia University - Cyberjaya Campus

• Multimedia University - Melaka Campus

• Nilai International University College

• Open University Malaysia

• Sunway University College

• Taylor's University College

• Universiti Kuala Lumpur

• Universiti Teknologi Petronas

• Universiti Tenanga Nasional (uniTen)

• Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

• Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

• University College Sedaya International

Private Colleges in Malaysia

• Asia Pacific Institute of IT

• ELS Language Centres

• EQUATOR Academy of Art & Design

• FTMS College

• Han Chiang College

• HELP International College of Technology

• Informatics College Kuala Lumpur

• Institute of Advertising Communication

• Institut Megatech

• INTI International College of Penang

• INTI College Sabah

• INTI College Sarawak

• INTI College Subang Jaya

• KBU International College

• KDU College

• Kolej TAFE Seremban

• Kolej Tunku Ja’afar

• Kolej Poly-Tech MARA

• Kolej Yayasan UEM

• Lagenda College

• Malaysian Institute of Art

• MAHSA College

• Methodist College Kuala Lumpur

• Multimedia College

• NEW ERA College

• Olympia College

• Penang International Dental College

• PJ College of Art & Design

• PNC International College of Nursing

• Raffles Design Institute

• SEGI College

• Southern College

• Stamford College

• Sentral Technology College Penang

• Taylor's College School of Tourism

• Taylor's College Petaling Jaya Campus

• The ONE Academy of Communication Design

• The Otomotif College

• TPM College

• TRAVEX International College

Foreign Owned Universities in Malaysia

• Curtin University of Technology

• Monash University Malaysia

• Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)

• University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

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Do You Need a Malaysian Visa?

Hi! Edwin here to discuss whether you need a Visa or not when traveling to Malaysia.

I got this information from the Malaysian Immigration Department, so you may check whether you need a Malaysian Visa when you travel to Malaysia.

________________________________________________

 

Nationals of these countries do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visits for not more than three 3 months. Otherwise, a visa is required.

ARGENTINA, ALBANIA, ALGERIA, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA, CZECH and; SLOVAK, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, HUNGARY, ICELAND, ITALY, JAPAN, KRYGYZSTAN, LUXEMBOURG, NORWAY, PERU, SOUTH KOREA, SPAIN, SWEDEN, TURKMENISTAN, TUNISIA, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

BAHRAIN, MOROCCO, UNITED ARAB EMIRATE, OMAN, JORDAN, QATAR, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA, LEBANON, TURKEY, EGYPT 

________________________________________________

Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/ business visits of not more than 14 days. Otherwise, a visa is required.

AFGHANISTAN, IRAN, IRAQ, LIBYA, SYRIA, EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, BALTIC AND COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES (CIS)

________________________________________________

Nationals of these countries do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visits of not more than thirty (30) days. Otherwise, a visa is required.

ARMENIA, ATZERBAIJAN, BULGARIA, ESTONIA, GEORGIA, KAZAKHSTAN, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, MOLDOVIA, RUMANIA, RUSSIA, TADJIKISTAN, UKRAINE, YELORUSS

________________________________________________

Do note that the above requirements may change without notice and it is advisable to contact a Malaysian embassy in your home country for the latest information.

See also-

How to apply for a Malaysian Visa

Types of Malaysian Visa

Malaysian Visa Fees 

Go from Do you need a Malaysian Visa to General Information on Malaysian Visa 

Malaysia Hawker Food

Hawker Food- A Malaysian Affair

The extraordinary Malaysian Food Experience

Hi! Edwin here to talk about the Malaysian Hawker Food affair and the top 5 reasons to try Malaysian hawker food.

There are generally two types of hawkers in Malaysia. Roadside hawkers operate by the side of the road and restaurant hawkers typically rents and operates at a small section of a restaurant. Both similarly caters to middle to lower income groups.

One restaurant can have 3 up to 10 hawker stalls, which may also operate on the road surrounding the restaurant. Every hawker restaurant will have only one main anchor tenant selling Economy Rice.  Chinese hawkers usually are restaurant hawkers. Malaysian Restaurant Hawkers occupying a restaurant may work in shifts to cater for breakfast, lunch and dinner and some includes supper.

On the other hand, Malays usually operate as roadside hawkers. Roadside hawkers are usually operate in an area to themselves although sometimes two stalls may established within the same area. All of them serve Economy Rice and may include desserts and rarely drinks. 

Dishes are home-cooked and they usually operates as early as 5.00 am in the morning and ends their day at around 11.30 am, just before lunch. Lunch-time roadside hawkers will be available from 11.00am onwards and no one hawker will operate more than one shift.

It is generally advisable to choose stalls where patrons are aplenty. Here are top 5 reasons I usually give to my foreign guests in Malaysia not to miss the Malaysian Experience.

1. Operating on a small area or even by the roadside saves rental costs so food is usually much cheaper. 

2.  You'll be amazed to know that well patronized roadside hawkers will have their food sold out even before you begin your work at around 7 am. So this makes a good reason for you to wake up earlier and get to work early (No, I am just kidding on this one) ok, the reason is if they are sold out today, tomorrow's dishes will be cooked fresh from the market

3. Dirty and hygiene issues are weak excuses not to try them. Those many patrons flocking over the stall every morning means the food is nothing more than a wholesome home cooked meal

4. Get a chance to meet and mingle with the locals. Hawker restaurants have an informal setting which allows everyone to meet and chat at anytime that conventional restaurants don't.

5. Most of these home-made chefs-by-training have their local recipe passed on by their ancestors. If you are in Kuala Lumpur, some of these hawkers come from other rural areas or other states like from Kelantan or Terrenganu so you get to taste their authentic Nasi Dagang and Nasi Kerabu without having to travel. Sounds like a good deal?

Are you convinced now and get out there and try them? Or have I not. Please do contact us if you wish to add any points here or ask us a question.

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Top 5 Malaysian Chinese Believes and Superstitions You Must Know

Hi, Edwin here to talk about Top 5 Malaysian Chinese Believes and Superstitions You Must Know when you are in Malaysia.

Malaysian Chinese have more superstitions and believes that you thought you know. From numbers to colors, all these details may convey a different message. While your intentions may be true and good, it may be perceived the opposite. Enjoy!

1. Black is a color for funerals. Avoid wearing black when visiting a Malaysian Chinese family during festive days such as Chinese New Year.

2. Number 4 is a number perceived as 'Death'. This is because the Chinese pronunciation for number 4 is 'Death'. It is best to give gifts in even numbers and try to avoid giving in 4's

3. Do not give a clock or watch for a Birthday present. Clock is perceived as "time's up" also means death has come.

4. Contrary to Western culture, Chinese do not open gifts in front of the giver when received.

5. Do not panic if your gift is initially rejected. Malaysian Chinese believe rejecting a gift until the giver is insists on giving, to avoid showing greediness

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10 Important Do's and Don'ts Malaysia Culture Tips

Hi, Edwin here to talk about 10 most important Do's and Don'ts Malaysia Culture tips when you are in Malaysia.

Everyone are friendly by nature. However, some circumstances may turn them to a different direction. There are a lot of misconception, while your intentions maybe good but may perceived as inappropriate or hostile by another. 

As they say, a man's meat may be another man's poison. This leads to our first tip

1. Certain meat are prohibited by different religions. Muslim are prohibited from consuming Pork or any parts of a Pig. Some Indians and Chinese are religiously prohibited from eating Beef.

2. During the fasting month of Ramadhan, Muslims are prohibited from eating or drinking water during the day. Drinking in front of a fasting Muslim should be avoided.

3. Avoid confronting, insulting or criticizing another person publicly. Malaysians generally do not accept criticism publicly and may cause problems

4. Most Malaysians eat with their right hand (instead of a Fork and Spoon). The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or handshake.

5. The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.

6. Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples.

7. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.

8. Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol

9. Drugs are strictly prohibited by law and may carry a death penalty

10. Malaysians generally do not hug (unless initiated by the lady)

If you have any other cultural tips you would like to share, please contact us so that we can share with other readers!

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10 Tips You Must Know When Shopping in Malaysia

Hi! Edwin here and let’s talk about some tips that may come handy when shopping in Malaysia.

Shopping Tip No. #1

All sales in Malaysia are in denominated in Ringgit Malaysia. If you have USD or other foreign currencies, you may change them to Ringgit at the money changer (all major shopping malls have them) or at the bank branch. Changing money with strangers is not advisable.

Shopping Tip No. #2

Most shopping malls accept credit cards, Visa and Master Card

Shopping Tip No. #3

High-end luxury branded goods sold dirt cheap at street market or night market is dubious

Shopping Tip No. #4

To get the best deals, you can and are encouraged to haggle at street markets and night markets for everything except for food. Food and certain souvenirs are not negotiable. Haggling in shopping malls is not advisable

Shopping Tip No. #5

You can hop from one shopping place to another by taxi and train. But the stores in Kuala Lumpur are almost in close proximity to the one another that taking a walk wouldn’t hurt and you’ll never know what you might discover along the way. 

Shopping Tip No. #6

Ringgit is denominated in RM 50, RM 10, RM 5 and RM 1 notes, while coins are denominated 10 cents 20 cents 50 cents.

Shopping Tip No. #7

All clothing stores have a designated trying room, so try them on before you purchase.

Shopping Tip No. #8

Keep your receipts. Most goods are non-refundable but some may be lenient.

Shopping Tip No. #9

Price displayed may not be your final payment. Malaysia has sales and service tax of 6% of certain goods and services.

Shopping Tip No. #10

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are highly taxed. Duty and tax free items can be purchased at all International Airports. All shopping malls in Langkawi Island sell duty free goods.

Malaysia Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT)

Hi! Edwin here to talk about Malaysia Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT.).

Real Property Gain Tax

Capital gains are generally not subject to income tax in Malaysia. However, real property gains tax is charged on chargeable gains arising from the disposal of real property situated in Malaysia or of interest, options or other rights in or over such land as well as the disposal of shares in real property companies.

Effective from 1 January 2012, gains from the disposal of residential and commercial properties are taxed between 0% and 10% depending on the holding period of real properties as follows:

Holding Period	RPGT Rates
	Companies	Individual (Citizen & PR)	Individual (Non-Citizen)
Up to 2 years	10%	10%	10%
Exceeding 2 until 5 years	5%	5%	5%
Exceeding 5 years	0%	0%	0%

The RPGT rates will not burden genuine property onwers as they are given exemption and the payment of RPGT is based on net gains as follows:

i. RPGT exemption on net gains from the disposal of one unit residential property once in a lifetime by an individual who is a citizen or a permanent resident of Malaysia;

ii. RPGT exemption on gains from disposal of property between parents and children, husband and wife, grandparents and grandchildren;

iii. RPGT is charged only on net gains after deducting all related costs such as purchase price, renovation costs and incidental cost e.g legal fees; and

iv. Exemption up to RM10,000 or 10% of the net gains, whichever is higher, is given to an individual.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Tips and advice when buying or renting properties in Malaysia

Hi Friends,

Renting in Malaysia is fairly simple. A rental agreement has an effective period ranging from half a year to a few years. Deposits for utilities and rental prepayment for one to two months is a normal.

Get to know whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. Usually you will be able to view the property before renting. If you are unable to view the property before arriving in Malaysia, you may appoint a professional property agent to view for you.

Properties bought from a developer will be unfurnished include no light fitting and no furniture unless stated otherwise in the sales and purchase agreement.

We advise buying homes which are already issued with certificates of fitness but if you intend to purchase from developers, ensure that it is a reputable company.

Also ensure that your lawyer does a thorough check with the local land office that you have ownership rights to any property that you are purchasing. Profit made on the sale of property is 5% (Real Property Gains Tax).

Interest on loans to buy your property is tax deductible from your rental income. The higher your loan amount the more interest deductible from your rental income. If you are eligible and is a participant of the MM2H program, interest on loans for expenses incurred for certain home renovations or improvements are tax deductible

Some expenses incurred for renovation of your property is not tax deductible, so be sure of what you are spending money on.

Keep a safe record of all the receipts for expenses incurred for renovation and other home improvement expenses if you intend to deduct from your RPGT. The Malaysian tax authority may audit you and there is penalty imposed for not keeping tax records.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Where to Buy or Rent Properties in Malaysia

Hi Friends,

Edwin here to discuss where in Malaysia is a good place to buy or rent and some tips when you intend to purchase or rent a property in Malaysia.

Like any other country, the most important point is the location. A good location makes a whole lot of different. A cheap house at a flood prone area or a ghost town is worth second to nothing. Selling will be a problem.

Nonetheless, expats in Malaysia generally prefer to live within a community of other expats. Kuala Lumpur is one expat community due to close proximity to their workplace. Most of them work in KL on work permits.

On the other hand, other places like Langkawi and Penang are popular destinations for retirees and more expats there settle for vacation lifestyle. Less populated and a slower pace of life suits retirees who wants to enjoy life the fullest. All imported products, tobacco and alcoholic beverages are sold duty free in Langkawi Island. What’s better than this?

For your information, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are highly taxed. Did you know that Malaysia has the second highest excise duty for alcoholic drinks in the world, after Norway, and the highest in Asia Pacific? During my leisure trip to Langkawi in early 2012, I noticed the increasing number of Westerners (mostly elderly) either visitors or expats living there.

Upon conversation with several of them, one retiree expat mentioned that he has flocked from Bali and Phuket to Langkawi. Both being equally magnificent beaches and sceneries but Langkawi reigns in stability and safety.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Major Property Developers in Malaysia

Bandar Raya Developments Berhad (BRDB)

Gamuda Land

Mah Sing Group

Mulpha International Bhd

SDB Properties

Sime Darby Property

Sunway City Berhad

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H)

Hi! Edwin here to talk about the Malaysia My Second Home Program, (MM2H).

MM2H is a Ministry of Tourism’s initiative to promote foreign settlement in Malaysia. Upon meeting certain criteria, a foreigner may stay in Malaysia as long as he wishes on a multiple entry social visit pass as well as enjoy various incentives for property purchase, car purchase and education.

The requirements to participate in MM2H are mostly monetary requirements to show that you have the financial ability to live in Malaysia in case you are unemployed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The more prominent incentives that you may get if you participate in this program are as follows:

• allowed to bring in your car without paying import tax or
• purchase a local assembled car without needing to pay excise duty and sales tax
• allowed to purchase more than one property (subject to minimum price of RM 500,000)

If you are keen to know more details on this programs you may contact the Malaysia My Second Home Centre.

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

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Malaysia My Second Home Centre (MM2H)

Malaysia My Second Home Centre (MM2H) Contact Information

Ministry of Tourism Malaysia Level 23,

Menara Dato’ Onn Putra World Trade Centre 

50695 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Tel : +603 – 2696 3351 

Fax : +603 – 2698 8533 

Website : http://mm2h.motour.gov.my
 

I hope this information is useful for you. If you have anything to add or to comment, you may Contact Us.

Go from MM2H to Malaysia Holidays and Malaysia Information