Despite climb in ranking, expatriates seek more improvements in cities

Both Kuala Lumpur and George Town was ranked 16th most liveable cities in Asia and 118th in the world for expatriates, in a survey done by ECA International last week.

In 2014, Kuala Lumpur was ranked 16th while George Town was ranked 17th.

Despite the climb, some expatriates currently residing in Kuala Lumpur are calling for improvements which could potentially boost the city’s ranking.

"I believe a major concern for expatriates in Malaysia is personal safety. Living in the Kuala Lumpur city centre, I hear more and more stories of bag snatching especially against single women. This matter, if taken care of, could improve the ranking of Kuala Lumpur," said Managing Director of Light Cibles Malaysia Datuk Setia Aubry Mennesson.

Mennesson is an expatriate who has been residing in Kuala Lumpur since 2009.





When asked about the recent index, Mennesson said Kuala Lumpur’s ranking could be higher.

"As a permanent resident in Malaysia, my judgment could be biased, but I find that Malaysia deserves to be ranked higher especially in comparison to Singapore which is ranked number one.

"I find Malaysia’s climate, the availability of health services, access to internet, leisure facilities and infrastructures are not far different from Singapore, but with a cheaper cost of living,” he said.

Entrepreneur Casmad Sanuri from Indonesia also spoke highly of Malaysia. Married to a Malaysian, he has been living in Malaysia since 2003.

"I prefer Kuala Lumpur. This city has everything we need, maybe it's not perfect but it is a really good city to live in especially when you have young kids.

"Malaysia was also ranked the fourth world’s top shopping destination by CNN Travel 2012 and the second best shopping city in Asia Pacific by The Global Shopper Index 2012 too. Pretty good ranking, but would everyone agree?” asked Casmad, who runs an Indonesian restaurant at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya.


He would however like to see some improvements made in the service sector.

Due to Malaysian employers’ reliance on foreign workers, good communication skills is essential as it could affect Malaysia’s image, he said.

"Malaysians now hire many foreigners as waiters and security guards and it is very important for these sectors to hold continuous training on basic customer service, communication skills, mannerism, because these people are directly communicating with all customers who don't know if they are Malaysian or foreign workers.

"Sometimes we have communication problems due to the language and we must remember that these hired staffs affect the Malaysian image especially to tourists,” he said.

He also noted that transportation such as taxis need to be upgraded.

"I am sure people won't mind to pay extra if the taxi itself is in a good condition and the drivers are being polite too,” he added.



In another survey Malaysia was ranked as the top five retirement destination based on International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index of 2014.

Paula Murray, from England, has been residing in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme for five years and she is not surprised by Malaysia’s current ranking.

"I am always cautious about rankings and about the criteria's used since one’s own circumstances and needs will influence how each country is viewed on an individual basis. This said, I am not surprised that Malaysia scores so highly in the table and is the top in Asia.

"It is vibrantly moving forward, developing its education system and human capital, facilitates and infrastructures and access to health and education for its people – outside of major urban centres – which is an essential ingredient for a country’s progress,” she told Astro AWANI.

Paula and her husband first arrived in Malaysia in 2007 for a holiday. Having travelled to various parts of the world, the couple’s “radar" to settle in Malaysia felt right.

Initially, the cost of living was a pull factor, but several other elements were just as crucial in the equation.

"In all honesty, since between exchange rate decreases — we obviously bring our disposable incomes to Malaysia in foreign exchange — and the increases in the cost of living in KL, one has to be more cautious about ones budget and purchasing. These elements would be a factor wherever one is but the added value is that people are generally warm and friendly where mutual respect applies, the family unit is still important and not breaking down in the same way as it is the the West

"Malaysia’s attitude to the elderly is something I admire since to me how a society treats its more vulnerable is a measure of the society’s worth. In the West, regrettably, this is being eroded in my opinion,” she said.


Despite the kind words she has for her adopted country, Malaysian drivers continues to irk her.

"The roads! I just hate the driving. I come from England where roads are relatively safe and road safety is a high priority where rules, codes and laws are rigorously enforced.

"When I drive here and people do the most dangerous maneuvers putting themselves and those drivers around them at unnecessary and great risk often only to gain a few meters. Overtaking on the left, on the inside is just so dangerous and I am always so curious that Malaysians outside of a car are often so different than when they go behind a wheel. And then there are the cycle riders. I look forward to improvements in this regard,” she said.

In an earlier interview with Astro AWANI, MM2H Programme’ director Ahmad Salwadi said Tourism Malaysia will be working closely with the survey organisation, International Living to identify what are lacking in the country.

“This requires the cooperation of various parties and ministries to ensure that Malaysia continues to be a destination that is comfortable and nice for the retirees," he said.