Leaving the UK for Malaysia: An Expat's Perspective

This article summarizes a conversation between two YouTubers, one of whom recently relocated from the UK to Malaysia. They discuss the reasons behind the move, focusing on cost of living, safety, and quality of life. Mr. Soles, the special guest, shares his experiences living in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and compares it to his life in the UK.

Initial Experiences in Kuala Lumpur

Mr. Soles had a brief layover in KL in 2022 and instantly fell in love with the city. He described KL as an "up and coming place" with great weather, a low cost of living, and friendly, diverse people. He was drawn to the city and wanted to experience living there long-term.

Reasons for Leaving the UK

Mr. Soles felt the UK was "only getting worse on every level," citing political and economic decline and a decreasing standard of living. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current government and encouraged others to experience life in a different country, even if only temporarily. The other youtuber shared concerns about safety, citing personal experiences with crime in London. They felt the UK lifestyle was becoming "boring" despite financial stability.

Safety Concerns in the UK vs. Malaysia

Both individuals emphasized the improved sense of safety in Malaysia compared to the UK. The youtuber described feeling unsafe walking alone at night in London, a situation they don't experience in KL. Mr. Soles agreed, stating that many women feel safer in Malaysia than in the UK or USA.

They discussed the prevalence of crime in the UK, highlighting statistics about unsolved sexual and violent crimes. The youtuber shared an anecdote about a friend's stolen car where the police were unable to assist, contrasting it with the ease of receiving fines for minor traffic violations.

Cost of Living Comparison

The conversation highlighted the drastically lower cost of living in Malaysia. The youtuber mentioned the absence of council tax in Malaysia, a significant expense in the UK. They discussed high taxes in the UK, coupled with increasing utility costs and a perceived lack of return on investment for taxpayers.

Mr. Soles shared the sentiment that the money from UK taxes is being used for global projects instead of the people in the UK. The pair note that despite this the living standard of the people is falling.

Immigration in the UK vs. Malaysia

The youtuber expressed concerns about the UK immigration system, suggesting it's dysfunctional and encourages exploitation of the system. They contrasted this with Malaysia, where immigrants are expected to contribute to society without extensive legal rights. They felt the UK system prioritizes the rights of immigrants over the needs of its own citizens.

Quality of Life in Malaysia

Mr. Soles found the overall quality of life in Malaysia to be much higher than in the UK. He praised the efficient transport system in KL, including the extensive highway network. While acknowledging traffic congestion, he found parking easier and more convenient than in Edinburgh. The duo also note the amount of highway coverage is far higher in KL than in the UK.

Food in Kuala Lumpur

Mr. Soles raved about the food scene in KL, highlighting the diversity of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Malay, and European. He was impressed with the quality of Japanese food, comparing it favorably to what he experienced in Japan. Both agreed that the food is significantly more affordable than in the UK, especially for Westerners earning in stronger currencies. They highlighted the availability of affordable meals at hawker centers and a range of restaurant options.

Surprising Aspects and Future Plans

Mr. Soles was pleasantly surprised by the amount of green space in KL, describing it as "a city in a jungle." He plans to continue living in KL and intends to visit the UK to see family, but prefers life in Malaysia. He has lived in Japan and noted that he thought that KL was far more chill and laidback in comparison.

Mr. Soles stated he prefers KL over Bangkok due to Bangkok's "monoculture" and because KL is a smaller city, which he said he prefers.

The youtuber sees a trend of British YouTubers and Westerners relocating to KL.

Conclusion

The conversation provides a compelling perspective on the factors driving individuals to leave the UK and seek a better quality of life in countries like Malaysia. The focus on cost of living, safety, and cultural differences highlights the complex considerations involved in making such a significant life change.