Living in Malaysia: Property Basics and Considerations
Introduction
Good day everyone! Welcome to my new episode on living in Malaysia, focusing on property basics. Recently, I've received numerous questions regarding buying property in Malaysia, as well as retiring in Malaysia, working in Singapore while living in Johor Bahru, and spending time in Johor. These are common concerns, especially among Singaporeans, as highlighted in a recent article in the Straits Times about an influencer who moved to Johor Bahru with her family to escape the high cost of living in Singapore and enjoy a better quality of life. In this video, I will address various aspects of retiring in Johor Bahru or having a life there while maintaining a connection to Singapore.
Who is Suitable for Living in Johor Bahru?
- Retirees: Retirees have the flexibility to control their schedule and can easily enter and exit Johor Bahru. Reducing the cost of living is a significant advantage during retirement.
- Work-From-Home Professionals: If you have a job that allows you to work from home or requires minimal office attendance, living in Johor Bahru can be a great option. Many professions, such as IT, customer service, and online businesses, offer remote work opportunities.
- Business Owners: Business owners have the freedom to manage their time and can enter Singapore as needed. If you're not involved in day-to-day operations, living in Johor Bahru can be convenient.
- Flexible-Hour Workers: Some frontline service jobs, like nursing or airport work, offer flexible hours. This allows you to avoid peak traffic times and enjoy a better work-life balance.
Legal Requirements and Visas
To stay in Malaysia legally, you have several options: 1. Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H): This is a popular visa for long-term stay in Malaysia. I have covered this visa in detail in a previous video, along with other types of visas such as education visas, employment passes, digital nomad visas, and the standard 30-day tourist visa. You can find the link to that video in the description below. 2. 30-Day Tourist Visa: As an ASEAN member, Singaporeans are eligible for a 30-day tourist visa to Malaysia. While this visa is intended for tourism purposes, many people use it for short-term stays in Johor Bahru. However, it's important to note that immigration officers may question frequent travel and overstaying. It's advisable to have a valid reason for your visits and avoid abusing the visa.
Travel
Cross-border travel between Johor Bahru and Singapore can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Here are some tips to make your travel easier: 1. Private Transportation: If you have a car or motorcycle in Singapore, you can use it to travel to Johor Bahru. Avoid peak hours to minimize traffic congestion. 2. Public Transportation: Buses are a convenient option, especially during off-peak hours. The KTM train is another alternative, but tickets sell out quickly, so it's advisable to book in advance. 3. Future MRT Link: The MRT link between Woodlands and Johor Bahru is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2026. This will provide a faster and more convenient mode of transportation.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Malaysia is generally lower than in Singapore. While it's difficult to provide an exact figure, I estimate that a budget of S$1,000 per person per month is sufficient to cover food, utilities, transportation, and other essential expenses. However, this may vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.
Housing
If you're new to living in Malaysia, renting a property is a good option to try it out before buying. Leases in Malaysia are typically one year, and you'll need to pay a deposit of about 2.5 months' rent, plus an additional half month for utilities. Rental prices vary depending on the location and type of property. In the city center, a one-bedroom condo can cost around RM2,000 to RM2,500 per month, while in the suburbs, it can be around RM1,500 to RM2,000 per month.
Security
Contrary to popular belief, Johor Bahru is a safe place to live. While there may be some crime, it's no more dangerous than any other city in Malaysia. As with any place, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Medical
If you're a foreigner in Malaysia, it's advisable to use private clinics or hospitals for medical treatment. Government clinics can be crowded, and the waiting times can be long. Private clinics typically charge between RM60 and RM100 per visit, including medication. Dental treatment is also much cheaper in Malaysia than in Singapore. In case of serious medical emergencies, there are several international hospitals in Johor Bahru that accept insurance.
Internet Connectivity
Internet connectivity in Malaysia is generally good, although it may not be as fast as in Singapore. The main service providers are Unifi, Maxis, and Time. Unifi is considered the best and offers the best value for money. You can expect to pay around RM100 to RM200 per month for high-speed internet.
Working in Malaysia
If you want to work part-time in Malaysia, you may be able to find employment without a formal employment pass. However, it's important to ensure that you're working legally and paying the appropriate taxes. Opening a business in Malaysia is relatively easy and inexpensive, but it's important to have a clear business plan and be prepared to invest time and effort into your business.
Banking
Having a Malaysian bank account can be useful if you're living in Malaysia. However, it may be difficult to open a bank account if you're on a tourist visa. You can try approaching Singapore banks such as UOB, OCBC, or CIMB to see if they offer any special arrangements for opening a Malaysian bank account. Alternatively, if you buy a property in Malaysia or have a valid visa, you should be able to open a bank account. It's also advisable to get an e-wallet, such as Touch 'n Go eWallet or Boost, to make payments more convenient.
Conclusion
Living in Johor Bahru or Malaysia can be a great option for those looking to escape the high cost of living in Singapore and enjoy a better quality of life. While there are some challenges and considerations, such as legal requirements, travel, and cost of living, with proper planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding experience. I encourage you to give it a try and see if it's the right fit for you. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for watching, and I hope to see you in Johor Bahru soon!
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