Shipping to Malaysia
Relocating to a different country is not an easy decision to make. Many people talk about emigrating but relatively few do it. Part of the reason people are put off is the hassle of international relocation. But relocating internationally needn’t be stressful provided you chose the right removals company.
Moving household possessions abroad is unlike moving in the UK and includes completely different processes involving export packing, container loading, shipping, export documentation, customs and the observance of local regulations and procedures at destination. All of this is just a days work for White & Company who have been moving people to Malaysia and other destinations around the world for 80 years.
Being proud winners of the 2016 British Association of Removers ‘Overseas Mover of the Year’ Competition, as well as being finalists in the 2017 competition, you can rest assured that we will take care of your possessions from collection in the UK to delivery at your new residence in Malaysia. So whether you’d already booked your flights, or are still weighing up your options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with White & Company to see how we can make your dream move a reality.
Why Move to Malaysia?
Comprised of two separate regions separated by some 640 miles of the South China Sea, Malaysia is a multi-cultural hub of economic activity and stunning natural scenery. Malaysia’s thriving metropolises cater for the comforts and conveniences of western expat lifestyles while its accessible rainforests, stunning jungles and exotic islands provide adventurous getaways.
Malaysia’s economy has experienced somewhat of an upturn in fortunes of late, largely withstanding the effects of the global economic downturn to evolve into a multi-sector economy with ambitious plans to move into high technology, knowledge-based industries and services. Malaysia has a strong commitment to become a leading IT hub for the region and has attracted a large pool of expats in this area.
The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to large multinational companies, busy shopping precincts such as Bukit Bintang and the iconic, and one-time largest skyscraper in the world, Petronas Twin Towers. There is no shortage of things to do here, with modern movie theatres, bars, and top-class eateries. Overseas books, newspapers and magazines are sold widely at newsstands and English language bookstores. Expats usually find that their salaries are far higher than the UK also, providing them with far greater purchasing power while also maintaining the ability to save.
The island of Penang is one of best places in the world for street food. The city blends an eclectic mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences providing for some of the most exciting and delicious cuisine in the world, from spicy Bengali curries to Hong Kong Soya Chicken. You can also take the opportunity to try the Durian, the Marmite of fruits! For those looking to escape the confines of the city, the rainforests of northern Borneo offer you the opportunity to trek through jungles to waterfalls, roll up hills, or simply sit and enjoy the breath-taking surroundings.
As with any multicultural and diverse society there are a wide range of beliefs and customs that expats should be aware of and will need to respect. The government also ordains press censorship of the media which can prove irksome for some. Not withstanding these adjustments, expats who have moved to Malaysia frequently recount the experience as enjoyable with lots of opportunities for both personal and business growth.
Working in Malaysia
Officially, the language of business is Bahasa Malaysia, but English is widely spoken and commonly used. Office hours are generally the same as in the UK and Malaysians are a very courteous nation who conduct business in a similar fashion. You will find that your employer will take a more personal approach to managing staff and employees who work in Malaysia say that they feel more valued and as a result tend to be loyal to their companies, compared to the UK.
There is still a good chance of gaining employment in Malaysia and expats form all over the world are taking advantage of the opportunities available. At present, Malaysia has a demand for technically skilled job applicants in the areas of IT, digital marketing and mobile phone app development. Science, tourism, commerce and medical tourism are also growth areas which hold opportunities for highly-skilled expats.
Visas & Work Permits
Expats wanting to live and work in Malaysia must first obtain an employment pass. This pass allows the expat to work for a specific company. If you change company, you must follow certain procedures and apply for another permit.
Shipping My Effects to Malaysia
The whole moving experience can be incredibly stressful, especially so when relocating abroad. White & Company, with its 145 years of experience in the removal industry, can help make the process a lot less traumatic. White & Company move thousands of families around the globe each year and have branches all over the UK.
We can arrange a free no obligation home survey and quotation. It will be carried out by one of our qualified surveyors, who is able to answer any of the questions and concerns you may have and offer advice where necessary.
The purpose of the survey is to determine the volume of effects you will be shipping. The cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in our vehicle if transportation is by road and in a container if being shipped by sea. Following the visit, you will receive a written quotation.
Export Packing UK To Malaysia
You will want to know that during your door to door service, your possessions are treated with respect and care. Our experienced teams located across the UK will pack and prepare your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture ready for export.
We use a modern range of environmentally friendly, purpose-made packing materials and can pack everything for you prior to your move. All china and glassware will be wrapped in special paper and then packed in double-thickness cartons. Furniture can be wrapped in bubble blanket for extra protection. Items requiring specialist care, such as antiques, can be packed in made-to-measure wooden crates.
Upon arrival at your residence in Malaysia, our trusted agents will place boxes and furniture in appropriate rooms as directed. They will unpack your belongings onto flat surfaces and dispose of all packing materials.
Storage Provision
You may find you need to store some or all of your possessions for a period of time prior to moving abroad. It is good to know that White & Company have storage facilities at all our branch depots across the UK.
Our depots offer secure containerised storage in personal dedicated storage containers. All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European standard BS EN 14873. Just speak to our surveyor for further information.
Our partners in Malaysia can also offer you storage. You may be renting for a while and may not need all of your effects to be delivered immediately. If so you can arrange for certain items to be delivered and once settled in your new home, the rest can follow. Please note that storage rates may apply.
Contacting White & Company
For further information on our removals service to Malaysia, or any other international destination, contact our international office on 01489 858658. Alternatively complete the form below with your details and we will contact you.
Property
Some expats will be lucky enough to have the cost of accommodation covered as part of their employment contract. If you are searching for your own rental property, there is still plenty of choice. The best way to get started is to have a conversation with other expat staff at your new company for a guide to which areas they recommend. Rentals start from around RM500 (£94) per week for a two bedroomed apartment.
If you are considering buying a home, there are many types of properties expats can buy. In fact, Malaysia is very liberal in terms of ownership of property by foreigners. The government actively encourages foreign purchasers, whether it is for a long-term stay, retirement or just investment purposes. The cost to buy a home varies enormously on size, location and quality. As a guide, the cost per square metre to buy a home in a city centre like Kuala Lumpur is currently, RM 8720 (£1645). Out of town and in less demand areas this drops to around RM 4856 (£916).
Schools
The quality of education in Malaysia overall is very good. There are many public schools and tuition fees are low as most are supported by the government. Private education, as with all countries is much more expensive, however, they are of an excellent standard and children are taught in English.
Expats who wish to have their children enrol in the curriculum of their home country or a country other than Malaysia should consider international schools. Most international schools are based in Kuala Lumpur where students are taught in the language of their home country and adhere to the UK’s National Curriculum. Some schools offer the International Baccalaureate Programme.
Visit the following web sites for further information:
www.expatarrivals.com
www.edarabia.com
www.thetoptens.com
Healthcare
The standard of health care provision is excellent and the larger towns and cities offer excellent facilities, medical staff and modern buildings. Provision and quality drops in more rural and remote areas which can be unreliable and of low quality.
There is both public and private care, both are very good. Doctors’ consultations are relatively inexpensive, and the standards are high. Almost all doctors and medical staff have been trained in the UK and are able to speak good English.
Dentists and other specialists are equally easy to visit, and consultation fees are reasonable.
Many expats still opt for private health cover and this is sometimes covered as part of their employment contract. There are plenty of pharmacies in all towns and cities and some drugs which require a prescription in the UK are sold over the counter in Malaysia. You must also check that you are sufficiently immunised before arrival. Mosquitoes pose a threat, especially during the rainy season.
General Information
Moving to Malaysia is a thrilling opportunity, but also one that requires dedication, plenty of organisation and time to research. For some helpful tips and information on settling into life in Malaysia, visit some of the many expat forums online:
White & Company
Providing International Removals since 1871
We recommend a visit from one of our Surveyors for all International moves, so that we can assess your requirements, and the volume of goods to be moved.
Popular Places to Relocate in Malaysia
- Alor Setar
- George Town (Penang)
- Ipoh
- Johor Bahru
- Kajang
- Kota Bharu
- Kota Kinabalu
- Kuala Lumpur
- Kuala Terengganu
- Kuantan
- Kuching
- Malacca City (Melaka)
- Miri
- Petaling Jaya
- Shah Alam