Feel at home in Malaysia

MALAYSIA has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately.

Did you know, for instance, that the country was recently named the best family holiday destination by Lonely Planet in India, one of its most important feeder markets? And the fact that it won the title of best Asian golf destination at the recently concluded World Golf Awards? Perhaps lesser known is the fact that Malaysia is a place where many people from around the world choose to retire.

So what makes Malaysia tick? Mohamed Taib Ibrahim, director of Tourism Malaysia in Dubai tells TTN in an exclusive interview.

“People in Malaysia are a friendly bunch – they always have a smile on their face,” says Ibrahim, who has served with Tourism Malaysia since 1984. “They would be very happy to offer help if a tourist asks for assistance. Malaysians easily converse with foreigners as they have a relatively good command of the English language compared to other Asian countries.

“It is a well-known fact that the subject of Malaysians’ conversation usually begins with food! They often ask others whether they have eaten or not. Food plays a major role in Malaysians’ lives.” 

MUSLIM-FRIENDLY

This friendliness originates from their multicultural background; Malaysians are so diverse that they like mixing with foreigners. Malaysia is multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual society, which offers modern infrastructure at affordable prices. It has something for every member of the family from shopping, theme parks, pristine beaches, nature, delicious food and a lot more.

“Malaysians are constantly in a festive mood,” Ibrahim says with a smile. “Being a multicultural nation, they have various holidays throughout the year due to festivals, specially with Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr, which are the two most important festivals in Malaysia.”

Halal food is easily available, praying facilities are plentiful in hotels and shopping malls, and travellers can easily hear the Azan and can find mosques around.

In figures released to TTN, it has emerged that tourists from Saudi Arabia represent the largest Middle East market for Malaysia. Saudi tourists increased 24.1 per cent to 104,293 in January to October last year, compared to the same period in 2013, while tourists from Oman increased 36.7 per cent to 30,634 arrivals in the same period.

According to 2013 figures, tourists from Saudi Arabia were the biggest spent with average per capita expenditure of RM8,819 (2,462), followed by Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Iran, Australia, Russia, United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand.

This goes to show the huge untapped potential for Malaysian tourism from the Middle East.

TEE OFF IN STYLE

Golfing in Malaysia is a unique and diverse experience. “Go back to nature and play golf in the jungle, sharing the course with Asia’s biologically diverse plants and animals. Or, head to the highlands and tee off several thousand feet above sea level. Don’t miss a game even when you’re on an island; beachside courses await the island-going golfer. Going for a business trip in the city? Kuala Lumpur is home to many award-winning golf courses where even the pros enjoy returning to.”

In fact, some of the best golfers in the world have played in tournaments in Malaysia and now all golf travellers have a chance to walk in their footsteps and replicate their experience. Malaysia, the land of diverse attractions, is a veritable paradise for golfers offering a choice of over 200 golf courses and that are open all-year long.

RETIREMENT HAVEN

Malaysia has been recognised as a great place to retire. “Undoubtedly, Malaysia has a lot to offer for foreigners who want to spend their life in a relaxed environment. Living in Malaysia means living in a tropical country and still having all the facilities of the western world.”

The country has a programme called “Malaysia, my 2nd home”, which is open to all citizens of countries recognised by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age. You are allowed to bring along your spouse and children as dependents (below 18 years old, who are not married). Malaysia offers superb healthcare facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners, a great education system, a low crime rate and cheap insurance.

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By Rashi Sen