Malaysia - The Best Healthcare in the World
This post will advise you of what to expect as a soon-to-be-parent traveling to international school in malaysia for a new life. Whether you're moving there for a long or short stay, this article will give you an idea of what to pack and what to expect.
Visas
A tourist visa is required for visitors arriving from outside the Southeast Asia region. To get this visa, you will have to apply in advance at the Malaysian embassy in your home country. Make sure you get the proper visa for the length of your stay, as the embassy will only grant the appropriate visa for a specific number of days. If you overstay your visa, you run the risk of being detained and fined. As a rule of thumb, get the visa as soon as possible, as long stays within Malaysia attract high interest from travel agents trying to cash in on the large number of expats moving to the country. You are likely to be asked for additional documents when you arrive at the embassy, so make sure you have them ready beforehand.
Apart from the tourist visa, citizens of certain countries require an entry visa to travel to Malaysia. To obtain this visa, you will need to apply in advance at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country. The same goes for Singaporean and Indonesian nationals. There is also a high chance that your application will be denied if you are from one of these countries.
Local Laws
Like in many other countries, expats in Malaysia are required to comply with local laws. You will have to abide by Malaysian customs and practice customs procedures when entering and exiting the country. Make sure you know what behaviors are accepted and which ones are not. For example, spitting and chewing gum are prohibited in public in Malaysia, and you will be facing a steep fine if you break this rule. The same applies for consuming alcohol, which is also against the law. If you need a library card to borrow books, you will have to get one in the neighborhood where you reside. Make sure you notify the nearest library of your upcoming arrival, as they may not know you are coming. You will also want to familiarize yourself with the phone number for the international operator, as you may be called upon to make calls to other countries when needed. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, and alcohol and pork products are considered haram (forbidden). This means that you will not be able to find these items openly sold in the country. In practice, however, you will find supermarkets catering to other nationalities selling alcohol, and you will certainly find restaurants serving pork. Make sure you are familiar with halal certifiers in your area, as they can guide you in choosing food that complies with Islamic law. Most Muslim-owned businesses in Malaysia comply with the requirements of halal and offer tasty, affordable food that you will not find in other restaurants. For instance, you will not find Chinese-style pork restaurants in Malaysia, as it is strictly prohibited. You will however find Indian restaurants that serve delicious lamb and chicken dishes, as well as Japanese and Korean eateries that offer a variety of delights including soups, rice dishes, and noodles. Additionally, many supermarkets sell halal food products, in particular, goat and lamb meat, which you can take for granted. Additionally, you can always opt to cook your food at home, as Malaysians are famous for their excellent kitchen skills. With the right guide, you will certainly enjoy exploring the different flavors of Malaysian cuisine. If you're short on time, opt to cook a quick and easy dish to save time for the most important things in your life. You may be tempted to buy food that is not halal certified, but from a reputable restaurant or business. In this case, you will want to be sure that your food does not contain any forbidden ingredients and is prepared according to Islamic law. Once you get the hang of things, you will be able to cook Malaysian food at home with ease.
Health
Malaysia is located in the region of Southeast Asia, and like most other places in this region, it experiences a hot and humid climate. This climate is more suitable for those with health problems, so individuals with chronic disorders should not expect to do well. The good news is that unlike many other countries in the region, Malaysia provides universal healthcare for its citizens. This means that everyone has the opportunity to get proper medical treatment and support when needed. Additionally, healthcare here is of a high quality; facilities and equipment are updated, and doctors and nurses are trained to the highest level. If you have a preexisting condition, you will not be penalized by the government for getting treatment, as long as it is available and of a quality that you are satisfied with.
As a visitor to this country, you have the opportunity to access high-quality healthcare that is very well-regarded in Southeast Asia. It is important to note that while health insurance is available for foreign visitors, it is strongly recommended that you purchase extra insurance coverage (medicare, for example) to be on the safe side. Healthcare professionals here are very experienced and can provide excellent advice on what coverage to get and how to go about obtaining it. If you're self-employed or work for a company that provides healthcare benefits, you can contact the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance in enrolling in a Medi-Link health plan. You should also register with the MOH when you arrive in Malaysia, as it will allow you to access information about government-run hospitals and clinics in the region.
Culture
Malaysia is a multicultural country, which means that people from a variety of backgrounds live here. This country was previously ruled by British and Dutch colonists, who encouraged immigration from China, India, and Europe. Today, the population is a blend of Chinese, Indian, and native Malay people. One of the major highlights of a visit to Malaysia is to get a taste of the diverse culture that the country is famous for. Make sure you try the local delicacies, which range from Chinese to Indian cuisine, and enjoy the unique music, the dancing, and the festivals that the country has to offer. For an unforgettable experience, attend a classical Malay wedding, which is a spectacular display of culture that you will not want to miss.
As a parent, you will want to take into account the culture that you are bringing your children into. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, which means that you cannot assume that all of its customs and values will be the same as those of your home country. Make sure that you educate yourself about the norms and practices of Malaysian society, as this will help you raise your children comfortably and in accordance with Islamic principles. Additionally, if you are planning on enrolling your children in a Malaysian school, make sure to familiarize yourself with the local education system. Different areas and cities in Malaysia have different curricula and system of exams, so if you are planning on moving the country with your family, you may have to adjust accordingly.
As previously mentioned, Malaysia is a multicultural country, and this means that it has a variety of ethnicities, religions, and cultures. The same goes for family values, as not all families will practice the same way. You may find that some families are more traditional, while others are less so. Make sure you are aware of this fact and prepare yourself for the differences that you will encounter here. For example, in some families, daughters may still be given away in marriage, while in others, it is becoming less common to find men giving their wives away. Regardless of the culture differences, the overall vibe here is one of harmony, and it is certainly worth noting that interracial couples are very much a part of the society as well.
Climate
Like many other countries in the region, Malaysia has a hot and humid climate. This climate is more suitable for those with health problems and allergies, so individuals with these conditions should not expect to do well in this country. The good news is that because of the country's tropical climate, the sun rarely sets, so it gets dark very early, which offers some protection from the sun's harsh rays. Make sure to stay cool by staying hydrated and by avoiding direct exposure to the sun's rays. If you need an early night, consider getting a sunnite lamp, which you will find in almost every home. These lamps offer protection from the sun while giving off soft and beautiful light. When the sun sets, the air starts to cool down, so if you can wait for this to happen, the climate is still favorable. However, if you need to leave early, make sure to bring layers, as the temperature can drop significantly once the sun sets. Take your time getting accustomed to the climate here, as the humidity can be grating to anyone, which is not what one generally wants when traveling.