bakedbean

I don't know if Malaysia is 1st world status or not but, from a retirees point of view, surely progress has to be good. Who needs power cuts ? I sure don't. Hospitals are good here. While folks may not wish to think about it in their 40s, 50s, it's something to consider for long term retirement plans. I'm in 50s but still think about it.

Bluenose1

Is 1st World status not partly what 1Malaysia is about? Also, I believe the Government have set a target to achieve 1st World by 2020 - at least, as far as I know, that was part of BNs plans after the last-but-one election.

Couldn't agree more with you, BB, about progress being good. Certainly the Telecomms companies are being encouraged to beef up the broadband speeds, and the Government are also trying to push things like solar panels, using excess generated to feed into the national tariff. I also agree with you about the hospitals (maybe because I also am in my 50s! ).

bakedbean

Well I don't know about 1malaysia. We get a kinda different propaganda up,here in Penang in Opposition controlled territory . Not that I would comment about politics of course.

Haha I'm the wrong end of 50s but, hey, who cares, it's just a number. I'm thinking of counting backwards at next birthday ....way to go

Moonbeamzz

Hi, wife and I (aussies) are travelling to Melaka 3-8 July to have a look around. Contemplating spending time there in our retirement which is fast approaching. Any retired expats like to catch up for a coffee and a chat about Melaka as a place to live. Despite being aussies most people seem to think we are relatively civilized . Cheers Peter.

Moonbeamzz

Hi, just thought I would follow up as we have had no responses to our request to catch up with retired expats in Melaka when we visit there 3-8 July, see earlier post. Does anyone know if there is an active expat community in the Melaka area we could link into to seek some feedback.

Appreciate feedback.

Cheers
Peter

Bluenose1

Hi Peter. I am not sure if there is an expat community in Melaka. I certainly haven't heard of one, active or otherwise!

If we are around, I would not mind meeting up with you if you like? I will send you a PM.

bakedbean

There's quite a few MM2Hers in Melaka these days. There was a Makan meetup there a few months back organized by posters on the my2home site. You might want to take a look at that site.

As far as I know, Bluenose is the only BE regular on here in Melaka.....unless there are a few lurking

Moonbeamzz

Hi bakedbean, thank you for your reply, Bluenose1 has pm'd us to which I have replied and it looks likely that we may meet up which we (wife and I) are looking forward to. Read your posts with interest, you certainly stay on top of things. Was in Penang two years ago and it has changed beyond all recognition from when I was there in the 70s. All that highrise now and Penang Road seems so much shorter.
Cheers
Peter

bakedbean

Yes everywhere changes, doesn't it. A couple of bridges to the mainland, and looks like we'll be getting some offshore islands now (E&O STP phase 2 now approved). But go over to the west coast of Penang island and you'll find the national park still intact and not a high rise to be found.

the troubadour

I'd be interested to read your thoughts and impressions after your Melaka visit. I lived there off and on 79 to 81 and found it a great place, the people are what made it special.

Everywhere has changed from those times. As you rightly point out Penang is hardly recognisable. We found it very built up and to be honest a bit of a concrete jungle.

Last in Melaka in 03, so again long ago, the river improvements were in their very early stages then. Even then Melaka has changed considerably.
Still had thoughts about moving back there for at least part of the year to check it out. We live in Perth so quite easy to nip over and back.

Anyway what impressions do you take away from the place? Can you imagine retiring there? Elsewhere in Malaysia?
Be interested to have your thoughts.

Moonbeamzz

Hi The Troubadour, happy to oblige and will provide feedback when we return.
Cheers Peter

Bluenose1

Hi Troubadour. I think Melaka, probably like a lot of places in Malaysia, is a constantly moving feast! There have been so many changes just in the 15 months since we moved here. There are walkways along the river, and even these are expanding fairly rapidly. There is also a monorail being built which will pretty much follow these walkways. Even the river cruises are expanding with new stops along the route.

One thing I do find absolutely incredible is the extent of new shops and housing developments - almost everywhere there is a plot of land seems to be getting the developers' treatment! Goodness only knows where they think they will get the people from to fill them - they aren't cheap (well, by Malaysian standards) either! I think if these areas are filled, the population will be about 3 or 4 times what it was maybe as recently as 3 to 5 years ago very soon!

bakedbean

Singaporeans?

Bluenose1

That certainly is a possibility. I am not sure how many of them would come flocking here for linked houses, though! I would guesstimate that about 2/3 of all new build are linked houses. There are also quite a lot (probably about 1/4 of the rest) of new gated communities being built as well, so I suppose that might appeal to them. Everything else seems to be shoplots.

the troubadour

I expect to see a lot of changes when next in town then. Melaka was known has a sleepy hollow in my time there. Quite some change.

I believe I read a post from your good self that you are relocating from Melaka, is that right? If so I wonder what made you arrive at that decision?

I do wonder who is moving into these new developments. I was only reading a day or two ago on another Malaysia Forum, a poster looking into retirement in Melaka, found little on offer to either rent or purchase. A little odd considering the circumstances you describe.
The poster though was impressed with Melaka, so hopefully a community of sorts of ex pats can develop in the area.