ExpatNick

Hello everyone,

This year has seen a staggering number of gun crimes (30 deaths in the last four months) and murders (322 in 2013 so far) in Malaysia - figures from Channel News Asia in Singapore.

Does anyone have any strong opinions about whether this is enough of a social change to make them think twice about living in Malaysia? Or is it a head in the sand situation, a.k.a. it'll never happen to me?

Has this upsurge actually caused anyone to change their MM2H plans?

And - worse - has anyone had first hand experience of violent or gun crime in Malaysia? How would you describe the Authorities' reaction and their treatment of you?

I do not ask these questions to scandalise or to discourage anyone: I ask them through genuine interest (my intention is still to apply for MM2H - I'm interested in others' opinions and experiences).

Thanks in advance!!

TheGreyGuy

Hi ExpatNick

Yes I've heard about the surge in killings. As far as I understand, it is related to organised crime and politics, mostly. It will not affect my decision to apply or not apply. That's how I feel right now, anyway.

bakedbean

I agree with Grey Guy mostly.

KL always seems to have a lot of reported crime but its a big city. Not sure if its any worse in other cities of the world.

Yorkieabroad

Putting it in perspective, Malaysias murder rate is about double that of the UK, and about half that of the US.

Its a few year since we left SEA, and I dont know what is driving the spike you mention, but unless it is specifically targetted at expats, then at that level, it wouldn't be high on our list of factors affecting relocation back to that part of the world. In fact, given that it is about half the rate of Texas where we are currently living, maybe we should add it to the "pro" column!


Ps...also bear in mind that, unless they have changed in the decade since we left Singapore, the Singaporean press loves trumpeting bad news about Malaysia!

mikemike

Step across the water to the Philippines where such activity is as normal as breathing, unless you have been shot!! Malaysia by comparison is a nice quite beach

geedee

We were leaving Aeon yesterday and there was a police roadblock with what looked like a full SWAT team checking cars and bikes... they must have been boiling with all that gear on!

Oh, and we were overtaken today by the Sultan of Johor! Not many can say that.... :-)

ex reg

OOh I dunno.

6 months ago he and his convoy of 30 plus Ferraris, Lambos, Maclarens, Maseratis etc etc undertook me when I was driving down the NSH on the inside lane at 110kph and a tour bus was overtaking me.

I got a bit of a shock

geedee

He was low key today, visiting Gelang Patah.... Cadillac Escalade plus about 10 police cars and a few Audi A5s. Meh!