Crime, Terrorism, And Safety Issues In Malaysia
The Simple, Boring Truth
Sept. 10, 2009
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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- More On The Risks Of Buying Preconstruction In A Foreign Market...
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Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,
"'Isn't Kuala Lumpur unstable? Aren't there Muslim riots? Military confrontations?'
"I field these kinds of questions regularly," writes Malaysia Correspondent Wendy Justice.
"Whenever I think about the perception of crime in a foreign country, I remember the last U.S. presidential election. I was living in Malaysia at the time, where it was being reported widely that people at certain campaign rallies across the United States were shouting, 'Kill him! Kill him!' referring to the Democratic candidate. This was sensational news in the foreign press, and, going by the reports, it seemed the U.S. had devolved into a terribly violent and out-of-control nation. Yet, when I returned to the States around this time, it didn't feel any more dangerous than when I'd last been in the country, four years earlier.
"I've always felt safe living in Malaysia. Violent crime does occur in this country, as it does everywhere, but it is rare and almost never directed toward foreigners. Indeed, the United States certainly could be considered more dangerous. Nationmaster.com ranks the U.S. number 2 out of 49 countries reporting in terms of homicide (a higher number is better), whereas Malaysia ranks 24 out of 49. The U.S. ranks number 1 out of 50 countries for rape, compared with Malaysia's 26 out of 50. Even the U.S. State Department, in their country profile, states, "violent crime involving tourists and expatriates in Malaysia is relatively uncommon."
"It is also true, of course, that Malaysia has been experiencing political challenges recently. In the last few years, opposition parties have been challenging UMNO, the political party that has been in power since Malaysia's independence. This is an unprecedented event in Malaysia's modern history and a big step toward establishing an ongoing democratic dialogue.
"Being a racially and ethnically diverse country has presented many challenges to this young nation. The most notable riot occurred in 1969 (the 'May 13 Incident'), when tensions erupted between ethnic Malays and Chinese, resulting in the death of almost 200 residents over a period of three days. The government responded with vigorous reforms to try to increase harmony between the country's different groups.
"More recent protests and demonstrations have tended to be non-violent gatherings. Malaysians of all ethnicities enjoy increased freedom now to express themselves and to air their grievances, and this is a good thing. The government is generally tolerant of these political gatherings, frequently granting licenses for demonstrations. However, as non-Malaysians are not permitted to take part in any political activities while in Malaysia, it is wise to avoid such gatherings.
"These protests, though, do not occur all over the country or even all over a particular city. They are contained in very small areas. A protest in the city center of Kuala Lumpur, for example, is contained within that immediate area.
"During my years living in Kuala Lumpur, I witnessed only one protest, just before the last elections held in the country. A group of perhaps 100 people had gathered near my condominium in Brickfields, and I needed to pass by on my way home. I walked around (not through) the gathering, got a few smiles from the mainly Chinese nationals assembled, and, within a couple of minutes, had peacefully made my way around the crowd. There was no violence or threat of any.
"The crime that does affect foreigners in Malaysia tends to focus on property and scams. Probably the most common threat is from taxi drivers overcharging for rides. Pick-pocketing and purse-snatching can also be concerns in some areas, and you want to exercise reasonable caution, as you would anywhere, especially in crowded areas. Residential burglaries can happen. Lock your door when you leave the house and always lock your car. Common sense.
"Malaysia has been vigilant in defense against terrorism, and there has been no violent terrorist activity since an isolated incident in far eastern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, in 2003. Terrorist activity, when it does occur in the region, seems to take place outside Malaysia, notably in the southern provinces of Thailand and in Indonesia. From this perspective, Malaysia remains a very safe place. Politically, Malaysia probably enjoys more stability than any other Southeast Asian country, with the possible exception of Singapore.
"Westerners today seem to share a misperception that they would be taking serious risks simply by passing through a Muslim-majority area in this country. I can say only this: During my years in Malaysia as a non-Muslim, Western female, I have never felt the slightest bit unwelcome or threatened. If anything, the Muslim-Malays have gone out of their way to be respectful, helpful, and hospitable. Whatever problems may be facing the country to do with religion, politics, or ethnicity do not spill over to affect visitors or expats. I can only say again, you will be welcome here.
"You've got to look beyond the headlines in the newspaper. If I'd been a foreigner preparing to move to the United States during the last presidential election, I would have had grave concerns about my safety. But they would have been unfounded, a misperception created by the world press. The simple, boring truth wouldn't sell many papers, I guess."
Kathleen Peddicord
P.S. Read more from Wendy on expat and retiree life in Malaysia here:
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"That reader who e-mailed you last week, Kathleen, to ask where to look on Roatan for a two-bedroom house?" writes Central America Correspondent Michael Paladin. "I'd say she's not looking hard enough.
"Right now, on this little Bay Island, money talks. Sellers are hungry for a deal--almost any kind of a deal at any price. Lease, option to buy, seller financing, an offer to take over existing financing, swap your boat, whatever...
"The season is over, the market is quiet, and the bloom is definitely off the hibiscus in this part of the world. This is the time to be shopping, right now, before the holidays and the start of the New Year, when things may pick up a little. Can you say 'vulture investing'?"
"Kathleen, I've been subscribed to your newsletter for some time now and have noticed that much of you information is geared toward people getting ready to retire.
"I'm only 25 but am considering moving to Brazil (possibly Recife). Do you know any resources for people interested in becoming an expat at a young age? I'd appreciate any advice and direction."
-- Jimmy R., United States
Our 20-something in-house Editor Rebecca Tyre responds:
"Try this: www.expatinterviews.com/Brazil.
"I did an interview for this site some time ago and still receive loads of e-mails because of it. I'm sure that if you contact someone listed here associated with Brazil, he (or she) will respond."
"Kathleen, as a reader of your Overseas Opportunity Letter and a Private Placement Funding Syndicator for over 25 years, I really have to commend you for your insight and honesty in telling like it is to your readers regarding the risks of buying a project on a pre-sales basis.
"I have long been involved in providing private funding to many of the developers you speak about, and I have encountered all types--honest, dishonest, and in-between.
"While you are absolutely correct that the more skin the developer has in the project, the less likely he is to disappear in the night, with the global capital markets being in such chaos, it is becoming almost impossible to create funding for these types of projects considering that the engines that drives these sales are typically buyers from the United States, Canada, Western Europe, etc., and all these economies have cratered.
"It is uplifting to read an article from a person like yourself who is delivering the truth to her readers. Keep up the good work."
-- Norman S., United States |
