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Globaleye kuala lumpur relocation guide
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city of Malaysia that forms the economic and business center of the country. It has a tropical climate with abundant rainfall and temperatures between 22-33 degrees Celsius. The city is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and has a population of over 7 million people. Major attractions include the Petronas Twin Towers, international sporting events, and multicultural cuisine.
Globaleye kuala lumpur relocation guide
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- 2. Kuala Lumpur Overview Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding urban areas form the most industrialized and economically, the fastest growing region in Malaysia. Despite the relocation of federal government administration to Putrajaya, certain government institutions such as Bank Negara Malaysia (National Bank of Malaysia), Companies Commission of Malaysia and Securities Commission as well as most embassies and diplomatic missions have remained in the city. The city remains as the economic and business centre of the country and is the centre for finance, insurance, real estate, media and the arts of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is rated as an alpha world city, and is the only global city in Malaysia, according to the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC). Since the 1990s, the city has played host too many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One World Championship. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia's futuristic developments. Climate Protected by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east and Indonesia's Sumatra Island in the west, Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall, especially during the northeast monsoon season from October to March. Temperatures tend to remain constant. Maximums hover between 31 and 33 °C (88 and 91 °F) and have never exceeded 39.3 °C (102.7 °F), while minimums hover between 22 and 23.5 °C (72 and 74 °F) and have never fallen below 14.4 °C (57.9 °F). Kuala Lumpur typically receives minimum 2,600 mm (100 in) of rain annually; June and July are relatively dry, but even then rainfall typically exceeds 133 millimetres (5.2 in) per month. Flooding is a frequent occurrence in Kuala Lumpur whenever there is a heavy downpour, especially in the city centre and downstream areas. Dust particles from forest fires from nearby Sumatra sometimes cast a haze over the region. It is a major source of pollution in the city together with open burning, emission from motor vehicles and construction work. Geography The geography of Kuala Lumpur is characterized by a huge valley known as Klang Valley. The valley is bordered by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east, several minor ranges in the north and south and the Strait of Malacca in the west. Kuala Lumpur is a Malay term which translates to "muddy confluence" as it is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers.
- 3. Time Zone GMT +8 hours Cost of living Compared to the UK and many other Asian countries the cost of living in Malaysia is reasonably low. Below is the average cost of renting an apartment in Kuala Lumpur: Rent Per Month Avg. Between Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre £274.98 £100.95 – 506.31 £183.22 £74.68 – 285.21 Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre £634.50 £376.81 – 981.91 Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre £333.43 £189.73 – 490.96 Currency The unit of currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) which is divided into 100 sen. Currency notes are in denomination of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100. Coins are issued in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents pieces. Major hotels and larger establishment readily accept currencies such as US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euros, Japanese Yen and Australian Dollars. Traveller’s cheques are accepted at banks, hotels and large department stores. Foreign currencies can be readily exchanged for local currency at a bank or money changer. Credit Cards and ATM’s All major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are accepted at most tourist hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and shopping complexes. It is possible to apply for a local credit card, billed in Malaysia Ringgit but some issuers are reluctant to give them to expatriates. Cheques are widely accepted. Communications Country code: 60. Telekom Malaysia is the national phone company, and the service is generally reliable. Applications for land lines must be made at a Telekom Malaysia office. Foreigners are either required to pay a RM500 ‐ RM1000+ deposit, or have a local Malaysian co‐sign their application. International phone calls can be made very cheaply using a prepaid IDD card. These can be bought from the hand phone shops which can be found everywhere in shopping malls and elsewhere in towns. Public coin‐operated phones can be found in many areas, such as supermarkets and post offices. Cards can be purchased at airports, petrol stations and some shops.
- 4. Hand phones (the term used in Malaysia for mobile or cell phones) are very popular and there is a range of providers to choose from with most offering either pre‐paid or billed services. Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies and coverage is good. Maxis is the most reliable provider Entertainment There are host of options for entertainment and leisure in Malaysia ranging from bustling nightlife to activities like golf, diving, white water rafting, river safaris and cruises, cave exploration or mountain climbing and angling, bird watching and paragliding. Food and Drink In multicultural Malaysia, every type of cooking from Southeast Asia can be tasted. Malay food concentrates on subtleties of taste using a blend of spices, ginger, coconut milk and peanuts. There are many regional types of Chinese cooking including Cantonese, Peking, Hakka, Sichuan and Taiwanese. Indian and Indonesian food is also popular. Korean, Thai and western food are available in restaurants throughout the country. Alcohol is also widely available, although the country is largely Islamic. Generally, you can eat pretty much anywhere in Malaysia. Food outlets are comparatively clean; the only thing you should avoid is ice for your drinks and water when you visit the street or hawker stalls since the blocks of ice used there might not be up to hygienic standards. However, in actual restaurants this is not a problem. The tap water in the cities is safe, but otherwise all water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Tipping 10% service charge and 5% government tax are usually included in bills, and added to the menu prices. Health Care/Hospitals Malaysia is one of Asia’s top health destinations. Its hospitals are generally well equipped and its physicians are well trained so you probably will not feel like missing anything from home. The Malaysian government invests great effort in improving and developing its health care system. Also, the budget flowing into the public health sector has considerably increased during the last years. The health care system in Malaysia provides universal access to all its residents. It is divided into the government run public sector and a private health care system. Many physicians have been educated in Western countries and the majority of the medical staff speaks English. In addition, foreign doctors are encouraged by the government to take up employment in Malaysia. Malaysia does not hold any reciprocal medical care agreements with other countries. Tourists and other visitors to Malaysia, who do not have a Malaysian residence, have therefore to consult private doctors and visit private medical institutions. The costs can be very high and the private clinics require immediate payment, so it is highly recommended to take out health insurance.
- 5. Health/Vaccinations Recommended vaccinations for Kuala Lumpur include: Tetanus Diphtheria Hepatitis A Poliomyelitis Additionally, for a stay exceeding 4 weeks: Hepatitis B Rabies Typhus Japanese encephalitis Malaria and dengue If you are travelling to Malaysia’s tropical regions you might be exposed to the danger of malaria and dengue fever infection. Infections of the latter usually increase during or after the rainy season. Both diseases are transmitted by mosquito bites, thus take extra precaution: Wear light‐coloured and long clothes Use insect repellents; both during the day (against dengue mosquitoes) and night (malaria mosquitos are nocturnal)! If possible, sleep under a mosquito net To play it safe consult a tropical doctor before your departure. He can also advise you on what medicine you should have in your first‐aid kit when travelling to Malaysia.
- 6. Transport Unlike most other Asian cities, driving is the main mode of commuting in Kuala Lumpur. Hence, every part of the city is well connected by highways. As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has a comprehensive road network that leads to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia. Public transport services in Kuala Lumpur are provided by conventional buses (operated by Rapid KL), ‘Bas Mini’ fixed‐route minibuses, taxis and pedi‐cabs (trishaws). Taxi’s are cheap and readily available. Drivers are usually not tipped. The two light rail transit lines are run by Rapid KL and are a quick way to get around the city and provide links to the eastern and western suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. Main Airports Kuala Lumpur International Airport The airport is located in Sepang, 31 miles (50km) south of Kuala Lumpur. Tel: + 60 (0)3 8776 2000. Terminal Transfer: An Aerotrain provides a free service between terminals. Ground Transport: The Express Rail Link train provides fast transportation to the city centre. The KLIA Express and the KLIA Transit links the airport to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral ‐ City Air Terminal) and vice‐versa. At the City Air Terminal departing passengers have the option of checking‐in their luggage, receive their boarding passes and are able to board the train for the airport ‐ immigration clearance will be completed there. Travel time between KL Sentral to the airport is 28 minutes on the KLIA Express and 37 minutes on the KLIA Transit. Taxis are also available; they should be paid for in advance at the ticket counter in the arrivals hall. Many hotels can arrange for a car to pick up guests, though this is generally more expensive than taking a taxi. Airport Facilities: Airport facilities include lounges/travel clubs, left luggage, disabled and nursery/baby changing facilities; banks, bureaux de change and ATMs; restaurants and bars, post office, pharmacy; and duty free shops. Website: www.klia.com.my
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- 8. Useful Contacts Hotels Hotel China Town Inn: www.chinatowninn.com 52‐54 Jalan Petaling 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60 3 2070 4008 Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur: www.citrushotelkl.com 51 Jalan Tiong Nam 50350 Off Jalan Raja Laut, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60 3 9195 9999 Frenz Hotel Kuala Lumpur: www.frenzhotel.com.my 135 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60 3 2693 7878 Schools Garden International School (GIS) is the largest private, co‐educational, international school in Malaysia and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Established in 1951, GIS provides a British‐style education to the expatriate and local community in Kuala Lumpur. The school has three campuses, the main campus is situated in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, an Early Years Centre in Desa Sri Hartamas and a campus is located on the East Coast of Malaysia in Kuantan. GIS bases its curriculum on the National Curriculum of England with modifications designed to meet the needs of international students. The English system provides a high quality and broad education which enables students to move to any other English‐speaking country fully equipped to succeed. 16, Jalan Kiara 3, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, 50480 Kualal Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60 3 6209 6888 Website: www.gardenschool.edu.my
- 9. Emergency Numbers: Police/Ambulance: 999 Civil Defence: 991 Fire & Rescue: 994 Gas Emergency: 995 To call from any hand phone: 112 Electrical breakdown: 15454 Water Woes (Selangor): 1800885252
- 10. Documentation Visa Information All foreigners working in Malaysia are required to apply for a visa. Employment Pass (EP) Application for an EP must be submitted to the Immigration Office once approval has been given by the Expatriate Position Committee. Salary must be more than or equal to RM5000 per month and the post approved for a period of two years or more. The applicant's salary has to be under the local payroll. Timing Approximately four to six weeks. Documents Certified true Copy of passport. Three photographs. Academic certificate/School Leaving Certificate (English) (Certified true copies) Testimonial/recommendation letter or curriculum vitae from head office overseas (English). Expatriate's service/employment contract (original) with Malaysian company.
- 11. Travel Tips Be prepared Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life. Copy your documents In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re‐issues. Take 2 coloured photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or photocopied documents to an Internet based e‐mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency. Vaccinations Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick‐borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light‐coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito‐proof accommodation or using bed nets.
- 12. Taking medicines with you Book a check‐up at your doctor or dentist, before you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over‐the‐ counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, and diarrhoea medication), band aids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over‐the‐ counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them. Your health on long‐haul flights Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help. Scuba Divers If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive. Coping with Jet lag Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jet lag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up! Lost Luggage If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet
- 13. based e‐mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK. Personal Safety Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you ‐ wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about ‐ try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas; it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends – men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live. Unsafe Water ‐ What to do If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation ‐ only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry. Malaria Awareness The Mosquito – Disease Carrier Mosquitoes transmit the viruses responsible for yellow fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever, epidemic polyarthritis, and several forms of encephalitis and, most famously, malaria. Mosquitoes lay their eggs wherever there is standing water, ponds, salt water marshes, or even puddles and discarded containers. Only female mosquitoes bite, as they require blood to produce their eggs. What is Malaria? Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The most deadly strain being plasmodium falciparum. The mosquito unwittingly transmits this parasite when biting its victim. These parasites then spread to the liver where they take one to four weeks to multiply. Once mature, they spread throughout the red blood cells resulting in the first symptoms – a flu‐like fever, which, if left untreated will lead to liver failure, coma and ultimately, death.
- 14. Symptoms Malaria symptoms are very similar to flu; however you may not suffer from all of them: High Fever Headache Vomiting General ill feeling Muscle and joint aches Jaundice / yellow skin tone Medical attention should be sought immediately if you have any symptoms that could be malaria. Ensure that you can get to medical facilities 24 hours a day, and know your options when in developing countries. Bear in mind that once malaria symptoms strike, you will not feel like travelling very far. Malaria can kill within 48 hours of developing symptoms. Risk Areas Mosquitoes have been found all over the world, however not all mosquitos carry malaria. The countries below are malaria hot spots, if you are travelling to them, it is necessary to take medicinal precautions. Malaria is one of mankind’s oldest known killers, dating back almost 5000 years. What attracts mosquitoes? Carbon Dioxide ‐ we exhale it when we breathe and also secrete it from our pores. Fragrances such as deodorant, soap, shower gel, even cosmetics on the skin Body heat and sweat Dark Coloured clothing Repel mosquitoes Cover up after dusk. Use a repellent on your skin. Close doors and windows at night. Avoid lingering near stagnant water, ponds, lakes, and old containers are breeding grounds. If you are out after dusk, wear a long‐sleeved shirt, trousers in a closely woven fabric and cover feet with socks. If you must wear thin clothing, buy a fabric friendly insect repellent, as mosquitoes will bite through the fabric. On Skin Choose insect repellents with DEET, on any exposed skin ‐ highly effective against all biting insects. Do not put your trust in products without DEET, no known natural remedies have been scientifically proven to provide a barrier for your skin. When visiting countries high in temperature or humidity, choose a repellent with 50% DEET protection, as humidity coupled with sweating will evaporate the repellent and reduce its effectiveness. Read labels carefully and do not be complacent with re‐application.
- 15. Aroma Repellents Buy a pyrethroid coil or a plug‐in insecticide. Lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella are natural fly repellents. It is not recommended that you rely on them as their potency wears off quickly, but they may be of use alongside the above. Ultrasonic devices and bug ‘zappers’ are not effective against mosquitoes Make sure window and door screens are intact so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors. Mosquito Nets If you are sleeping in an unscreened room, a mosquito net is advised. Nets come in a range of mesh weaves ‐ choose wisely depending on your situation. Heavy‐duty nets get hot and uncomfortable, whereas others may not offer enough protection, so do some careful research into the climate you are going to be in. A permethrin spray can be used on a mosquito net and sometimes clothing. It will instantly kill any mosquito that lands on it. This, coupled with a skin repellent creates a formidable barrier. Antimalarial drugs There are several different types of medication depending on such factors as area to be visited, length of stay, type of travel, your own medical history and drugs you may already be taking. Highly sensitive persons may consider antihistamines to minimise allergic reactions to mosquito bites, and other insects you may encounter for the first time. If you think you have Malaria Seek advice from a medical professional to discuss the most appropriate anti‐malarial medication for your needs. Visit the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for emergency treatment. If you go to an area where a well‐equipped hospital cannot be reached within 24 hours, take emergency medicines with you. Precaution Summary Take anti‐malarial medication as prescribed Screen doors and windows Sleep under a mosquito net Spray your room with insecticide Wear long trousers and sleeves after dusk Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin when outdoors Awareness of the risk of malaria if you are travelling to a foreign country. Bites Avoid bites and reduce the chances of getting malaria. Comply with the appropriate drug regimen for the area you are visiting. Diagnosis Malaria can be fatal but early diagnosis and treatment is usually 100% effective.
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