Malaysia is among the world’s top five retirement havens in 2015

PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia continues to be the ideal spot for retirees planning to seek their retirement haven abroad. In the latest Annual Global Retirement Index for 2015 produced by International Living, Malaysia topped the list of all Asian retirement destinations and ranked fourth in the world after Ecuador, Panama, and Mexico. 
 

Malaysia is the only Asian nation that made it into the top ten list besides Thailand (at number ten).
 

The report had analysed 25 countries and ranked them in categories including real estate costs, special benefits offered to retirees, entertainment and amenities, safety and stability, healthcare, climate, infrastructure, and cost of living.
 

The report noted Malaysia’s robust economy which is reflected in the consistently high standard of living available to locals and expats alike. It also stated that the quality of life in Malaysia is cost-efficient and excellent, while the typical expat locations such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang offer high-quality real estate at low rental.
 

Coining Malaysia as the ‘Great Value for Money in a Cultural Melting Pot’, the report indicated that a retiree can savour a life of luxury in the country on a modest budget.
 

The report also said that Malaysia makes a perfect base to explore the natural, historical, and cultural treasures that Southeast Asia has to offer. The proliferation of low-cost Asian airlines in recent years has made it easier (and more affordable) than ever to explore the rest of Asia. Direct flights to the U.S. are also available.
 

It also noted that it was easier for retirees to fit in and socialise with the locals as English was a widely spoken language. Also worthy of mention is the health care quality in Malaysia, which is comparable to that in any First-World nation as reported in the index.
 

International Living is an online and print magazine that focuses on living in foreign destinations.