Kota Kinabalu: When a Hong Kong-born couple decided to relocate to Malaysia, they were driven by the objective to lower their living costs without sacrificing their quality of life.
In a recent YouTube video uploaded by @MikiandRaymond, they shared their experiences of living in Penang, highlighting the significant changes they have embraced since settling in the country since a year ago.
The couple noted the stark contrast in housing costs between Hong Kong and Penang.
“In Hong Kong, we were paying HKD 18,500 (RM10,360) for a 600-square-foot apartment. Here in Penang, we rented a 4,800-square-foot house for just HKD 13,000 (RM7,280) to 14,000 (RM7,840),” they shared.
Although they eventually downsized to a smaller home, they continue to enjoy a high standard of living at a fraction of the cost they were accustomed to in Hong Kong.
One of the most significant differences they experienced was the affordability of driving in Malaysia.
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“In Hong Kong, driving was a luxury, almost a burden, with costs easily reaching HKD 10,000 (MYR 5,600) a month.
“But here, we fill up the tank for just RM100, and that lasts us a month,” the husband said in the video.
This newfound affordability has allowed them to explore various parts of Malaysia through road trips, which they have found to be one of the highlights of their time in the country.
“We have gone on road trips to Taiping, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, and even Melaka. The freedom to explore without worrying about costs is something we cherish here,” his wife added.
Cultural diversity and the vibrant community life in Malaysia have also been significant factors in their positive experience.
“Malaysia is a melting pot of culture, and we have experienced more festivals in one year here than we ever did in Hong Kong,” the man said.
Their time in Malaysia has not only been about enjoying a more affordable lifestyle but also about embracing a different pace of life.
Interestingly, his wife shared a story about a friend who visited from Thailand and was initially concerned about safety in Malaysia, reflecting a common misconception.
“People often think Malaysia is unsafe or chaotic, but after spending a few days here, our friend described it as the ‘Asian version of Australia,’ a place that is friendly and laid-back,” she said.
As they concluded their reflection, they affirmed their decision to move to Malaysia.
“My only regret is not coming here sooner,” his wife said.
