Malaysia stands out as one of the safest and most stable countries in Southeast Asia, attracting expatriates, tourists, and retirees from around the globe. For participants of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, the safety and security of the nation are significant reasons to choose Malaysia as their second home. Let’s explore why Malaysia is widely regarded as a safe and secure destination.
1. Malaysia’s Safety Ranking in Global Indices
Malaysia consistently performs well in various global safety rankings:
According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Malaysia ranks 10th as one of the safest countries in the world by climbing 9 spots from last year, and it is also the 3rd most peaceful country in Asia-Pacific region. The country is known for its political stability, low crime rates, and effective law enforcement.
Source: (Vision of Humanity: visionofhumanity.com) 10 Most Peaceful Countries in 2024 - Global Peace Index
The Travel Risk Map 2024 by International SOS rates Malaysia as having a "low" travel risk, putting it on par with the UK and Australia, while the USA is marked higher due to incidents of violent crime.
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, has also been recognised as one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to the Safe Cities Index 2023 by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Source: (Safe Cities Index) economist.com
2. Low Crime Rates and Efficient Policing
Malaysia has a relatively low crime rate compared to its regional neighbours. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) maintains strict law enforcement, ensuring public safety:
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the country’s overall crime rate has seen a significant decline over the past decade, with a 10.4% drop in reported crimes between 2020 and 2023.
Source: (Department of Statistics Malaysia) dosm.gov.my
Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, have decreased by 20% from 2021 to 2023 due to enhanced community policing and surveillance.
In contrast, cities like San Francisco and Chicago in the USA, and parts of Paris, continue to report rising crime rates, particularly in theft and violent crimes.
Malaysia's popular expatriate areas like Penang and Kuala Lumpur have lower crime rates compared to cities like London or New York.
3. Exemplary Healthcare and Safety Standards
Malaysia’s world-class healthcare system also plays a role in its overall safety:
Malaysia is one of the top destinations for medical tourism, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:400, better than the USA (1:480) and on par with the UK.
The cost of healthcare in Malaysia is 60-70% cheaper than in Australia or the USA, while still maintaining high standards. For MM2H visa holders, this is a significant advantage, especially compared to the expensive healthcare systems in Australia and the USA.
Malaysia's cashless hospital admission system is a boon for retirees, ensuring quick and hassle-free medical care.
4. Political Stability and Low Terrorism Threat
Malaysia enjoys a stable political climate, with low levels of political unrest and minimal threat from terrorism:
According to the Global Terrorism Index, Malaysia ranks significantly lower in terrorism incidents compared to many Western countries such as USA and France.
Unlike cities in the EU that have faced terrorism-related incidents in recent years (like Paris and Brussels), Malaysia remains largely unaffected by such threats. The government takes proactive measures to maintain national security, including stringent immigration controls and anti-terrorism laws.
5. Natural Disaster Preparedness
While Malaysia is geographically fortunate to be outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, it still faces occasional challenges like flooding. However, the country’s disaster preparedness is highly effective:
The Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) has established comprehensive disaster response plans, ensuring rapid recovery during monsoon seasons.
Unlike neighbouring countries, Malaysia is not prone to earthquakes, typhoons, or volcanic eruptions, making it a safer choice for long-term living.
Comparatively, countries like Australia face severe bushfires, while California in the USA frequently deals with wildfires and earthquakes.
6. A Safe Haven for Expats and Retirees
Malaysia’s multicultural society is known for its hospitality, making it a welcoming environment for foreigners:
A recent survey by InterNations, a global expat network, rated Malaysia as one of the best countries for expatriates, especially in terms of safety, quality of life, and ease of settling in.
Source: (InterNations Expat Survey) internations.org
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has been popular among retirees due to the country's stable environment, friendly locals, and secure living conditions.
For those considering the MM2H programme, Malaysia’s safety record is a compelling reason to make it your second home. From low crime rates and political stability to world-class healthcare and a welcoming community, Malaysia offers a secure environment for families, retirees, and expatriates.
Whether you're looking to retire, start a new chapter of life, or simply enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, Malaysia stands out as one of the safest destinations in the world. It's no wonder that so many MM2H participants choose to settle here for the long term.