PUTRAJAYA, 12 January 2015: 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.

To read the full report, visit http://internationalliving.com.

ENDS

For more media releases, media info and media features on Malaysia’s tourism industry, kindly visit the Media Centre of Tourism Malaysia’s website at http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/

MALAYSIA TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD OR TOURISM MALAYSIA is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia at all levels. Since its inception, Tourism Malaysia has grown by leaps and bounds and it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. In 2013, Malaysia registered 25.7 million tourist arrivals and RM65.4 billion in receipts, making tourism its second largest foreign exchange earner and the sixth highest contributor to its Gross National Income (GNI).

Malaysia is celebrating its fourth VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR (VMY) in 2014 with the theme “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia”. The promotion of the country continues with the MALAYSIA YEAR OF FESTIVALS (MyFEST) campaign in 2015 with the theme “Endless Celebrations” emphasising the various festivals celebrated by its multicultural society. Both campaigns are key drivers towards achieving the country’s target of 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion in receipts by 2020, as outlined in the Tourism NKEA (National Key Economic Area).    

Through the Tourism NKEA, collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, other Government agencies and the private sector have been enhanced to help secure Malaysia’s position as a leading tourist destination. The targets set under the Tourism NKEA will be achieved through the implementation of twelve Entry Point Projects (EPPs) clustered under five themes: Affordable Luxury; Nature Adventure; Family Fun; Events, Entertainment, Spa and Sports; and Business Tourism.  

Press contact:
Media & Publicity Unit:
Azizah Aziz (Ms), Senior Deputy Director, Communications & Publicity Division
Tel: +603-8891 8752
Email: azizahaziz@tourism.gov.my

Editorial Unit:
Anis Rozalina Ramli (Ms), Senior Editor, Communications & Publicity Division
Tel: +603-8891 8759
Email: anisramli@tourism.gov.my