Malaysians Abroad Say Life Isn’t Perfect, But No Regrets Leaving Home

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For many Malaysians, the idea of migrating abroad comes with equal parts hope and anxiety

Recent headlines highlight protests, geopolitical tensions, and economic instability in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the US. But for those living abroad, daily life often feels different from what the news suggests.

A recent thread on the r/Malaysia subreddit asked users who had moved abroad whether the grass was truly greener, or if Malaysia's relative stability offered advantages that were easy to overlook. Over 179 responses later, a clear theme emerged: while no country is perfect, most had no regrets leaving Malaysia.

For these overseas Malaysians, day-to-day life abroad offers opportunities, freedom, and personal growth that their home country, despite its relative stability, could not always provide

One Malaysian, who migrated to Australia 20 years ago and has been a permanent resident for 16 years, said that while he misses family, friends, and cheap Malaysian food, he praised the cleaner air, healthier eating habits, and opportunities for outdoor life, from cycling to camping.

Cultural diversity as a Muslim, he added, has been a positive experience.

"I feel I am a better Muslim here than back in Malaysia," he shared.

He explained that in Malaysia, being a Malay Muslim was the "default" in everyday life. Halal food is widely available, mosques are plentiful, and prayer breaks are woven into the workday. For him, this sometimes made religious practice more routine than deeply intentional.

Similarly, another Malaysian, currently living in New Zealand, echoed the sentiment that media coverage often exaggerates problems.

He said that while New Zealand has faced recession news and an exodus of people to Australia, daily life feels calm, and the situation is overblown.

He appreciates the slower pace, world-class nature, and society's generally open-minded attitude.

And while he misses Malaysian food, festivals, and the urban energy, the trade-offs, such as less traffic, reduced stress, and more balanced work-life rhythms, make the move worthwhile.

He also emphasised that family support systems play a crucial role.

According to him, a friend returning from the UK, despite having a well-paying job, found life lonely and disconnected from family, which influenced her decision to return to Malaysia.

From Singapore to the US, many Malaysians also reflected on how lifestyle, culture, and career opportunities have shaped their lives abroad

For those in Singapore, practical savings and convenience were major benefits.

A Singapore PR highlighted the drop in cost of living, efficient MRT public transport, and the affordability of imported goods when earning in SGD.

Safety, especially for women, was another plus, according to them.

In Japan, however, one has a comfortable salary but struggles with the reserved nature of social life and the difficulty of making friends.

Japanese food, while consistent, lacks the variety and cultural richness of Malaysia, prompting him to plan a return home after decades abroad.

In the US, opportunities for career growth and personal reinvention were key motivators.

Two Malaysians there emphasised the significant advantages of higher salaries, better work culture, and vast career prospects.

For one, migrating enabled him to start a business, pursue higher education, and build a life free from the limitations and judgment he faced in Malaysia.

"I won't be given a second chance if I hadn't come to the US. Here, I can start over, build a small business, go to uni with federal aid, and finally build my life again. No regrets at all," he said.

For the other, they said their life in Malaysia felt discouraging, with people telling them they had no future here and should be ashamed.

"In the US, I have friends who actually care about me, they don't judge me, and they also like to listen to me talking about Malaysia and my good moments there. I'm going to naturalise next year, and I have no regrets at all."

Other voices highlighted personal priorities as a factor: happiness abroad depends on what one values most, whether it's personal freedom, privacy, or material comfort.

Another described leaving Malaysia as an escape from social pressures and discrimination. Despite initial struggles abroad, the quality of life he now enjoys would have been unimaginable back home.

"No regrets, but honestly, the only reason I gave up my citizenship was that I was forced to choose between Malaysia and Australia. If Malaysia had dual citizenship, this wouldn't be as big a problem."

However, not everyone discounted Malaysia entirely

One Selangorian noted the country's advantages, from cheap fuel and electricity to affordable public education and reliable infrastructure, while acknowledging persistent problems like racism and political challenges.

"Life would change a lot once you start seeing people getting caught and mistreated for nothing, people getting displaced due to war, visiting a warzone or refugee camp, etc."

Across countries and experiences, the recurring message is that migration from Malaysia isn't about running from a country; it's about aligning with personal goals, career paths, and life stage

They said the daily realities of life abroad, higher salaries, personal freedoms, better work-life balance, and growth opportunities often outweigh the challenges.

"There isn't a single correct choice, just different ones that make sense for different people," a Malaysian who migrated to Australia wrote, summing up the conversation.

For Malaysians considering moving abroad, the lesson is simple: the grass is greener where you water it, and thoughtful choices can lead to a life without regrets, whether that means personal, professional, or spiritual fulfilment.