A Guide to Malaysian Public Services: What Expats Should Know 📮

Moving to Malaysia is an exciting adventure, but navigating essential services like setting up utilities, understanding the postal system, and getting connected to the internet can feel a little overwhelming at first. Don't worry though, we’re here to help make the process smoother. Here’s a guide to accessing public services in Malaysia and what you need to know as an expat.

Setting Up Utilities

Setting up your utilities, including water, electricity, gas, and internet, is one of the first tasks when moving into a new home. Here’s how to go about it:

• Electricity: The main electricity provider in Malaysia is Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). You can set up your account by visiting their website or going to their office. TNB also has a convenient mobile app where you can monitor your usage, pay bills, and view your account details. In many rental situations, your landlord might have already set up the electricity, and you’ll just need to transfer the account to your name.

  
  

• Water: If you’re living in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, or Putrajaya, your water services will be managed by Pengurusan Air Selangor. You can register for an account via their website or app. In other states, different water authorities handle the supply, so it’s a good idea to check with your landlord or local municipality to understand how water services are managed in your area.

  
  

• Gas: Depending on where you live, gas is supplied either through cylinders or piped gas. Most households use gas cylinders for cooking, which you can order from local suppliers, and they’ll deliver them to your home. However, in some residential areas, Gas Malaysia provides piped natural gas. If your building is connected to Gas Malaysia’s network, you’ll need to set up an account with them either online or through their customer service. Check with your landlord or building management to see which system is used in your home.

  
  

Postal Services

Malaysia’s national postal service, Pos Malaysia, is available all over the country, handling not just mail and parcel deliveries but also bill payments and other government services like road tax renewals. For sending mail locally or internationally, Pos Malaysia is reliable, but you’ll also notice a lot of private courier services such as DHL, J&T Express, and Ninja Van, especially if you’re shopping online.

If you’re expecting important documents or packages from overseas, it’s always a good idea to use a tracked service to make sure everything arrives safely. If you’re someone who travels frequently or doesn’t have a permanent address, P.O. Box services are available at most post offices.

Internet and Mobile Services

Staying connected is essential, and Malaysia has plenty of options for internet and mobile services.

• Internet: TM Unifi has long been the main provider of fibre broadband across Malaysia and is available in most areas, including suburban and rural regions. However, if you’re in a high-rise or urban area, you’ll also likely have access to TIME, which offers high-speed fibre broadband and is popular for its competitive prices and faster speeds. Both Unifi and TIME offer online registration and installation, and service is usually up and running within a few days. Other options include Maxis and Celcom, which also provide fibre internet services.

  
  

• Mobile: Mobile services are widely available, with providers like Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and U Mobile offering prepaid and postpaid plans. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to find at convenience stores, airports, or mobile shops and are great for short-term use. If you’re staying long-term, postpaid plans usually offer better value for money, especially if you use a lot of data.

  
  

Accessing Public Services

There are a few other essential services you may need to access during your time in Malaysia, like immigration services, healthcare, or road transport services.

• Immigration Services: For visa renewals, work permits, and other immigration-related matters, you’ll need to visit Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (Immigration Department of Malaysia). It’s best to make an appointment online to avoid long queues. Major cities also have Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs), which are one-stop service centres where you can handle various government-related tasks, including immigration services.

  
  

• Healthcare: Malaysia has both public and private healthcare systems. Public healthcare is affordable and accessible to everyone, including expats, though wait times in government hospitals can sometimes be long. If you prefer quicker service and more personalised care, private healthcare is a good option, though it comes at a higher cost. Many expats opt for private health insurance to cover medical needs.

  
  

• Road Transport: If you plan on driving in Malaysia, you’ll need to deal with Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), the Road Transport Department. They handle driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, road tax, and more. You may be able to convert your foreign driver’s license to a Malaysian one depending on your country of origin, so it’s worth checking with JPJ.

  
  

Paying Bills and Other Essentials

In Malaysia, paying bills is simple and convenient. Most utility and service providers allow you to pay your bills online through their websites or via your bank’s online services. Alternatively, you can settle bills in person at convenience stores, post offices, or banks. Popular mobile apps like Boost and Touch 'n Go eWallet also allow you to pay bills on the go.

Many service providers offer paperless billing, so you can receive your bills directly via email or through mobile apps, making it easy to keep track of payments and usage.

Adjusting to how public services work in Malaysia may take a little time, but once you get the hang of it, things generally run smoothly. Be patient, as processes might not be as quick as you’re used to, but most services are reliable, and with online platforms and apps, accessing what you need has never been easier.

At Malaysian Link, we’re here to help make your transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance with setting up your utilities or accessing services, feel free to reach out. We hope you enjoy settling into your new home!

📷: Isma Ezril