Life as an Indian Student in Malaysia – Truth No One Tells You
Experiences of Indian students studying in Malaysia
My name is Arjun, 24, from Chennai. I’ve been studying in Kuala Lumpur for 18 months. Many think: “Malaysia is like India, easy to adjust!” But the truth?
Nobody talks about the hard part. So I will.
💭 Dream: “I’ll find South Indian food everywhere!”
Reality: Only 2–3 good restaurants in KL. Rest are “Malay-style” dosa (with sambal!). Miss real sambar daily.
Reality: Only 2–3 good restaurants in KL. Rest are “Malay-style” dosa (with sambal!). Miss real sambar daily.
💔 Dream: “People will treat me like family!”
Reality: Some locals call us “keling”. Landlords refuse Indians. Subtle racism exists — especially outside KL.
Reality: Some locals call us “keling”. Landlords refuse Indians. Subtle racism exists — especially outside KL.
PR Path: Almost Impossible
- Student visa → work visa requires job offer with salary > RM5,000
- Employers prefer locals or Chinese candidates
- No direct PR pathway for students (unlike Canada)
✅ Advice: Use Malaysia as a stepping stone to Australia/Canada.
What I Miss Most
- Real filter coffee in the morning
- Festival celebrations with family (Diwali, Pongal)
- Speaking Tamil freely
- Being close to Amma when she’s unwell
Loneliness is Real
Even with Indian friends, sometimes I feel isolated. Cultural festivals feel “performed”, not lived.
I now attend temple events and join Tamil student associations — small comfort.
Would I Recommend Malaysia to Indian Students?
Yes — but with eyes open. It’s affordable education, not permanent settlement.
If you come:
✅ Learn basic Malay
✅ Connect with Indian community early
✅ Save for future migration (Canada/Australia)
❤️ Final Word: Education is valuable, but roots matter. Don’t lose yourself while chasing degrees.
Post a Comment