Malaysia woos Gulf states retirees

A Malaysian delegation is visiting the Gulf Arab states to attract prospective retirees to live in the country, Malaysian news agency BERNAMA reported.

The delegation from Kuala Lumpur was in the United Arab Emirates last week to promote the Malaysian government's Silver Hair Program that invites people over 50 years of age to retire in a third country.

The program's sponsors argue the country's natural heritage and beauty will appeal not only to the UAE citizens but also to expatriates. This is one area which can draw people from the Gulf region to Malaysia.

A vibrant business environment, a liberal and stable government, low cost of living, high levels of education, good infrastructure, friendly people and perpetual summer made the country an ideal place for retiree to live, the sponsors say.

The response to the residence plan is very encouraging. We have also received a number of inquiries from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, they say.