Frank and Francien Lucas, originally from the Netherlands, have called Malaysia home for the past ten years. Before settling here, their lives took them across the globe – over three decades spent living and working in Germany, Italy, South Africa, the United States, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. It wasn’t until 2015 that they decided to retire from full-time employment and try something new.
MAKING MALAYSIA HOME WITH MM2H
“We didn’t know much about Malaysia,” Frank admits. “Just one business trip in 2012 gave us a glimpse. But when our daughter landed a job here in 2014, she suggested we give it a shot. We did – and we’re still here!” In 2016, the couple obtained their Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa through what they describe as a surprisingly smooth application process. Ten years later, Kuala Lumpur is well and truly home.
When asked what they enjoy most about living in Malaysia, Frank and Francien are quick to mention the vibrant city life, the year-round tropical climate, and the convenience of having everything nearby. “Now that our daughters are grown and live far away, we appreciate being in a bustling city like KL, where there’s always something happening. We love the lifestyle here – hiking, scuba diving, fitness, golf, writing, and, of course, travelling,” Frank shares.
“With both international and low-cost carriers offering plenty of flight options, Malaysia is a fantastic base for exploring the region. The airports here give us great access to so many parts of the world.”
But the appeal of KL goes beyond lifestyle and travel. The couple also values the city’s excellent medical facilities and strong sense of safety. “People are easygoing, the multicultural vibe is wonderful, and we’ve found the community here very welcoming,” they add. “KL really is an international city – we’ve made friends from all over the world.”
A COMMITMENT TO MALAYSIA
After ten years, they no longer consider themselves temporary residents. “Malaysia is our first home now, and we have no intention of returning to the Netherlands,” Frank says. “We’re currently renewing our MM2H visa and plan to stay as long as we enjoy life here. The future will unfold as it does – but for now, we’re not going anywhere.”
Of course, even in a place they love, there are a few downsides. “The haze around September can be quite bad, and overall air quality is something we wish was better,” Frank notes. “Traffic has also worsened over the years, despite the constant construction of new highways. And speaking of construction – it never stops. Living in KLCC, we’ve never really been far from a crane or a drilling site.”
One challenge many long-term expats face is the transitory nature of the community. “In our ten years here, we’ve made so many wonderful friends – and said goodbye to many of them,” says Francien. “Expat assignments typically last around three years, so we’ve experienced several waves of friends arriving and leaving. You get used to it, but it’s still tough. Every time, it takes energy and motivation to rebuild those connections.”
When it comes to travel, Frank and Francien are adventurous souls. “In Malaysia, the East Coast is absolutely beautiful, and we love exploring Sarawak and Sabah for their stunning natural surroundings,” they say. But when they’re heading farther afield, Indonesia has a special place in their hearts. “From nature to culture, it has so much to offer. We love places where we can dive into adventure – literally and figuratively.
After a lifetime of moving across continents, Frank and Francien have found something special in Malaysia – a place that still excites them, still feels like home, and still offers more to discover. Ten years on, they’re still loving life in KL.