Why Malaysia Is Home — Again
Sharifah R. Johari has lived a life that reads like a passport full of stories. Born in Malaysia, raised here and in the UK, and having spent decades serving in the US Air Force, she has called more places home than most people ever will. Today, at 79, she is firmly based in Malaysia under the MM2H programme – not as someone returning “home”, but as someone who has always carried it with her, wherever she went.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Malaysia, Pahang. My mother is Malaysian and my father was from Saudi Arabia. I grew up mostly in the UK and came back to Malaysia when he retired.
After secondary school, I studied hotel management. During an internship in Hong Kong, I met my husband, who was from the US and working with the US Air Force. Then we got married, and I joined the US Air Force as well. I have been stationed in Germany, Italy and Greece, and in 1999 I was deployed to Bosnia.
I worked in inventory and logistics, supporting the military with all kinds of supplies – like a portable shop, from needles to cars. Our motto was: “We go wherever you go.” I served for 35 years and then retired.
I’ve also been a belly dancer for many years. I started when I was young. When we moved to the US, I got more into it and even taught children and adults. It was a little extra income alongside my work in the army.
What brought you back to Malaysia?
My siblings are here, and I am Malaysian first – I will never forget my own culture. So when I retired in 2001, we wanted to return to Malaysia. At that time, we were considered foreigners – I’ve been a US citizen since 1970 – so we came in on a tourist visa and were told about the Silver Hair programme. Shortly after, that became Malaysia My Second Home.
What do you like about living here?
Life here is easy. The cost of living is very reasonable, and Malaysian food is possibly the best in the world. My husband loved the warm weather and the food. He used to say, “Without chilli, there is no sunshine.” That’s one of the reasons we came back to Malaysia. That said, I still enjoy Europe too, especially the four seasons.
When did you apply for the MM2H visa, and how easy was the process?
I applied in 2001. There was quite a bit of paperwork, but after that, the process was smooth. After my husband passed away – he was the principal applicant – I had to reapply in my own name, which was fine. That requirement no longer exists now. I’ll be extending my permit again soon, as my five years are almost up.
What advice would you give people applying under the new MM2H rules?
I would advise people to study the different categories carefully and then decide what suits them best. Compared to many other countries, it’s still an affordable option. So, comply with the requirements and go for it.
What advice would you give to newly arrived expats?
Explore Malaysia, and start with Chinatown here in Kuala Lumpur – it gives you a great introduction to the country. Spend time with locals and learn about the culture. For women, the International Women’s Association of Kuala Lumpur (IWAKL) is fantastic.
is Malaysia truly your second home, or your first these days?
Malaysia is both my first and second home now. I still have my husband’s family in the US, so I do go back occasionally. Greece is also another home for me – I speak Greek and have many friends there. I love Europe. I still like to travel, but I’m not moving anymore. Malaysia is where I am now – and where I plan to stay.