Diversity and Inclusion in Malaysia

Malaysia is home to people from all walks of life. Read on to learn about some diversity and inclusion issues you might encounter in this diverse country.

Accessibility in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is often regarded as one of Asia’s more wheelchair-friendly cities, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Many public transport systems, including the MRT and LRT, are accessible, with stations equipped with ramps and lifts. You may find that some streets are still missing kerb cuts, which can make getting around tricky if you use a wheelchair.

It’s pretty easy to use public transport in Kuala Lumpur with some planning, but getting to and from the transport stops can be challenging. The surrounding infrastructure, like pavements, isn’t always consistent or well maintained, which can pose difficulties, particularly if you need smooth passage.

Public Transport and Driving in Malaysia

Further reading

www.disabilityinsider.com
www.wheelchairtravel.org

LGBTQ+ in Malaysia

Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. Under Sharia law, Muslims may also face caning and fines. Although convictions are rare, arrests at LGBTQ+ gatherings do happen, so stay informed and cautious when participating in such events.

If you identify as transgender, you may face significant challenges in Malaysia. Transgender identities are not recognised legally, and the prevailing attitude often frames it as ‘cross-dressing’, which is condemned by Islamic law. You might encounter a lot of social stigma and even legal difficulties when living openly as a transgender person.

Conversion therapy is still common in Malaysia, with support for it often stemming from religious groups.

Useful resources

www.queerlapis.com
www.justiceforsisters.wordpress.com
www.seedfoundation.com.my

Gender equality in Malaysia

Gender equality in Malaysia has made some strides over the years. In 1995, Malaysia ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), albeit with reservations. The remaining reservations primarily relate to citizenship and equal marriage rights, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing international commitments with traditional Islamic principles.

The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Malaysia 114th out of 146 countries, highlighting significant challenges in political empowerment and economic opportunities for women despite good progress in education.

Malaysian women’s education levels are high, but workforce participation remains an uphill battle, with many women leaving the workforce to take on caregiving roles at home. As a result, only half of Malaysian women actively participate in the workforce. This gap is also reflected in leadership positions, where representation is still low.

Useful resources

www.wao.org.my
www.arrow.org.my

Women in leadership in Malaysia

As of 2023, approximately 40 percent of senior management positions in Malaysia are held by women, reflecting a positive trend and improvement over previous years. This represents a significant leap from earlier years and points towards a growing acceptance of women in leadership roles. The Federal Court also boasts 8 out of 15 judges being women, which indicates increasing gender parity within the judiciary.

Despite these strides, women are still underrepresented in political leadership. In 2022, women constituted only 15 percent of Malaysia’s parliamentary seats and 16 percent of its ministerial positions, which remains well below the global average and the national target of 30 percent.

Working in Malaysia
Doing Business in Malaysia

Useful resources

www.30percentclub.org

Mental health awareness in Malaysia

Due to the stress of relocation and feelings of loneliness or isolation in their new home, expats may be at higher risk of depression and anxiety than the general population. Many expats report experiencing increased mental health challenges, particularly as they adjust to a new environment.

The good news is that mental health awareness in Malaysia is on the rise, and the taboo of discussing mental health is eroding. More companies are taking the importance of mental health seriously, holding workshops and talks to raise awareness, and offering better mental health coverage in their employee healthcare plans.

If you are an expat in Malaysia, you’ll find that private mental healthcare services are often the most accessible option. Numerous private clinics in Kuala Lumpur cater specifically to the expat community, with multilingual staff from all over the world, which can make getting help much easier. Review your health insurance plan to understand the extent of coverage provided, as policies can vary significantly.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Malaysia

Useful resources

www.themindfaculty.com
www.abrimentalhealth.com

Unconscious bias education in Malaysia

Unconscious bias is an implicit set of often stereotyped ideas, misconceptions and assumptions people may carry about groups of people they perceive as different from themselves. These ideas are not purposefully adopted but rather develop subtly over time, and they can significantly impact a person's interactions, whether personally or professionally.

Unconscious bias can profoundly affect both personal and work conditions. In the workplace, unchecked bias can undermine essential aspects of a company, negatively impacting employee performance, retention, and recruitment. It can be a silent barrier to creating truly inclusive and thriving work environments.

Many companies in Malaysia are now recognising this and beginning to implement unconscious bias training programmes. Some organisations offer courses specifically aimed at helping individuals identify and address these biases effectively.

Useful resources

implicit.harvard.edu
www.nonprofitready.org/unconscious-bias-training
www.theknowledgeacademy.com
www.britishcouncil.my/unconscious-bias-penang

Diversification of the workforce in Malaysia

Studies show that workplace diversification is hugely beneficial to companies and employees alike. Diverse teams are more creative, better at problem-solving, and contribute to higher company performance across the board. In recognition of this, many of Malaysia’s largest companies are setting up diversity and inclusion programmes, ensuring that a wide variety of people is represented among employees.

Malaysia is home to more than 2 million foreigners, mainly from China, India, and Indonesia. If you are moving to Malaysia, you might be drawn by the thriving energy of Kuala Lumpur, which is an excellent location for advancing your career.

You can expect a fairly diverse work environment if you work in a large multinational company based in Kuala Lumpur. The offices of international firms buzz with a blend of languages, and staff are sourced from all over the world.

Safety in Malaysia

Safety in Malaysia is generally reassuring, with opportunistic petty crime being the main concern for expats. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching tend to occur more frequently in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Bag snatching is often committed by thieves on motorcycles, so it’s imperative to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.

Taking simple precautions can go a long way in keeping you safe. Keep your valuables tucked away, stay aware of your belongings in crowded places, avoid walking alone through isolated areas at night, and use reputable taxi companies or ride-share apps. Public transport is considered safe and efficient, but watch for pickpockets, especially during peak hours.

While Malaysia is mostly safe, certain areas do pose higher risks. The eastern coast of Sabah, near conflict zones in the southern Philippines, is known for increased risks related to kidnapping and violence. We advise avoiding non-essential travel to these regions.

Calendar initiatives in Malaysia

4 February – World Cancer Day
March – TB Awareness Month
19 May – Global Accessibility Awareness Day
10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day
October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month
8 October – World Mental Health Day
14 November – World Diabetes Day
1 December – World AIDS Day