Malaysia is home to a vibrant expat community who are attracted to the country by its climate, low cost of living, beautiful scenery and laid-back lifestyle. There are many others who might be interested in moving there for a better life, but some are worried about how secure they would be living in a developing and unfamiliar nation.
It is true that in many developing countries the rule of law is weaker, but it is wrong to jump to the conclusion that they are crime-ridden. Nonetheless, it is sensible to make your home as secure as possible no matter where you live. Today, there are all kinds of products you can buy and steps you can take to protect your property.
Here are some of the simple things you can do to make your home in Malaysia safer.
Get a security guard
I know this sounds a bit extravagant, but it really isn’t. One of the perks of moving to Southeast Asia is that luxury properties such as those in Country Heights are not only cheaper than most other countries, but they come with security on the gate included. Higher-end condos often have security staff in the lobby too.
Upgrade your locks
If you’re moving into a property that somebody else has lived in before, it is sensible to have the locks changed on the doors no matter where in the world you are. While you’re at it, there are two upgrades that you might consider in order to make sure your doors are as secure as possible.
The first is the classic deadbolt. These can only be unlocked from inside and consist of a metal bolt that slides deep into the doorframe when locked. This makes it highly resistant to forced entry. The other option is a smart lock. These are typically controlled by an app, leaving you in control of the door at all times. These also keep a log of activity and can notify you of tampering or anything suspicious.
Reinforce your windows
In Malaysia and other countries nearby, you might notice that many houses have iron bars across their windows so that intruders cannot get in. These are certainly good for security, although they can be unsightly.
A less visible option is security film, which is a strong, transparent film that sticks to the glass so that it holds together instead of shattering if somebody tries to break it.
Invest in a home security system
These come in a number of different forms, but most today include some combination of security cameras, alarms, and an application. Not everyone will be comfortable setting up home security cameras, but they can act as a deterrent or provide valuable evidence in the event that a crime does take place. When dealing with an unfamiliar legal system, direct evidence could be very valuable.
Malaysia has put in place government policies to deal with crime and security, and there is no reason to let worries about crime ruin your experience in the country. Taking some simple common-sense precautions like those outlined above will help keep you safe and should give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy life.
