Kuala Lumpur - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get by with only English very easily, but Malay/Chinese can help at times. - May 2022
None. - Aug 2018
You don't need to know any Bahasa to get by here. The only word you need to know is Keluar so you can recognize the emergency exit signs in the malls. Almost everyone speaks at least moderate English, and many Malaysians are fluent. - May 2018
You do not need to know Bahasa to function in the city. Language classes are available and inexpensive. - Apr 2017
You don't need much at all and could happily survive without any language instruction. I was lucky enough to take a class that was a mix of learning some language and culture. It's nice to know pleasantries such as hello, please and thank you. I also find it handy to know numbers and phrases such as how much, can I have a discount, I would like (number) of them please. Sometimes a few little phrases will help get you a more reasonable price for something and you might not have to pay the tourist prices for everything. - Apr 2017
Not much. Most people speak English, and those who don't speak English generally speak Cantonese or Tamil, so Bahasa Malaysia isn't really critical. - May 2016
In KL, English is definitely fine. - Feb 2015
Not much as almost everyone understands English, but Malay is an easy language to learn and quite fun. - Aug 2013
You can get away without really speaking Bahasa. The majority of Malaysians, which include the Malays, Chinese, and Indians, speak multiple languages, including English. When traveling to smaller towns, challenges occur, but otherwise there is always someone to assist you. - Aug 2011
Most speak English. - Mar 2011
Most people speak good English or at least some. - May 2009
Very little spoken Bahasa is needed because English is almost universally spoke. It does help to be able to read a few words but you'll pick that up in no time. I speak some Mandarin but most of the Chinese in KL speak Cantonese. So, you will have to work at it to find people to practice with. - Mar 2009
I speak a little Malay, but hardly use it as nearly everyone you normally deal with has some level of English 2 or better. - Jul 2008
None. BUT many of the stores have Indonesian employees who do not speak a word of English. Knowing some Bahassa would be a good thing. - May 2008
