Although you can get by without learning any Bahasa Malaysia, it helps smooth your path in many situations if you can at least say a phrase of greeting or a few words. Most international schools include Bahasa Malaysia classes from primary school upwards as a second language, and many local nurseries will use both Bahasa Malaysia and English.

Several language schools offer lessons, and many will come to your workplace if you can get a group together who are interested. If you’re free during the day, some expat associations such as the ABWM and AAM run popular courses.