Kuala Lumpur crashes out of 100 best cities for expats

Kuala Lumpur has crashed out of the list of the world’s 100 most liveable cities due to pollution and increasing crime.

Petty crime and dangerous air pollution levels have forced Kuala Lumpur out of the 100 world’s best liveable cities listing. Once rated as the 25th out of a long list of countries, KL’s rating is now a lowly 126th. Air quality everywhere in Asia is relatively poor, but most nations are making serious attempts to deal with the issue, with many actually improving year on year. KL is now in the ‘must try harder’ bracket, and its increasing rate of petty crime put the final seal on its fall.

The ECA International Survey relates mostly to Asian expats, but in KL’s case the judgement is certain to affect the numbers of expat professionals considering relocation. In categories including availability of suitable accommodation and utilities the Malaysian capital fared better, meaning there are still a few positives for Asian as well as Western expatriates considering the move. Singapore topped the list as regards liveability for its low crime rates, quality healthcare, excellent international schooling, lower pollution levels and overall work/life balance, giving KL a real challenge as regards getting better ratings next year.

In general, ECA’s Location Ratings are some of the more reliable sources for expats deciding whether to take an offered relocation, as they concentrate on factors affecting expat lifestyles rather than on high salaries. Included are climate, isolation, social network and leisure facilities, personal safety, political stability and availability of quality healthcare services. Australian cities including Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney, Darwin, Perth and Melbourne all featured in the top 15, due to clean air, lower crime figures, excellent facilities and infrastructure.