Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HANDBOOK
Expat Handbook
Working & Living in Cat City
Contents
The
Expat Handbook
Living in Kuching
Expat Information
6
8
17 Automobile
20 Healthcare
Property
Education
Financial
14 Taxable income
15 Personal Relief and Separate
16 Employee Provident Fund
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 2
Introduction
Welcome to X-FAB Sarawak! We are happy to have you as part of our X-FAB family.
As you start your career journey with us, we would like to introduce our Expatriate Handbook,
which sets out the general information on living in Kuching, Sarawak and working in X-FAB
Sarawak. We believe proper onboarding program and guiding policies form a crucial component
to overall employees satisfaction and motivation. As such, this handbook brings together
information about expatriates benefits and practices. There will be constant reviews to ensure that
the information in this handbook is up to date and meeting the needs of our employees.
This handbook is intended to provide relevant information in clear and understandable language.
However, in the event of any conflict between the information in this handbook and our official
documents i.e. policies, program, documents or contracts; the official documents shall govern.
While going through this handbook, if you have any queries/concerns with regards to the
contents, please see and discuss with the Human Resource representative at any time.
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 3
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 4
Living in Kuching
Welcome to the land of hornbill
Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia's largest state situated on the island of Borneo. A
modern metropolitan city cloaked with romantic colonial charm, Kuching extends its warm
hospitality and captivates guests to enjoy a relaxed and affordable lifestyle. Blessed with abundant
natural resources, Sarawak is fortunate to have clean air.
Sarawak is also famous for its national parks, traditions, crafts, wild life parks and most of all,
friendly faces! The rich cultural diversities of more than 20 different indigenous ethnic groups as
well as the extensive Malay and Chinese traditions paint a colorful portrait of Sarawak's ethnic and
cultural communities. Also known as the Cat City, Kuching also offers an array of tasty local
delicacies, fine dining as well as fusion of international cuisines.
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 5
Property
Housing costs vary depending on the location. Whether you are buying or renting a house, here
are some things to consider:
Budget
Size
Facilities
Amenities
Below is a list of the average asking prices by location for Kuching properties:
Apartment / Condominium
Apartment / Condo
Location
De Summit Condominium
Green Height Condominium
Village Grove Condominium
Desa Pine Apartment
Park Avenue
Tribeca Condominium
Eden Height Condominium
D Infinia Residence Condominium
The Ryegates
Floridale Apartment
Saville Suites Apartment
Stack 128 Apartment
Riverbank Suites
Bampfylde Residence
Riverine Condominium
Kasuma Resort
Sky Villa Condominium
Courtyard Sanctuary Condominium
DJewel Condominium
The Tropics Condominium
BDC
BDC
BDC
Tabuan
Tabuan
Tabuan
Airport
Airport
Airport
Wan Alwi
3rd Mile
3rd Mile
Town
Town
Petanak
Petra Jaya
MJC
MJC
Hui Sing
Jalan Song
X-FAB
No. of
Bedroom
3
3-4
2-5
2-3
2-3
3
3
3
2
3
3
2-3
2-3
2 -3
3
3
3
2-3
3
3
Expatriate
Rental/Month
(RM)
1,500 3,000
2,500 4,000
1,650 2,500
1,200 2,000
2,500 3,000
2,500 3,000
1,500 2,000
2,300 3,000
2,500 3,000
1,600 2,000
2,000 3,100
1,500 1,800
2,200 3,000
3,500 5,000
2,000 3,200
1,600 4,000
1,200 2,000
1,000 1,500
2,800 3,500
2,300 3,000
Handbook
Page 6
Houses
Location
BDC
Tabuan area
Jalan Song
Stutong
Stampin
Kota
Samarahan
Batu Kawa
3rd Mile
MJC
Riveria
Type of Houses
Not Furnished
(RM)
1,000 1,400
1,000 1,300
1,500 1,600
1,500 1,700
1,200 1,400
1,000 1,200
1,200 1,400
1,000 - 1,100
1,500 1,800
1,000 - 1,100
1,100 1,200
1,000 - 1,100
1,100 1,200
900 1,000
1,000 1,100
1,000 1,100
Partial
Furnished
(RM)
1,500 2,500
1,400 1,500
1,700 1,800
1,800 2,200
1,500 1,700
1,300 1,800
1,500 1,800
1,200 1,300
2,000 2,200
1,200 1,300
1,300 1,500
1,200 1,300
1,300 1,500
1,100 1,200
1,200 1,400
1,200 1,300
Fully
Furnished
(RM)
2,600 3,600
1,600 2,000
1,900 2,500
2,300 2,500
1,800 2,300
1,900 2,200
1,900 2,600
1,400 1,800
2,300 3,000
1,400 1,800
1,600 2,000
1,400 1,800
1,600 2,000
1,300 1,500
1,500 1,800
1,400 1,500
You may also refer to the website listed below to help you in your house hunting:
www.wfwy.com
www.propertyguru.com.m
www.mudah.com.my
www.kencoproperty.com
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 7
Education
Our comprehensive list of International Schools and education system in Kuching and procedure to
register can be found below:
Lodge International School caters for students in the British National Curriculum from Year 2 (age
7) through the Cambridge International Advanced Level (age 16 and above). All course textbooks
are sourced from the UK.
At the Lower and Middle School levels, from Year 2 to Year 9, the subjects offered are English,
Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Art
and Design, Music and Physical Education. In addition to Malay Language, students have the
option of studying Korean or Mandarin Chinese. All Malaysian students are to take Moral and Local
studies in Year 5 and Year 6 and in Year 7 to Year 9, they are also required to study Malaysian
History. Islamic Studies are to be taken by all Muslim students.
Students are prepared for the University of Cambridge IGCSE and IGCE A level examinations in the
Senior School.
A wide range of extra-curricular activities, which include sports, societies and intellectual pursuits
take place after school. Students are expected to broaden their interests and skills by participating
in these activities. Mandarin is taught as extra-curricular activities on Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday.
Fees
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable / Non Transferable Payable Only Once)
Kindergarten
International
The Registration Fee is only refundable when the School is unable to offer a place to a child on or
before 31 January of each year or a child is not admitted on account of him failing the assessment test.
Parents whose children are admitted to Lodge Group of Schools shall automatically become
members of the Lodge School Association and have to pay a membership fee (Refundable) as per
scheduled next page.
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 8
Primary
Secondary
First Child
RM 4,500.00
RM 6,500.00
RM 8,500.00
Second Child
RM 3,000.00
RM 3,000.00
RM 3,000.00
Third Child
RM 2,000.00
RM 2,000.00
RM 2,000.00
Nil
Nil
Nil
Fourth Child
Per Year
Kindergarten
RM 170.00
RM 680.00
International School
RM 150.00
RM 600.00
Per Year
Kindergarten
Kindy A - C
RM 750.00
RM 3,000.00
International School
Year 2 6
RM 1,210.00
RM 4,840.00
Year 7 8
RM 1,530.00
RM 6,120.00
Year 9
RM 1,850.00
RM 7,400.00
Year 10 11 (O Level)
RM 2,720.00
RM 10,880.00
Year 12 - 13 (A Level)
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 9
Tunku Putra School Kindergarten offers an exciting range of learning. At the center of our
curriculum framework is the child and the belief that children are observant, inquisitive and active
learners.
Based on this belief, our curriculum advocates the 4 principles which guide the teaching and
learning in the Kindergarten:
A learning environment that fosters an integrated and inclusive approach to learning
Children learn from actively investigating the world around them
Children learn from their peers, the school community and the wider community
Learning is a complex cognitive activity that cannot be rushed
In International Primary we recognize that your child has a unique set of attributes and abilities.
We provide a caring, supportive learning environment for students where together we strive for
excellence as the students prepare to become lifelong learners.
We aim in International Primary for each child to succeed to their potential and fulfil the schools
vision of creating a holistic approach to learning where the students are active, engaged,
challenged and their learning is meaningful.
International Primary will:
Create a safe, happy and healthy environment in which each student feels secure and
valued
Use a broad and balanced curriculum and employ a variety of teaching styles to help all
children develop their potential in all areas of school life
Celebrate the cultural diversity of the school population, drawing on it to enrich all pupils
development
Develop the social values and skills required for your childs future success
The aim of the International Secondary Programme is to build upon the solid foundations
established by the Primary Programme in order to give students the best possible opportunity to
succeed in their studies and in the world that lies beyond the school gates.
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 10
Fees
Clas
s
Annual
(RM)
Instalment 1
(RM)
Instalment 2
(RM)
Instalment 3
(RM)
(1 Jan 30 Apr)
(1 May 31 Aug)
(1 Sept 31 Dec)
Tuition
Fees
Consolidated
Charges
Total
Fees
Tuition
Fees
Consolidated
Charges
Total
Fees
Tuition
Fees
Consolidated
Charges
Total
Fees
Tuition
Fees
Consolidated
Charges
Total
Fees
K 1-3
6,500
500
7,000
2,200
500
2,700
2,200
2,200
2,100
2,100
IP 2-3
11,500
700
12,200
3,900
250
4,150
3,900
250
4,150
3,700
200
3,900
IP 4-6
12,500
900
13,400
4,200
300
4,500
4,200
300
4,500
4,100
300
4,400
IS711
17,500
500
18,000
5,900
500
6,400
5,900
5,900
5,700
5,700
RM 50.00
RM 1,500.00
Miscellaneous Fees
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
RM 1,000.00
RM 200.00
RM 500.00
user pay
user pay
user pay
RM 20.00
RM 201.00
2%
5%
10%
(Children attending the school under basis (b-c) are not entitled to any further discounts.)
(Canteen meals must be arranged and paid for, with the school canteen operator.)
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 11
Tadika Rhema
Fees
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable / Non Transferable Payable Only Once)
RM 100.00 per admission
School Fees
Per Term x 4
Per Year
Junior 1
RM 900.00
RM 3,600.00
Junior 2 - 3
RM 900.00
RM 3,600.00
RM 900.00
RM 3,600.00
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 12
Additional Fees
RM 200.00 per year
RM 200.00
RM 80.00 per year
RM 50.00 per year
RM 100.00 per year
RM 30.00
RM 180.00 per year
RM 30.00
RM 30.00
RM 100.00
RM 30.00 per year
RM 35.00 (Optional)
RM 170.00
RM 2.00 per year
RM 12.00
Miscellaneous fee
Commitment Deposit
Workbooks/ Books
Entrance Assessment
Project
Folder & Motor skill Workbook
Computer Fees
Class Party
2 School Outings
Book Retention Fee
AIA Insurance
Basket
Uniform & Socks
Car Stickers
School Calendar
Tadika Rhema
26-27 Lorong Keranji 4,
Tabuan Desa,
93350 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel: +6082 367 888
Fax: +6082 360 600
E-mail: tadikarhema@gmail.com
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 13
Financial
Taxable / Employment Income
Employment income includes the following:
Any wages, salary, remuneration, leave pay, fees, commission, bonus, gratuities, perquisites
or allowance, payment of household expenses, club subscriptions, subsidized interest on
loan, school fees for children (whether in money or otherwise)
The value of the use of or enjoyment of any benefits or amenities (e.g. use of companys
motor vehicle, provision of food, clothing, household furniture, drivers services, club
membership)
The value of living accommodation provided by the employer
Payment of the employees personal expenses, e.g. utility bills, insurance premium
Provision of overseas leave passages exceeding RM 3,000.00 per annum
Relocation expenses
If you have not received an Income Tax Return by 31 March in each calendar year, you must
immediately write to the Inland Revenue (i.e. the branch which issued you with the last Income Tax
th
Return) for an Income Tax Return for the relevant year before 14 April.
For more information, you can visit www.hasil.gov.my
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 14
RM
9,000.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
6,000.00
5,000.00
11,000.00
6,000.00
3,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
6,000.00
3,500.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
1,000.00
3,000.00
300.00
2,000.00
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
RM
400.00
400.00
Page 15
RM
Not
exceeding
7% of
aggregate
income
20,000.00
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 16
Address
Tel No.
Website
RG Car Hire
& Services
Main Office:
Lot 5306, 1st Floor, Jln Stutong Baru,
Stampin Resettlement Scheme, 93350
Kuching.
http://www.rg
carhiretour.co
m.my
Car Rental
Kuching
Herts Car
Rental
& Car Sales
Green Matrix
Car Rental
Flexi Car
Rental
Airport Counter:
G19, Ground Floor, Arrival Hall Lobby, +6 082 570 075
Kuching International Airport, 93722 +6 019 818 3112
Kuching.
N/A
N/A
Airport Counter:
+6082450 740
GL20, Ground Floor, Terminal Building
Kuching International Airport, Kuching.
No. 15, Lrg Simpor 4, Taman Trinora, +6 019 866 4673
93050, Petra Jaya, Kuching.
+6 019 848 2380
Head Office:
nd
Lot 7050, 2 Floor, Jalan Sekama,
93300 Kuching.
www.carrental
kuching.com
www.hertz.co
m
www.carrentalkuching.com
www.flexicarre
ntal.com
Airport Counter:
+6 082 452 200
GL18, Ground Floor, Terminal Building,
Kuching International Airport, 93722
Kuching.
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 17
Kuching Rent
A Car
Mayflower
Car Rental
Kuching Car
Rental
Main Office:
+6 082 422 955
Sarawak Tourism Complex, Block D1, Jln
Tun Abg Haji Openg, 93000, Kuching,
Sarawak.
Airport Counter:
+6 082 463 318
Kuching International Airport, Counter
No.6, International Arrival Hall Jln Lapangan
Terbang, 93277 Kuching
No. 254, 1st Floor, Jalan Padungan
+6 082 410 110
93100 Kuching.
N/A
www.kuchingr
entacar.com
www.mayflow
ercarrental.co
m.my
http://kuchingcarrental.blogs
pot.com/
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 18
Terms and Conditions: Motorcycle licenses will be issued according to their classes
i.e. B1, B2 and B: (Please attach supporting documents confirming the motorcycles c.c.
together with the application)
Competence Driving License (CDL) will be issued to applicants who have possessed
that license for more than 2 years
Probationary Driving License (PDL) will be issued if the applicant does not comply with
CDL condition
2. Conversion of Singapore Driving License to Malaysian Driving License
Application can be done at RTD state office.
Complete JPJ 1 form and attach following documents:
Original Singapore competent driving license (CDL) or probationary driving license (P)
Original and photocopy of the driving license
Original and photocopy copy of the passport
One colored photograph (25 mm x 32mm)
Processing fee - RM 20.00
License fee:Competence Driving License (CDL)
RM 30.00 (Car)
For 1 year
RM 20.00 (Motorcycle)
For 1 year
Probationary driving License (P)
RM 60.00 (Car)
For 2 years
RM 40.00 (Motorcycle)
For 2 years
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 19
Healthcare in Kuching
General contact
Phone: +6082 507 333 Fax: +6082 507 733
E-mail: admin@borneomedicalcentre.com
Address: Lot 10992, Sec 64, KTLD, Jalan Tun
Jugah, 93350, Kuching, Sarawak.
General Contact
Lot 5164-5165, Block 16 KCLD, 2 1/2
Mile, Rock Road, Taman Timberland,
93250 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel: +6082 234 466
Fax: +6082 232 259
Email:
marketing@timberlandmedical.com
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 20
Kuching Restaurants
Kuching is filled with interesting places to eat that fit all budgets. From luxurious, open-air bistros
on the waterfront to steamy food courts serving delicious cheap noodles, you will want to try them
all.
X-FAB
Expatriate
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Page 21
X-FAB
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Page 22
X-FAB
Expatriate
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Page 23
You can always refer to the latest/updated food directories in Kuching at:
Kuching Food Critics (http://www.kuchingfoodcritics.com/p/food-directory.html)
Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurants-g298309-Kuching_Sarawak.html)
X-FAB
Expatriate
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Page 24
X-FAB
Expatriate
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Page 25
Museum
Sarawak Museum (Old Building)
Sarawak Museum (Dewan Tun Abdul Razak)
Islamic Heritage Museum
Textile Museum
Sarawak Women Museum
Natural History Museum
Chinese Museum
Cat Museum
Website: http://www.museum.sarawak.gov.my
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 26
National Park
There is a nominal entry fee for all national parks in Sarawak. Check with the National Parks
Booking Office in Kuching for the latest fee structure. A permit is required for professional
photography or filming, which should be arranged in advance with the National Parks Booking
Office. Check with the National Parks Booking Office in Kuching or the Sarawak Forestry website
(www.sarawakforestry.com) for the latest fee structure.
National Parks Booking Office
Visitors Information Centre, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching Sarawak Malaysia
Tel: +6082 248 088 Fax: +6082 248 087
Below are just a few of national parks around Kuching. For more in depth information, go to the
Sarawak Forestry website stated above.
Kubah National Park
Bako National Park
Gunung Gading National Park
Matang Wildlife Centre
Semenggoh Wildlife
Santubong NationaL Park
Rehabilitation Centre
Talang-Satang National Park
Tanjung Datu National Park
Fairy Cave
Wind Cave
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 27
Others:
Kuching Orchid Garden
Great Cat Statue
Sematan
Lundu
Disiniland
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 28
Contact for more current and update events happening around Kuching city, you may refer to:
X-FAB
Expatriate
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Page 29
Eligibility
It is open to citizens of all countries recognized by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or
age. Applicants are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 as
dependents.
Incentives available in MM2H:
Special social visit for parents above 60 years old
Tax exemption for purchase or import of a car
Opportunity to purchase unlimited numbers of residential properties in Malaysia (above
RM1,000,000)
Investment in Malaysia
Student Pass for enrolment in private educational institutions
Tax exemption on pension remitted into Malaysia
Bringing in a domestic helper
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 30
Minimum RM 500,000
and offshore income of
RM10,000 per month.
Options:
OR Current
Monthly
Offshore
Income*
RM 350,000
RM 10,000
New applicants who have purchased properties worth at least RM1
million qualify to place a lower fixed deposit amount upon approval.
RM 300,000
Fixed Deposit
Options:
OR
RM 150,000
Current
Monthly
Offshore
Income*
RM 10,000
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 31
X-FAB
Expatriate
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Page 32
Travel Agency
Inter-Continental Travel Centre Sdn Bhd
Lot 572-573, Section 10, Jalan Nanas,
93400 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel : +6082 256 155
Website : www.intercont.com.my
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 33
Expat Directories
Emergency
Police
Ambulance
Civil Defense
Fire & Rescue
From Mobile Phone
Telecommunication
Directory Service
Maxis
Celcom
Digi
Telekom
Airport / Airlines
KLIA
KUCHING INT AIRPORT
MAS Call Centre
Airasia Call Centre
999
+6082 245 522
+6082 230689
991
994
112
103
+603 7492 2123
+603 3630 8888
1-800-68-8000
1050 / +6082
200 100
Healthcare / Hospital
Sarawak General Hospital
0
Other Useful Number
Kuching Taxi
Custom Department
X-FAB
Expatriate
Handbook
Page 34