Any British Pakistanis in KL?

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

Hi there!
I'm聽 going to be a newbie moving across to KL this summer and would love to hear from British Pakistanis who are out there...would love to meet likeminded Brit Pakistanis who can give me the lowdown on where the best desi food is and shopping ..... am quite excited but also apprehensive as I'm a single female!!.. please get in touch!!! Many thanks

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Christine ViP

42879POSTS

14 years ago

Hi LIBRAN,

Welcome to 大咖福利影院!

I hope you find some nice contacts on the site.

All the best,
Christine

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

Ohhh Thanks so much Christine!!! I hope so too!!!聽 See you around!!! x

Nemodot ViP

2128POSTS

14 years ago

Hi Libran, welcome, when working in KL last time I came across a few young British聽 pakistanis (male) studying, but in KL you won't be a British Pakistani. You won't be British. Your an expat as so few Brits around! Dubai i understand where you have lived has a larger community. There is an international Islamic university which may have a small community of British pakistanis - a mate studied there and he is british Pakistani but he socialised just with locals and expats like the rest of my social circle. He loved Malaysia

As for food malayisan food is halal (unless warning signs on restaurant) and lovely and very fusion. Southern Indian food and Sri Lanka food influence is obvious but there are more upmarket northern Indian and Pakistani style restaurants around. I worked with lots of Indian and Pakistani IT consultants and they ended up in mcdonalds most lunchtimes whereas me and a german expat went with local Indian staff (and a Malaysian pakistani - a few around) to eat local food which always made the locals laugh. The food is very different but a 1000 times better than Britain food IMHO lol. I spent 3 years living near bradford and ate out a lot in Pakistani restaurants and you do come across some similar food sometimes in Malaysian Pakistani run restaurants but much rarer than the mamak (Indian Muslim) style of food or southern
Indian food (still halal)

Are you working or studying in KL?

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

Heyyy Nemodot!!! Thank you聽 soo much for your response! Wow! Its great to finally be " communicating" with someone whose an expat in KL!!! I totally understand your views about me being an expat- I'm really hoping to meet some expats - as a newbie u tend to gravitate towards聽 " natives" whether ur a Brit聽 or a Pakistani or just an Expat is absolutely cool with me!! Yep Ive accepted an Advisory position out there in KL- work will be near Johru so at the moment- I'm trying to get an idea of my new home inshallah .....Thank you for the heads up about the Islamic Uni - its a good tip as when inshallah I arrive I guess Ramadan will be in full throw!!!....I may have to ask u more about ur social circle .....glad to know food is so good and cheap- to be honest I was out in KL last February as a first time holiday- I loved it聽 and little did I know- I was destined to come out there and work!!! Whopeee!!.....Ur a local native? Bradford's round the corner from me back home.. I'm a Rochdalian lass so must hook up on the tinternet!!!!( She says in her Rochdalian聽 accent!!).. currently Ive been based in the UAE - pretty sad to leave it but hey .. its life!!!.....so聽 I guess ur working out there? How long have u been out there?... fill me in and many thanks on ur welcome response... U may be my " voice box" for now so uve been warned!!!!! Cheers x

Nemodot ViP

2128POSTS

14 years ago

Hi Libran I'm an Essex boy actually (can I here the sound of you running lol) but I worked up in Leeds and Bradford for a major accountancy firm. I had a gf then who was Indian Muslim so we ate lots of curries in Bradford - I love spicy food and one reason Malaysia is one of my favourite places. I lived in Thailand as well, and love Thai food, but Malaysian has that something special.

Actually I'm in London for nearly three more weeks, then 3 weeks in South Africa for a trip then to KL to work in an international school where I'm going to be Head of Department for science. I used to work in KL in finance in my old career in an advisory role. What sector are you advising in?

I still have quite a few friends left in KL and one from Thailand just moved there, but I'm looking to meet new people so i will be attending any social do's and groups and best way if meeting people in Malaysia.

How was UAE? I was looking for a job there but Arab uprisings meant more teachers on the Market. I thought of morocco, Libya, Egypt and Syria when jobs came up. Now it seems every time I think great place then revolution! So Malaysia be careful lol

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

Hey hun ... an Essex lad?... ( Yep I did run out but got too tired and came back!!)....small world it is ! Ahh ok kool .. so ur partial to the darker sides!!! Good ....U sound to be really well travelled- that's awesome- I think travelling is amazing - makes u appreciate Gods beauty!....Congrats on u being a Head of Science thats great ..... so it seems u made the move from Finance/ IT to teaching? How did that happen....?....Uae is lovely - has its superficiality聽 but also its very good living .... being a lottery of passports and accent if ur " western" u'll be just fine!....education here has also taken a step back hence projects being downsized and given to local tenders.....I currently work as an Advisory teacher for English in a Girls school but now have a wonderful opportunity of relocating to KL... again Ill be in an Advisory capacity for a High school ....am looking forward to it but being a single female its a little daunting ... UAE is a 7 hour聽 direct flight home... it wont be the case in KL so I'm trying to be optimistic.....to be honest the "uprisings" u mention are kept very low key here in the UAE.....it seems like Syria is the most vocal country at this point in time.. peace to all I say irrespective of age, colour , race......are u happy about ur career choice?.........

Nemodot ViP

2128POSTS

14 years ago

Hi yep happy about teaching! I'll PM you :-)

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

Kool!!!

usmannaeem Active member

54POSTS

14 years ago

#10

Thanks Nemodot for the information, specially about the Pakistani food. I will be needing this info soon..

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#11

usmannaeem .. hello - ur a newbie too?.....fill us in!!!

usmannaeem Active member

54POSTS

14 years ago

#12

I am Usman, currently in Pakistan. I am IT professional and work for a US based company. I will be moving to Kuala Lumpur next month. I have never been out of Pakistan before therefore I am a little bothered about the move. I have to admit that I have cooled down a bit since I first visited this form (expat-blog), here people (members and admins) are really supportive.

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#13

Hey Congrats! Glad to hear that this site is a really good support network especially for newbies moving across to Malaysia!.. I move across this summer so pretty excited and nervous but inshallah ill be fine just as u will.. u will be based in Kl?.....

usmannaeem Active member

54POSTS

14 years ago

#14

Thanks Libran (I do not know your name), wish you the very best. Yes, I will be living in KL but have no idea which area of KL. Nemodot has suggested that I go to Berjaya Times Square temporarily and then look around and make up my mind. I think I will be following his directions (I never thanked him for his suggestion; thanks Nemodot).

usmannaeem Active member

54POSTS

14 years ago

#15

And yes, this site is really a great help for people like us, the newbies as you call us. The contributions from certain members create nice topping on a very nice cake. I think they are working on more features as I noticed from a post by Julien, the founder.

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=92679

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#16

Thanks Usman naeem.. Yep I agree that this site is useful... mashallah congrats on ur move and when are u relocating?.... U say this is ur first move out of PK so im sure u have an element of excitement/ fear / trepidation- its quite normal but dont panick!(says me!!).. inshallah if you follow all procedures and go in positively all will be well.... at least us " newbies" have this site to share/ discuss our fears and concerns.. I think were quite lucky- I know I am聽 and Nermodot should get an award for the most friendliest expat on this thread!!!(plus one for all his superdooper information!!!).. Sallams

Nemodot ViP

2128POSTS

14 years ago

#17

I'm blushing now

Usman I would check the rates - a couple I know sayed there for less than 3k a month but prices may have gone up so have a look round. One that comes to mind is Citin Hotel Masjid Jamek which I stayed in once - it's near the light rail train station that gets you to a lot of places and lots of food around as central KL. I had a quick look at service apartment rates and my eyes nearly popped out at the rates! Prices may be high as tourists booking them as well.

To be honest your company should help, any expat employer should organise at least a couple of weeks in a hotel for free - mine has - and that takes the pressure off and they will prob get a better rate.

optperson Contributor

144POSTS

14 years ago

#18

Hi Libran,
Good to know you are coming across to KL. Its awesome city. I have been living here since 2008 March but then i moved to Bangkok in Jan 2011 and recently last week i came back again .. Most of us are expats here and I am born and grew up in Karachi, Pakistan..
I like to hang out with like minded people.
Hope you will have great time here.

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#19

Heyyyy Optperson!! Thanks so much for your response and mashallah ur a desi then!!! Whopeeee great to have met u!! Yep inshallah Im making the move this summer but as its so new- waiting for all documents and for the process to get rolling!!....wow!.. uve been there in KL for over 3 years- thats fab- u must really enjoy it out there?.. I had a weeks holiday early this year in Malaysia and totally loved it- alhamdolilah now Im relocating so its all exciting for me...so are u in Malaysia for good ?......

optperson Contributor

144POSTS

14 years ago

#20

wow rapid reply

yeh I am here for good.. got awesome work offer so I plan to move my a** back to KL from Funky city (Bangkok)..
KL has everything it depends how you want to enjoy here.. I prefer my self to stay here that's why i came back.
When exactly you will be here..

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#21

Heyyy its cos im online!!!!... Inshallah I'm hoping to make a quick trip out early next week but my permanent move will be towards the end of August as I start work 1st week of September inshallah .. sounds like ur happy to be back - good for u!!! See u around!!!

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#22

Hey guys.. can anyone tell me what the distance is in time between JB and Singapore?聽 How long via car / flight?聽 :)Much appreciated

Nemodot ViP

2128POSTS

14 years ago

#23

Hi flying would be silly as next door. It's not far but the main hassle is immigration at the border that takes most of the time up and that depends. By bus prob best and that should be less than an hour. Singaporean men go to JB a lot btw so lots of cross border traffic. And I mean men as JB has a lot of cheap massage places when Singaporean men get fed up with the 5 legal prostitution centres in Singapore (where girls have official prostitute badges - singaporeans are very efficient) and lots of JB women work in singapore.

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#24

Jeez Nermodot .. ur not exactly 'selling' this to me very well!!! I've now got visions of JB being overcrowded with men coming for some 'interesting' discoveries.. ooohh eerrr is it a good place on the whole? What are the 'good/surburban' areas of it ?....is it safe for single females to get in and about the city?.... Thanks for the proximity check- ok so I could even catch a taxi from Singapore Airport to JB?......thanks hun

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#25

Hey Guys!!!! Hope ur all well. Ok .. so I arrive in KL on the 31st聽 August and Ill be there for a week until I head out to JB on the 4th September.....so as it will be Eid celebrations .. it will be a great time for me to hang out in KL and hook up with some of you guys if you re around....聽 so please get in touch聽 and I'll look forward in crash course guide to getting to know Malaysia聽 by expats already out there!!! Cant wait for my week in聽 KL Whoppeeee !!! xxx

$kywalker New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

#26

Hi Libran. Just joined the forum and ran into ur shout. You'll abs love Malaysia - esp if ur an outdoorsy type (but not the kind who whinges about the heat lol). And if ur a beach bum like me, then welcome to paradise! You've got some of the best islands off the east coast. Goodbye frigid North Sea, hello Hawaii....

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#27

$kywalker wrote:
Hi Libran. Just joined the forum and ran into ur shout. You'll abs love Malaysia - esp if ur an outdoorsy type (but not the kind who whinges about the heat lol). And if ur a beach bum like me, then welcome to paradise! You've got some of the best islands off the east coast. Goodbye frigid North Sea, hello Hawaii....

Whey heyyyy Skywalker!!! Many thanks for ur comments and post!!! Wow!! Now theres encouragement if ever I read it!!!....Yes Im so looking forward to the heat- after being in the Uk , I just cant wait to escape the depressing, cloudy , cold and wet聽 weather!!! Mmmmm Hawaiiiii .. better pack my sarong then!!! Cheers !!!

$kywalker New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

#28

Yup, no extremes here. No bone-chilling winter rain nor baking desert temperatures. same temps year round. Rains a lot, but that doesn't stop u from anything. Just shove a brolly in ur bag and ur good to go. There's so much to see n do - esp outside KL. Even with my crazy schedules I make time for local travel. Though there's still loads to see, it seems I've been around more than most Malaysians : )聽 Having said that, I guess most of us take our country for granted.

A quirky suggestion if ur hot on shopping. Go straight from the airport to the malls - or the soonest u can that day. August 31st is the last day of the Mega Sale. Best time to buy stuff. Or then you wait till end of the year (Christmas!!) sales for the next round.

I agree with Nemodot. You'll be spoilt for choice for food here. Everybody and their grandma eat out in KL and no one goes hungry. I just adore the variety of the cuisines here: Thai, Lebanese, Japanese, Croatian, Indonesian, u name it.........in addition to the local Indian/Malay/Chinese. With fusion too to boot. And most of it is halal or 'no-pork' too (save for Chinese) and that's SUCH a blessing! Western food cravings - head off to TGI Fridays, Chilies, Bubba Gump, Hard Rock Cafe et al. Every once in a while one gets this incredible urge for desi food. Very limited number of authentic Pakistani restaurants unfortunately n u have to scrounge around for them. However Indian restaurants are a dime a dozen - and a good alternative most times. Give me a holler if u need recommendations from a foodie.

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#29

Hey Skywalker WOW!!! This is absolutely awesome!!! I really appreciate the brilliant advise!!! Wheheyyyy .. yes I always now have a brolly in my bag - thats down to the fact that Im back home in the Uk Pfftt!!!.. will bring it along with me to Malysia although I know the rain in Malysia wont be the depressingly cold one the Brits are always subjected too!!! Thanks so much and keep the tips coming in聽 Cheers x

$kywalker New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

#30

No probs. Ask and ye shall be rewarded

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#31

$kywalker wrote:
No probs. Ask and ye shall be rewarded

Check ur pm oh wise one!!!!
x

$kywalker New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

#32

Replied already. Just don't bring "the weather with you....."

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#33

$kywalker wrote:
Replied already. Just don't bring "the weather with you....."

Thank you

U sure u wont be in need of a聽 bottle of聽 fresh rain water ????.....( promise I wont stuff in the dark clouds!!!)......

$kywalker New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

#34

Well maybe just a pint for nostalgia! You'd have a hard time getting the clouds through Customs though....

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#35

$kywalker wrote:
Well maybe just a pint for nostalgia! You'd have a hard time getting the clouds through Customs though....

....so here's to wishful thinking !!!!

shamelamunir Member

1POSTS

14 years ago

#36

hey there

my husband and I are both british pakistani's who have been working in KL for the last 8 months.聽

We can definitley show you around and help you get settled.

Look forward to meeting you

LIBRAN Active member

59POSTS

14 years ago

#37

shamelamunir wrote:
hey there

my husband and I are both british pakistani's who have been working in KL for the last 8 months.聽

We can definitley show you around and help you get settled.

Look forward to meeting you

Heyyyy there shamelamunir!!
Ahhh congrats on ur move to KL and soo many thanks for the post- mashallah well done and I hope u guys are both loving it as many on this forum are!! Your offer will be greatly appreciated and it will be lovely to meet some natives!!! I'll be in touch!
Regards
x