Settling Into Life and Living in Sarawak

After successfully obtaining your Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) visa and arriving in Sarawak, the first few days can feel overwhelming. Beyond settling into your new home, there are many practical matters to arrange, from buying household essentials to getting a local mobile number.

The good news is that living in Sarawak is easier with this practical guide for new SMM2H residents, covering SIM cards, supermarkets, apps, transport, shopping and healthcare. Sarawak perfectly balances a laid-back lifestyle with highly modern infrastructure, making your transition smoother than you might expect. Here's a practical guide to help you settle in smoothly during your first week.

1. Getting Connected Instantly

Your very first priority should be securing a local mobile number. You can choose between an eSIM and a physical SIM card.

For physical SIM card, visit official service centers for Malaysia’s primary providers: CelcomDigi, Maxis, or U Mobile. Simply bring your physical passport with your valid SMM2H visa for registration. If you plan on setting up stable home fiber internet later, ask about Postpaid plans; otherwise, a Prepaid SIM is perfect for instant data while you find your feet.

2. Choosing a Convenient Neighborhood

Most residential areas in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri are located within a short drive of supermarkets, making it easy to purchase groceries and household essentials. Choosing accommodation near a supermarket can greatly improve convenience, especially during your first few months in Sarawak. Having easy access to groceries, household essentials, pharmacies, and restaurants can make daily life much more comfortable, especially during your first few months in Sarawak.

For those choosing a landed house, homes with gardens or greenery may have more mosquitoes, especially in the evening or after rain. Using mosquito screens, repellents, and keeping the surroundings free of stagnant water can help maintain a more comfortable home.

Beyond shopping, wet markets offer a glimpse into everyday life in Sarawak. They are excellent places to discover local ingredients, sample regional foods, and experience the warm hospitality of the local community. Wet markets can also be a more environmentally friendly shopping option. Since fresh produce is often sold without excessive packaging, shoppers can bring their own reusable bags and reduce plastic waste.

3. The Digital Essentials: Apps to Download

To navigate Sarawak with ease, your smartphone needs these three "power apps":

• Grab & Maxim: The absolute king of convenience for e-hailing rides, food delivery, and even document couriers.

• SPayGlobal: This is Sarawak’s homegrown cashless e-wallet, you can get petty cashback for Spayglobal scan pay. It is accepted everywhere from high-end restaurants to local street food stalls, and pay utility bills.

• Shopee or Lazada: For those who prefer online shopping, convenient way to purchase household items, electronics, groceries, and other daily necessities.

4. Easier Access to Cash Across Malaysia from July 2026

Starting from 1 July 2026, customers of all banks in Malaysia can withdraw cash from any bank-operated ATMs nationwide without paying the previous RM1 interbank withdrawal fee. This means greater flexibility when accessing cash, especially when your own bank's ATM is not nearby, now walk up to the nearest bank-operated ATM and withdraw your ringgit without interbank fee.

This customer-friendly initiative is expected to make daily banking simpler for both Malaysians and long-term residents alike.

5. Hardware, Furniture & Home Essentials

MR DIY is a one-stop variety store that covers almost everything you need to set up and maintain a home like hardware and tools, electrical items, kitchen and household goods etc. For furniture, Courts and Harvey Norman are available, along with many other furniture stores offering a wide range of options for different budgets and styles.

A quick guide to essential services for new SMM2H residents, from SIM cards and supermarkets to e-hailing and healthcare.

6. Healthcare Services

Sarawak offers a reliable healthcare system with both government and private medical hospitals available throughout the state. While government hospitals provide quality healthcare at a very low cost, waiting times are generally longer because they serve a larger number of patients. Many SMM2H participants prefer private medical centers due to shorter waiting times.

For minor illnesses, you can visit a private clinic or purchase over-the-counter medication from a pharmacy. The common pharmacies are PMG Pharmacy, Caring Pharmacy, Watsons, Guardian.

Emergency Private Medical Services in Sarawak

For medical emergencies or urgent healthcare needs, Sarawak has several well-equipped private hospitals.

Kuching

• Timberland Medical Centre (TMC) – Tel: +6 082-234 466

• Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) – Tel: +6 082-507 333

• Normah Medical Specialist Centre (NMSC) – Tel: +6 082-440 055

• KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital – Tel: +6 082-365 777

Sibu

• Rajang Specialist Hospital – Tel: +6 084-323 333

• KPJ Sibu Specialist Medical Centre – Tel: +6 084-329 900

Bintulu

• Columbia Asia Hospital Bintulu – Tel: +6 086-251 888

• KPJ Bintulu Medical Centre – Tel: +6 086-330 333

Miri

• Columbia Asia Hospital Miri – Tel: +6 085-437 755

• Miri City Medical Centre – Tel: +6 085-426 622

• Borneo Medical Centre Miri – Tel: +6 085-329 333

• KPJ Miri Specialist Centre – Tel: +6 085-649 999

Locals are friendly, and English is widely spoken, so never hesitate to ask for help if you’re lost or looking for a specific item.