Volunteer in Malaysia

A Guide to Volunteering in Malaysia

Sometimes when people are looking to volunteer in Asia, they often overlook Malaysia. Here are some reasons to apply:

• There are a range of volunteer programs to choose from
• Experience world class modern cities, beautiful beaches and friendly natives
• Make a long term difference, meet new friends and learn about the country and culture 
• Get to see exotic wildlife

Location of Projects

Projects can be joined throughout the country and there is a lot of choice depending on your interests. The capital city Kuala Lumpur is a great place to base yourself for the buzz of city live or for somewhere more tranquil and beautiful you might want to apply for a program in the Perinthian Islands.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination where you can see the Petronas Towers, Chinatown and also local parks but if you like beaches head to the coastal region. Other placements can be found in places like Johor Bahru and Taman Negara. You could also discover some of the best beaches in Asia by volunteering the Perinthian Islands.

Related Destinations:

• Volunteer in Borneo
• Volunteer in Indonesia
• Volunteer in Singapore
• Volunteer in Thailand

How You Can Help

Are you wondering what types of programs there are available? These are some of the most popular areas you can help:

Childcare, Education & Teaching Volunteer Programs
In some locations especially rural areas the education system has room for improvement and foreign native English speakers are needed all year round. This is a beautiful country to experience as an English teacher and you will find local people and children extremely friendly. On these placements you will get to lead English lessons to classrooms and also individuals, whilst also getting involved with other lessons and activities. Projects can be joined at youth centres, in schools and also you could be placed to help refugees. 

Community Volunteer Programs
Malaysia has a population of around 28 million people and around 4% live in poverty, you can make a difference and help disadvantaged people. Even thought Malaysia is a modern country with a booming tourist industry there are still areas which are underdeveloped and you can help improve infrastruture and facilities for local people. You can also help with sustainable living projects, help conserve nature in the rainforest, work in a medical capacity, help train local people providing them with new skills or work as a cook at homeless centres.

Help Animals
Malaysia has stunning natural beauty with lots of stunning exotic animals - many of which are underthreat due to deforestation, poaching and loss of natural habitat. There is a need for volunteers to help with awarness and also get hands on working on the ground to help protect natural environments and also rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. You could help organutans, these programs are very popular but there are also positions where you can help elephants, tigers and other species. Large international charities like the WWF have been working in Malaysia for a number of years, they offer intenships and volunteering placements in Malaysia where you can help raise awareness about conservation issues.

Marine Conservation Projects
With the help of international volunteers animals in Malaysia can be protected and helped back into the wild through research and conservation programs. There are also educational volunteer projects with focus on education and community development. We have programs where you can learn to scuba dive and help marine wildlife and conservation efforts. You will get to live and work in spectacular settings on the coast either on or close to the beach. Full training and support are provided.

What to Expect

You will usually work around 5-8 hours per day with weekends and nights off. Every placement is different, some might reuire very early starts whilst some like turtle conservation might require you to give up a few hours at night to help with beach patrols.

Volunteer in Malaysia for Free

If you search our featured organisations you will be able to find and contact NGO's and charities which offer free and cheap volunteering placements in Malaysia. These are usually community based where you can teach, coach sports. help building infrastructure or work on the ground to improve living conditions. Although there is no fee to participate you will usually need to be able to pay for your accommodation and food for the duration of your stay.

If you are keen to work with animals like orangutans it is very difficult to find free placements unless you are a skilled professional e.g. a vet or you are working directly for an international organisation. Most wildlife rescue centres rely on donations to keep operating throughout the year, they can not afford to cover your accommodation, food and staff training which is why you need to pay a joining fee.