I liked KL during my month there. I have compared Dubai, Bangkok, and KL by spending a month each in the 3 cities and KL is at top of my list followed by Dubai.
Year-round weather wise, KL lists on the top. Dubai winters are great, but about 5-6 months of scorching summer almost necessitates a need for a 2nd home base, which could get tiring. The lack of nature in Dubai was an issue because I love the outdoors/hiking etc. All 3 are major metros offering great shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. Bangkok was just too︀ crowded and the real estate was twice as expensive as KL.
I am still trying︁ to understand the tax implications though. Most people seem to get away with non-remitted income︂ not being taxed. Malaysian govt systems are generally not top-class, and they seem to lack︃ the resources to go after the expats' foreign income. But I think with CRS one︄ might want to plan their affairs better. I would love to hear others' opinions on︅ Malaysia taxation for expats with foreign income (remitted or otherwise).
How can one use Malaysia to︈ optimize taxes? Is forming a Labuan company advisable?