NST Online: 27 September 2007

Malaysia is among the countries of choice where foreigners prefer to spend their retirement.

It ranked seventh, along with Spain and South Africa, in the 29-nation poll.

Number one on the Fifth Annual Global Retirement Index was Mexico, followed by Ecuador, Italy, Panama (last year's top destination), and Australia and Malta, the joint fifth, while France and Thailand tied for 10th place.

Malaysia's high ranking can be attributed to benefits for retirees under the Malaysia My Second Home programme, which has attracted some 10,600 expatriates since its launch 11 years ago, mostly from China, Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

Malaysia emerged tops for its low cost of living, modern infrastructure and facilities, pleasant weather, political stability and that English is widely spoken.

It beat developed countries such as New Zealand (12th placing), the United States (19th), Ireland (27th) and the UK (last spot).

The index was compiled by the International Living magazine's website, internationalliving.com, a global lifestyle, travel and investment site.