One needs to worry so much about security in Penang , just go to jail , they house and feed you for free . Seriously though , just follow your heart and keep your nose clean , don''t trouble trouble 'til trouble troubles you is a good old adage . I have lived over 2 years in Cambodia which is cited as an unsafe place to live , i have a beautiful young wife who waited 25 years for me to appear on her horizon , i have never been treated better in my whole life , the locals grew to appreciate me because she is always so happy , i had only one confrontation , "She very young lady "was the remark , he touched me , 5 seconds of SAS and the crowd applaud me , he was wrong . I was not confrontational , he was , just deserts would seem appropriate , now they call me 'Strong man ' . You need to earn respect as in any society , do not look for problems because they will assuradely come to you at some time or another, deal with them appropriatly , but first you need to assimilate into your new society , live 'With ' them , you are the stranger , not them .
English expats ? Should an English-man not be complaining , he is sick , another very old adage , i should know , i am one , complaining is just a way of life to us , but please , not to them , learn to bite your tongue , because all you will get otherwise is blood in your arrogant mouth . A little heavy perhaps , but i do tend to cut things short at times .
A very happy old man in Cambodia , despite its many shortcomings , live within the life you choose to live , and all will be well . Colin .