WATCH: Western Traveller Says Malaysia Feels More ‘First World’ Than The West After Visiting George Town & KL

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WATCH: Western Traveller Says Malaysia Feels More ‘First World’ Than The West After Visiting George Town & KL

By Dhiviya

A video uploaded by Instagram user @nomadspritz has gone viral for all the right reasons, offering a fresh, eye-opening perspective on Malaysia that's challenging long-standing stereotypes about "developed" and "developing" countries.

Having spent over two years travelling across Southeast Asia, the content creator shared his genuine admiration for the cleanliness, safety, and overall efficiency of Malaysia's major cities, with George Town and Kuala Lumpur leaving a particularly strong impression.

"If this is considered a 'small, unknown town' in Malaysia, I don't know what to say," he remarked while filming himself in the heart of George Town.

"This is George Town. Penang. Malaysia."

His brief but powerful commentary has resonated with viewers worldwide, many of whom are now reconsidering their own preconceived notions of what makes a country "developed." For @nomadspritz, Malaysia is not only keeping pace, it's outshining expectations.

He went on to compare Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, to other cities around the world he's visited, including those in traditionally "developed" nations. His verdict? KL feels cleaner and significantly safer.

In fact, he boldly stated that both Malaysia and Thailand now feel more "first world" than many would expect, especially compared to how the West is often idealised.

"Living in Southeast Asia changed my perspective. In the West, a lot of public services are deteriorating. But here, everything feels stable and functional," he explained.

Beyond infrastructure, he praised the day-to-day livability in Malaysia, highlighting how systems work, people seem content, and life moves at a peaceful, balanced pace.

"Everything works. People look happy. Life feels balanced," he said simply.

His video has since sparked a wave of positive responses from Malaysians and international viewers alike, with many applauding his honest, refreshing take on the region. It's a reminder that progress isn't always measured by GDP, but by how a place makes you feel.