So if we say it is necessary to learn Malay, will he/she learn? Well, actually learning an additional language is not a bad thing.
When I went to Thailand as a kid, I learnt Thai language and this had nothing to do with survival but more for fun. This language stayed with me for the rest of my life. Now every time when I go to Thailand to buy something and bargain with the seller, I will always first pretend I don't understand the Thai language and hear what those sellers say behind my back. I usually end up getting something a lot cheaper after revealing I can speak Thai perfectly and they think I am some Chinese Thai or Thailand born Chinese, whatever you name it.
When I went to Thailand as a kid, I learnt Thai language and this had nothing to do with survival but more for fun. This language stayed with me for the rest of my life. Now every time when I go to Thailand to buy something and bargain with the seller, I will always first pretend I don't understand the Thai language and hear what those sellers say behind my back. I usually end up getting something a lot cheaper after revealing I can speak Thai perfectly and they think I am some Chinese Thai or Thailand born Chinese, whatever you name it.
Cant help myself but laughing after seeing the question raised. (no offense)
maybe he/she never been to JB and he/she is asking a very general question about JB then it is understandable.