Can I realistically learn Mandarin Chinese in Malaysia?

I’m going on an Internship next year after University and I’ve been teaching myself Mandarin Chinese for just over a year. I had my heart set on going to Shanghai in China for a year but I’ve just seen an awesome opportunity in Malaysia.

I know there is a Chinese community in Malaysia but it seems to speak more southern dialects than Mandarin. I would still like to use my (terrible) Mandarin while abroad, is this possible in Malaysia or is it just as bad as trying to learn Mandarin in the UK? Will the Malaysian Chinese understand Mandarin? Will they be willing to talk in the language?

Thanks for the help

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