safe travel malaysia

Everything you need to know before visiting Malaysia

Feb 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Malaysia is a beautifully diverse country with tons to see and do – here's what you should know before you go © ibnjaafar / Getty Images

Dynamic, multi-cultural, and hugely underrated, Malaysia is Southeast Asia's unsung tropical hero. Marrying tradition, nature and modernity, it's a country of space-age cityscapes, Islamic minarets and gilded Chinese shrines. It's a world where South Indian temples back onto million-year-old rainforests, and this mish-mash can confuse first-timers.

From what to pack to navigating the nation's ethnic and religious tapestry, these are the top things to know before you embark on a trip to Malaysia – an experience that can often feel like being in several countries at once.

1. Malaysia is a dazzlingly diverse country

Be prepared for many types of culture shock. In multi-ethnic yet predominantly Islamic Peninsular Malaysia, a 69.8% majority of Malay Muslims share the land with ethnic Chinese, Tamil Indians and a dozen aboriginal groups categorized as orang asli (original peoples). This means that red lantern-studded Chinese temples sit next to Hindu gopurams (temple gates) and the onion-shaped domes of intricate, modern mosques. Prayers go up to the sky in three main languages – Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil – and to three main religions: Islam, Chinese Taoism and Hinduism.

A short flight away across the South China Sea, the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah in Borneo feel like another world. The former has some 26 different ethnic groups, most of whom are Christian or Protestant, while Sabah is home to another 33 who communicate in over 50 languages and 80 dialects .

2. Pack for an eternal summer – but carry a light jacket

Tropical Malaysia enjoys steamy temperatures hovering around 86°F (30°C) year-round. All you really need to pack are light, loose-fitting cotton clothes to best cope with heat and humidity, and a pair of sneakers and flip-flops. If you forget anything, you can pick it up here. Also pack a hoodie or light jacket to prepare for the Malaysian habit of keeping air conditioning to frosty levels, especially inside shopping malls, buses and trains.

3. Technology is widely available… 

Kuala Lumpur must be one of the world's most futuristic cities, with ever-expanding highways, towers and skyscrapers eternally contending for space. Beyond the capital, there's excellent 4G mobile network coverage and fast wifi at most hotels and guest houses across the nation. Celcom is the best operator when traveling the Peninsula's jungly interior and Borneo. 

4. …but carry cash in the interior

ATMS (cashpoints) are widely available but thin out in the countryside, and they are often hard to find outside of Borneo's main cities. Stock up on the local currency, the Malaysian ringgit, if planning to go off the grid. 

5. The food is something to write home about

The delightfully spicy intricacies of Malaysian food (a concoction of curries, southern Chinese cuisines and pan-Indian dishes that never stop intermarrying) are best consumed fresh off the street, served without embellishments by local "uncles" – slang for older person – on plastic plates. 

The alternative is to sit and rub elbows with locals at a food court, or "hawker center" – large open areas, usually covered by a rooftop, packed with simple food stalls squeezed one against the other.

6. Partying is a bit more expensive

Compared to its backpacker-centric Southeast Asian neighbors Thailand , Cambodia and Vietnam , Malaysia is a more expensive party destination because of heavy taxes on alcohol, which is forbidden to Muslims. The rest of the population is free to drink but forced to pay a higher price.

Alcohol is widely available in major tourist cities like Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Ipoh , Melaka and Johor Bahru,  while in smaller towns, beer is most often available at Chinese-run businesses. The best antidote to steep drinks and cigarette prices is a visit to the tax-free islands of Langkawi and Tioman .

7. Dress casual but modest

Due to the constant heat, Malaysia's dress code is very casual. Wearing short pants, sandals, flip-flops and t-shirts is the accepted norm everywhere but is considered rude when visiting public offices, where long slacks, close-toed shoes and collared shirts are expected. In Malaysia's many kampung (villages), avoid revealing outfits to comply with local religious sensibilities. 

Modesty is also essential when choosing your beachwear. Bikinis and speedos are fine at big hotels, resorts and the tourist islands off the East Coast, such as Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang. But it's best to wear one-piece bathing suits and knee-length swimming trunks on any other beach, where the locals dip fully clothed.

8. It's OK to speak in English if you don't know Malay

Picking up some survival Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language), the national lingo, is pretty straightforward – with its Roman alphabet and absence of tones, it's one of the easiest Asian languages to learn. But it's fine to speak English, especially with Malaysian Chinese and Indians, whose mother tongues are not Malay. Blame it on the British colonization, but practically everyone can communicate in English, and most prefer to do so when talking to foreigners.

9. You might be unknowingly rude

When pointing at someone or something, use the thumb and not the index finger, which is considered rude in Malaysia. Always keep your voice down, for raising the tone is an absolute no-no – like asking direct questions, which many Malaysians may take as "losing face" or an invasion of their personal space.

When shaking hands, always remember to use your right hand, for the left is considered "toilet hand" in any Islamic culture. The only dining etiquette that matters in Malaysia is to never use the left hand when trying to eat with fingers like many locals do.

10. Respect nature, and its spirits 

When a bunch of foreign tourists bared their bottoms on top of Mount Kinabalu in 2015, enraged Kadazan-Dusun locals blamed their act for the consequent magnitude 5.9 earthquake that killed at least 16 and snapped one of the sacred mountain top's two iconic "Donkey Ear" outcrops. 

The animist beliefs that predate the arrival of Islam to the Malay Peninsula have helped foster a highly regarded supernatural world in which nature plays a crucial role. For example, it's common to "ask for permission" before urinating in the jungle, from where locals never bring anything back for fear of piggybacking a curse into their own homes. 

Whenever a group enters a forest, it's best to give out nicknames or not call out each other at all – spirits are always listening. The orang bunian (invisible forest-dwelling creatures comparable to elves) can trick hikers and campers into following them deep into the jungle to never be seen again.

11. Call 999 for any emergency

A single three-digit number, 999, connects to the police, the fire department, the ministry of health, the maritime enforcement agency and the Department of Civil Defence. Dial 999 112 if calling from a mobile phone. 

12. Boil the tap water

Because of increasing pollution of water sources and aging buildings fitted with rusted pipes, it's always best to boil tap water before drinking, or buy mineral water. Most hotels allow guests to refill their water containers. Carrying a water filtration system or purifying tablets can come in handy when striking out on multi-day hikes. 

13. Vaccines are recommended

It is advisable to travel to Malaysia after being inoculated against Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. Malaria is generally not an issue in cities and most forested areas, so a prophylaxis is not strictly necessary. Dengue fever occurs sporadically in cities, but as there are no vaccines for it, the best strategy is to not get bitten by mosquitoes – use heavy-duty insect repellent.

Malaysia is one of Asia's top medical tourism destinations and boasts private hospitals equipped with excellent facilities. Make sure to have proper health insurance coverage, or be ready to pay for the premium.

14. Beware of snatch thieves

Traveling in Malaysia is generally a pretty safe experience for travelers of both sexes, but whether they travel solo or in groups, female travelers should pay attention when walking along the busiest roads of capital Kuala Lumpur – keep your bags away from the roadside, for motorbike snatch thieves are well-known to target women, and some attacks have resulted in a victim's death. 

15. How to travel safely for LGBTQI+ travelers 

While a 2021 court ruling suggests change may be afoot, same-sex relationships are not only taboo in Malaysia, they're banned by federal law. For the LGBTQI+ communities here, the golden rule is to avoid publicizing relationships. In fact, public displays of affection are frowned upon in Malaysia in general, no matter your sexual orientation.  

16. Drug offenses can get you to the gallows

Stay away from drugs in Malaysia, where 200g of cannabis, 15g of morphine or heroin, and 40g of cocaine mean a death sentence. Offenders are shaken down extremely hard or jailed even for carrying much less.

This article was first published February 2022 and updated February 2024

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Malaysia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• The eastern area of Sabah State due to kidnapping .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Malaysia.

If you decide to travel to Malaysia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Malaysia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist . 

Eastern Area of Sabah State – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from both terrorist and criminal groups. These groups may attack with little to no warning, targeting coastal resorts, island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to resort islands.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to parts of eastern Sabah.

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Six months beyond date of arrival

At least one blank page required for entry stamp

Not normally required for stays of less than 90 days.

$10,000 or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur

376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-5000 (press 0 at the recording) Fax: +(60) (3) 2148-5801 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

To enter Malaysia, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Malaysia.  You must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.  Permission to enter and remain in Malaysia is under the authority of the Malaysian Immigration Department.  Visit the websites of the Embassy of Malaysia in Washington D.C . and the  Malaysian Immigration Department for more information.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Malaysian Immigration Department requires all travelers to complete the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) .  Permanent residents of Malaysia, long term-pass holders, and diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from this requirement.  

For the latest information, travelers should review the Malaysian Immigration website .  You can submit an online inquiry form or contact the Malaysian Government call center (MyGCC) at +60 3-8000-8000.  If you are outside of Malaysia, you should contact the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate if you have questions about Malaysian entry and exit requirements. 

If you are planning onward travel after departing Malaysia, please note that many other countries in the region require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter.

You do not need a visa if you are coming for business or tourism for 90 days or less.

Immigration officials will place an entry stamp, known as a social visit pass (visa), in your passport authorizing a stay of up to 90 days.  Travelers may apply to the Malaysian Immigration Department for extensions, which may or may not be granted.  You must exit Malaysia using the same passport that you used to enter.  If this passport is replaced for any reason before you depart Malaysia, you must apply with Immigration to obtain a “special pass” (exit permit) in your new passport prior to departing. 

Neither the U.S. Government nor the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur can intervene on your behalf when you apply for a Malaysian visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into Malaysia if you are denied entry.

Travel Document : Persons traveling on a USCIS-issued Refugee Travel Document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must apply for a visa prior to traveling to Malaysia.

Border Crossings:  Follow all entry instructions, present your passports only to immigration officials, and be sure immigration officials stamp your passport with the correct date upon entering and exiting Malaysia.  Lack of correct documentation or proof of entry into Malaysia may result in high fines and/or detention.

Sabah and Sarawak:  The eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak (on the island of Borneo) maintain semi-autonomous immigration controls and may have additional have special entry requirements.  You must have your passport to enter or exit Sabah or Sarawak, even when arriving from peninsular Malaysia on domestic flights. 

Dual Nationality:  Malaysia does not recognize or permit dual nationality.  If Malaysian authorities learn that you are a U.S.-Malaysian dual national, they may require you to immediately forfeit your U.S. passport or your Malaysian citizenship.  U.S.-Malaysian dual nationals should consider this issue seriously before traveling to Malaysia.  See our  dual nationality page  for more information.

U.S.-Israeli Dual Nationals:  The Malaysian government does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, and Immigration officials have denied entry to U.S.-Israeli dual nationals who have presented their Israeli passports to show exit stamps from their last destination point of departure.  U.S.-Israeli dual nationals should use their U.S. passports to depart the last country on their itinerary prior to arriving in Malaysia.

Visa Overstays:  Malaysian immigration authorities have exit controls at all official ports of departure and routinely fine and detain foreigners who overstay their social visit passes (visas).  If you overstay your visa, you will not be allowed to exit Malaysia until you resolve the overstay with the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Carry your passport (containing the Malaysian entry stamp) with you at all times in case authorities question your immigration status.  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested during immigration sweeps based on inability to establish nationality and legal status in Malaysia.  Detentions may last from a few hours to several weeks.  Check your visa status periodically while in Malaysia and strictly follow immigration laws and regulations. 

Visit the Embassy of Malaysia website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Malaysia.

Find information on  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

Malaysia remains a transit point and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for members of terrorist groups including ISIS, Abu Sayyaf Group, al-Qa’ida, and Jemaah Islamiyah.  Information from credible sources suggests that there is a continued risk of armed terrorist and criminal groups operating and planning attacks against foreigners, including U.S. citizens, in the East Asian and Pacific region, including Malaysia.  Since 2013, Malaysian authorities have arrested more than 500 supporters of ISIS, including many individuals who planned to fight in Syria and Iraq.

Use caution in eastern Sabah because of the threat of kidnappings-for-ransom and violence from both terrorist and criminal groups, including the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group (see the  Philippines Travel Advisory for more information ).  In addition to targeting coastal or resort islands themselves, criminal or terrorist groups may attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists from the mainland to resort islands. 

Due to safety concerns, U.S. government employees traveling for both personal and official travel to Sabah east of the north-south line drawn from the cities of Kudat to Tawau, including all islands, must obtain official written permission from the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.  The exceptions are the cities of Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau, the Sepiloolik Nature Reserve, and the Kinabatangan River areas, which require U.S. government employees to officially notify the Embassy prior to travel.

Malaysian law enforcement officials have enacted land and water-based curfews in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah.  Check local media or ask local police for the most recent curfew information if traveling to eastern Sabah.

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.  

Crime:   Petty theft and violent crime in Kuala Lumpur continue to be concerns. Purse snatchings, pickpocketing, smash-and-grab thefts from vehicles, and residential burglaries are the most common crimes committed against both locals and foreigners.  Avoid wrapping purse straps around arms or shoulders to avoid injury.  Violent and more serious crimes are less common; however, in October 2022, following local media reports of an increase in violent crime in the area of 430-440 Jalan Tun Razak, which houses multiple bars, clubs, and restaurants, the Embassy has advised U.S. government employees visiting establishments in this general vicinity to depart the neighborhood no later than 9:00 pm.

Taxi drivers in central Kuala Lumpur have perpetrated violent crimes against foreign tourists and local residents.  Use e-hailing services or book taxis in downtown shopping areas by phone or online, rather than hailing a taxi on the street, particularly after dark.

Criminals also target motorists stuck in traffic or stopped at a light with smash and grab robberies.  Keep valuables out of sight while driving or remove them from the car (including from the trunk) when parked.  GPS devices should not be left on the windshield or dashboard.

Demonstrations occur frequently.   They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Local law pertaining to peaceful assembly  prohibits  non-Malaysians from participating in public protests.

International Financial Scams:   See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information. 

Sophisticated internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Malaysia.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or, less frequently, by unsolicited emails, letters, text messages, and messages on social media.  Scammers frequently pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:   

• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Lucrative sales 
• Gold purchase 
• Contracts with promises of large commissions 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits/job offers 
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police via the emergency line at 999 (landline) or 112 (cell/mobile).  Alternatively, call the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur, 03-2115-9999 or 03-2266-2222 for advice on how to make a non-emergency police report.  Contact the U.S. Embassy at +(60) (3) 2168-5000 for assistance.  A police report is necessary for the Embassy to help victims follow up on incidents of crime.  In some tourist areas, the police have established small "Tourist Police” stations manned by personnel familiar with helping visitors to Malaysia.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting a crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy at +(60) (3) 2168-5000 for assistance.  Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse may receive comprehensive care at the One Stop Crisis Centers (OSCC) located in all government hospitals.  The OSCC provide survivors medical care, temporary shelter, legal aid, and counseling.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance, and first responder capabilities may vary.  When participating in trekking or other activities in extremely remote areas, particularly in the eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, it may be difficult for first responders to reach patients quickly.  

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Penalties for using, possessing, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malaysia are more severe than those in the United States, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, or death.   

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings such as military facilities, government buildings and offices, and Ministry of Health facilities including public hospitals and clinics.

Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

Certain white-collar crimes are punishable by caning.

If you purchase or collect local plants or wildlife without authorization from the Malaysian government, you may be prosecuted and sentenced to heavy fines, expulsion and/or imprisonment.

It is illegal to distribute religious literature of another faith to Malaysian Muslims.  Special religious authorities and local police occasionally conduct raids on popular nightspots and hotels to deter activities among local Muslims that contravene religious customs, including drinking alcohol and adultery.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws.  You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States.  See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Currency:  Currency exchange and Western Union money transfers are readily available.  Credit cards are accepted throughout the country, but you should be aware of the risk of fraud.  If possible, ensure your credit card remains in your presence during every transaction.  ATMs can be a safer means of obtaining Malaysian Ringgit.  PINs in Malaysia are six digits long, and some travelers have reported having difficulty retrieving cash from ATMs using four-digit PINs.

Faith-Based Travelers:   See the following webpages for details:

Faith-Based Travel Information

International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports

Human Rights Report  – see country reports

Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers  

Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Malaysia’s penal code criminalizes homosexual acts, termed “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” leading to punishment of up to 20 years in prison and/or whipping, and police periodically raid LGBTQI+ frequented nightclubs and events.  Foreign same-sex marriages or civil unions are not recognized as legally valid.  Several states in Malaysia have instated Islamic Sharia laws, applying to male and female Muslims, criminalizing same-sex activity with up to three years imprisonment and whipping.  Transgender individuals have been arrested and charged with "indecent behavior,” and received fines and prison sentences of up to three months.  Transgender individuals may also be denied entry to Malaysia at the discretion of the Malaysian immigration authorities.  LGBTQI+ individuals may face discrimination or even violence, especially in more conservative rural areas. See  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers With Disabilities:  The law in Malaysia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, but the law is not regularly enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible government facilities, information, and communication/access to services.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, older lodging, and older public infrastructure, and common in newer lodging, communication/information, and newer public infrastructure.  Accessibility is more limited in rural areas.

Malaysia has an active civil society and NGO community focused on disability welfare and protection. They are usually able to provide information and assistance in employment services, assistive devices and equipment, chore services, companion-based services, day services, and support network for parents.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .  

Women Travelers:  In cases of sexual assault, victims should go directly to the nearest major public hospital which will offer “one-stop” response including medical care and testing, forensic testing, access to the police to make a criminal report, legal assistance, counseling, and temporary shelter.  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

For emergency services in Malaysia, dial 999 (landline) or 112 (cell/mobile).  Callers to 999 emergency number are directed to whichever government hospital the dispatcher chooses.

Ambulance services are:

• Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.  
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance (45+min).  

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  Malaysian hospitals will not bill your insurance directly.  You must provide payment and seek reimbursement.

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental MEDEVAC insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the  Royal Malaysian Customs Department  to ensure the medication is legal in Malaysia.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the dry season from July to October due to large agricultural fires in the region.  People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens 
• People over 65 years of age 
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; 
• People with heart disease or diabetes 
• People who work or are active outdoors 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Facilities and Services:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment before admitting a patient.  
• Medical staff in rural areas may speak little English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care typically only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Malaysia. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental MEDEVAC insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Malaysia.
• Although Malaysia has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely.  If you plan to undergo surgery in Malaysia, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Malaysia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Although surrogacy agencies/clinics claim surrogacy is legal in Malaysia, there is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Malaysia.  As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same-sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Malaysia courts. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Malaysia via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship.  Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality

• In many areas, tap water is not potable.  Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

General Health Language

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Leptospirosis 
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Malaysia.   

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Road safety is a very serious safety concern.  Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia averagesd approximately 2219 traffic fatalities a day, placing it among the top 1020 most dangerous countries in which to operate a vehicle worldwide.  Undisciplined motorcycle and motor scooter operators are the principal cause of traffic accidents and constitute nearly two-thirds of all traffic fatalities.  Motorcyclists tend not to obey traffic laws and often travel without regard for their safety or that of other motorists.  As such, use turn signals well in advance of turning to alert motorcycles. 

Bottlenecks are common in major cities because road building has not kept pace with the spread of motorized vehicles.  Multi-lane highways often merge into narrow two-lane roads in the center of town and cause congestion.  Many streets are narrow and winding.  Traffic is heavy during the morning and afternoon rush hours and slows down considerably when it rains.  Monsoonal rains can quickly flood roads located in low-lying areas.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in Malaysia moves on the left side of the road, and most vehicles are right-hand drive.  By law, you must use your front and back seat belts and must not use your cell phone while driving unless it is hands-free (e.g., Bluetooth).  Turning left at a red light is not legal unless otherwise marked.  Carry your passport or Malaysian identification card at all times when driving.

If you are involved in a traffic accident:

• Call the police immediately. Depending on the severity of the accident, you should call either the emergency number 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone) or the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur, 03-2115-9999 or 03-2266-2222.
• Stay in your car and wait for the police to arrive before exchanging information with other parties involved in the accident.

Reports of road rage incidents, especially after midnight, are rising.  Avoid confrontational behavior if you are involved in an accident.  If you are threatened, stay in your car and lock the doors.  If able, lleave the scene and file a report with the local police within 24 hours.

Sobriety Checkpoints: Laws against drinking and driving are strictly enforced and carry serious penalties.  Police operate sobriety checkpoints in many entertainment districts frequented by expatriates.  At these checkpoints, all drivers must submit to alcohol breath tests.  If you fail a breath test, you will be arrested.

Driver’s License Requirements: International Driving Permits (IDP) may be used in conjunction with a valid U.S. license.  The IDP must be obtained outside of Malaysia.  If your IDP or U.S. license has expired, you will need to obtain a local driver’s license.  Some classifications of visa holders may also be eligible for driver’s license “conversion,” a quicker process to obtain a local license.  For additional information on this process, please contact the Malaysian Ministry of Transportation directly.  The Ministry of Transportation recommends contacting a local driving school to arrange the paperwork.  In order to obtain a local license, you will also need a valid long-term visa or work permit.

Many car rental agencies in Malaysia are willing to rent vehicles for a short term to U.S. citizens with valid U.S. driver’s licenses.  Nevertheless, if you plan to drive in Malaysia, obtain an IDP before leaving the United States. More information on how to obtain an IDP is available on the  Driving Abroad  section of the Department of State website.

Public Transportation: There have been fatal and other serious accidents involving long-distance tour buses in Malaysia, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions.  If you plan to travel by bus, choose a reputable company, and avoid overnight routes.

Taxis are metered, but many drivers refuse to use the meter and instead charge a much higher rate, particularly during peak hours, when it is raining or when the passenger’s destination is to or through a heavily congested area.  By regulation, metered fares increase by 50 percent between midnight and 6:00 a.m.; meters are programmed to display the higher fee automatically during these hours.  Many individuals prefer to book taxi and car services through widely-used smart phone apps both for convenience and fare transparency.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Malaysia’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Malaysia should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .   Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Malaysia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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MALAYSIA RELAXES COVID-19 TESTING RULES & TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR INBOUND TRAVELLERS

PUTRAJAYA, 28 APRIL 2022 – Starting 1 May 2022, fully-vaccinated inbound travellers are no longer required to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests, including children aged 12 and below as well as for those who have been infected with COVID-19 within six to 60 days before departure to Malaysia. Travel insurance will also not be a prerequisite for foreigners entering the country.

However, inbound travellers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 still need to undergo an RT-PCR test two days before departure as well as a professionally-administered RTK-Ag test within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia and observe a five-day quarantine (quarantine exemption is only for those aged 17 and below).

The wearing of masks outdoors is optional but still mandatory indoors, including in shopping malls, offices, public transportation and e-hailing rides. Nevertheless, face coverings are still encouraged in crowded places, and people at higher risk from COVID-19. No more physical distancing is required, and people are now free to shake hands, but they are advised to practise good hand hygiene.

Meanwhile, check-ins via the contact tracing app MySejahtera will no longer be required, but the MySJ Trace function should be activated for contact tracing. Regardless of the vaccination status, people will be allowed to enter the premises except for those who test positive for COVID-19 and have been issued a home surveillance order.

“The seven-day mandatory quarantine for positive cases remains, and the MySejahtera app is used for the COVID-19 test results submission and health assessment. However, those who test positive for COVID-19 may be released earlier from quarantine if their professionally-administered RTK-Ag test on Day 4 is negative.

For more information on the latest standard operating procedures (SOP) for travelling to Malaysia, please visit our website at https://www.malaysia.travel/travel-alert or Mysafe Travel portal at https://mysafetravel.gov.my/

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. Prior to the pandemic, Malaysia registered 26.1 million tourist arrivals and RM86.14 billion tourist receipts, placing it among the major tourism destinations of the world. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube , and TikTok .

For enquiries, please contact:

Tourism Malaysia Contact Centre [email protected] Tel: +603 8891 8000

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Eastern Sabah coastal islands

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping. This does not apply to the mainland of Sabah.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

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MySejahtera

What is MySejahtera Traveller?

MySejahtera Traveller is a function built specially for travellers (Malaysians and Non Malaysians) who would be returning or visiting Malaysia. This is based on the new standard operating procedure developed by the Malaysian Government to ensure the COVID-19 pandemic is under control upon gradual opening of Malaysian international borders.

Amongst the use of this new function is:

1. Ensure travellers completes the health declaration form prior to arriving to Malaysia.

2. Check-In at the point of entry (Arrival Check-In) using the MySejahtera QR Code Scanner.

3. Issuance of “Home Surveillance Order” (HSO) digitally to the MySejahtera user profile for a total duration of 7 days for vaccinated individuals and 10 days for unvaccinated individuals.​

4. Performing daily self-assessment throughout the period of 14 days home quarantine.

5. Reminder to the “person under surveillance” undergoing HSO to go for a lab test on day 5 for vaccinated individuals and on day 8 for unvaccinated individuals.​

6. Digital HSO will be completed on MySejahtera user profile automatically on day 7 or day 10.​

Click the "Download MySejahtera Travel Guide" button below to get more related information:​

• Arrival Process in Malaysia​
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• Common issues related to MySejahtera Travel

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COVID-19 MALAYSIA Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia

Mysafetravel.gov.my : checklist for travellers arriving in malaysia from 1 april 2022, what do you need to do to be able to travel to malaysia from 1 april 2022, visit mysafetravel.gov.my for more information. #reopeningsafely.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Travel Safety

Is Malaysia Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Malaysia is  definitely  a place that should be on your radar. Cool highlands, steamy rainforests, beaches, tropical islands, and a huge array of cultures, both colonial and native, make Malaysia very alluring. You’re in for a pretty awesome time, we have to say.

But you may be wondering, “Is Malaysia safe?” There are dense jungles to get lost in, petty crime, the threat of terrorist attacks and  actual  no-go areas  in certain parts. So we totally get why it would seem like a scary prospect, honestly.

So that’s why we’ve come up with this epic insider’s guide on  how to stay safe in Malaysia.  Visiting this culturally diverse country doesn’t mean having to be on high alert  at all times.  It just means travelling smart, and we’re here to help you do exactly that.

In our guide, we will be covering a whole host of topics that range from the safety of the roads in Malaysia to whether it’s safe for a solo female traveller in Malaysia – and just about everything in between. We’re covering A LOT.

You may be a solo traveller who’s worried about getting kidnapped by extremists and the prospect of travelling alone in Malaysia, or you may be simply wondering if Malaysia is family-friendly. Whatever it is, our guide will have you sorted.

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How Safe is Malaysia? (Our take)

Is it safe to visit malaysia right now, safest places in malaysia, 21 top safety tips for traveling to malaysia, is malaysia safe to travel alone, is malaysia safe for solo female travelers, more about safety in malaysia , faqs on malaysia’s safety, so, is malaysia safe.

There are so many reasons to visit Malaysia ! A lot of people might write it off because ‘it’s not as beautiful as Thailand’ or whatever, but  we’re all for Malaysia . We love the mix of cultures, mix of landscapes, and mix of cuisine (obviously) in this overlooked country.

Malaysia is well worth your time and it might even surprise you. People here are super friendly and are more than ready to show you their amazing country!

And whilst it’s almost always safe in Malaysia, exactly  where it’s safe  is another question. Petty theft, like anywhere else in the world, exists here. The jungles can be full of dangerous creepy crawlies. There are areas with rabies . Earthquakes happen.

BUT… Malaysia is safe. Especially for tourists. 26 million tourists  (2016) can’t be wrong. In fact, it’s the  5th most visited country in Asia.

There IS a bit of a problem with the  Malaysian Borneo  state of  Sabah.  This is due to militant activity by Islamic group  Abu Sayyaf,  who operate from the southern Philippines.  In fact, the UK government warns against “all but essential travel”  to anywhere between  Kudat  in the north and  Tawau  in the southeast.

However,  there’s A LOT of Malaysia to see  and most of it is  totally ok  to visit!

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Malaysia Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Malaysia. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Malaysia.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

As of  right now,  you’re all good to visit Malaysia.

Aside from the odd petty theft,  crime against tourists  is actually  pretty low.  Most visitors have a trouble-free time soaking up all the sights and scenery of Malaysia.

In regards to the so-called “security zone” in Sabah, this has been an ongoing issue since 2013 and it’s showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Granted, you CAN visit Sabah still, but you’ll need the proper guidance and security to do so. Try reaching out to a local tour company or lodge to make sure you can book a trip here. With some local support, you can be successful in Sabah and can enjoy the spectacular diving opportunities it offers.

In terms of timing,  haze  is a problem. From June to October, smoke blows over from Indonesia due to  forest fires.  It’s a little bit of a health concern,  especially if you’ve got asthma  or any other respiratory problem.

In general, there’s NOTHING right now stopping you from taking a trip to Malaysia.

Some places in Malaysia are safer than others. To make sure you’re having a successful trip, we’ve listed the safest, and the not-so-good areas below.

Kuala Lumpur 

Obviously, Malaysia’s capital city has to be featured here. In fact, it’s one of the most modern and safest cities in the country. Public transport is amazing, living and job conditions are great for expats, and there’s a lot to discover, from nightlife to culture. While there are reports of petty crime and pickpocketing, just like every big city has, violent crime is pretty much unheard of. Keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings and your trip to KL will be incredible.

Malacca/Melaka

For families, Malacca is one of the safest places in Malaysia! Bar the odd pickpocketing issue, it has one of the lowest crime rates of urban areas in the country. Also known as Melaka, Malacca is an increasingly popular destination on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia with a fascinating history! Its colonial past has left it a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malaysian culture – with one of the most eclectic culinary scenes in the country. It also has a creative soul, with plenty of fantastic art galleries.

Another safe place in Malaysia is actually a lot of little places combined. Langkawi is a collection of islands just off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s a popular destination for travelers to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea and we recommend that you  spend 3 days in Langkawi  at least! Officially a duty-free zone, the shops, bars, and restaurants here offer cheaper prices than those elsewhere in the country – making it a great place for shopping and dining.

Places to Avoid in Malaysia

As in almost every country, there are areas that are better avoided than visited if you want to have a safe trip. Same goes for Malaysia. While the crime rate is relatively low compared to other Asian countries, there is a violent crime threat present. If you want to explore the country on your own, you’re best off asking locals for their inside knowledge and get a tour guide, just to be on the safe side. To make things a bit easier for you, we’ve listed a couple of no-go areas below: 

• Petaling Jaya – This city is especially known for high crime rates, including violent crime and gang activity. While not all of the city is a complete no-go area, it’s best to explore with a local that knows the area. 
• Islands off the coast of eastern Sabah – These islands actually have a travel warming from the government itself due to the threat of kidnap-for-ransom and violence from terrorist and criminal groups. You’ll find increased road checkpoints and army presence in this area as well. Travelers to eastern Sabah should monitor local media or ask local police for the most recent curfew information.

Malaysia Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

While there’s not a lot for you to worry about in terms of  safety in Malaysia, there are some minor things to be aware of. Petty theft is still a risk and it pays to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Since it’s a  Muslim country , Malaysia comes with a few different cultural practices that you should know about, too…

• Don’t walk around dripping in valuables  – SLR, smartphone, expensive earrings, gold chains, silver rings. It invites thieves.
• Keep your bag close to you  – bag snatchings, usually by motorbike thieves, happen. Keep your money very close to you by wearing a money belt.
• Use reputable companies  – especially when it comes to water sports. And make sure your insurance covers you.
• Keep away from protests  – though mostly peaceful, police have been known to use tear gas. That and it’s illegal for a foreigner to take part in any protest, anyways.
• Be aware of Malaysia’s multicultural nature  – Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism; there’s a lot going on here.
• Visiting a place of worship? Be respectful  – make sure you COVER UP.
• Kelantan has been described as a “laboratory for sharia law”  – you might want to research what you can and can’t do in the northern state.
• Forget drugs  – you can get the death sentence for trafficking. Possession can get you corporal punishment. Not worth an actual whipping.
• Homosexual acts are illegal  – that is the state of affairs here. Same-sex PDA is NOT advised.
• Storms happen  – between October and February. Sometimes these can cause flooding.
• Protect yourself against mosquitoes   – they carry dengue fever here. Not nice.
• Watch out for stray dogs  – because of rabies. Known to be a problem in  Sabah, Sarawak, and  Penang.
• Scams happen  – everything from asking for money for fake charities to lottery ticket scams and credit card duplication. Be aware of anything that seems too good to be true, or anyone that doesn’t SEEM right.
• Tsunamis happen  – and can hit almost ANY of Malaysia’s coastlines. Knowing what to do in the event of a tsunami is a good idea.
• Travelling on boats between islands?  – check the company’s credentials. Boats have been known to be  dangerously overcrowded  or just SINK entirely.
• If you’re hiring a motorbike WEAR A HELMET  – don’t be stupid. Also, hire from a reputable company.
• Hire a guide or stick to the trails if you go out trekking  – jungles can be horrible if you don’t know where you are. In fact…
• … Jungles can be dangerous  – leeches, snakes, macaques, spiky trees, boars, getting lost; none of these things are particularly fun to deal with.
• Speaking of which, don’t feed monkeys  – they might be cute but, honestly, it just encourages them to be little shits.
• Vaccines, vaccines, vaccines  – ask your doctor what they recommend. Rabies is a start.
• Head to the tourist police  – if you have a crime to report.

Being aware not only in an urban environment but also when you’re in trekking mode,  will help you stay safe. Be respectful of local customs, follow these basic travel tips for Malaysia , and everything should be dreamy.

Travelling by yourself is always going to have its  ups and downs.  It’s super cool to just be by yourself doing something for yourself.

However, being alone,  you’ll be more of a target for thieves and scammers.  Malaysia is an amazing backpacking destination for solo travellers, arguably one of the safest in  Southeast Asia . But just to make sure, we’ve still got a few words to the wise…

• Booking yourself into a hostel where you can  meet other travellers  is a good idea. Meeting people is not only great for some sanity, but it can make your trip genuinely safer by getting yourself a  travel buddy  or two.
• When you’re looking for a hostel,  do your research.  Read reviews to get a feel for the place.
• Head out on a tour. Heading out on a tour is a good way to  get acquainted with fellow travellers as well as the local area. This helps you not look lost when you’re navigating your way around, which in turn helps you become less of a target for thieves.
• A lot of people speak English  but knowing a little  Bahasa Malaysia still pays. Doing so will help you read menus in local restaurants and order street food. It also looks good to the locals if you at least try to learn their language .
• Get yourself a maps app.  Maps.me  is an offline service, which is pretty handy if you don’t have data roaming or a local sim card.
• At the beach,  careful with your stuff.  This mainly goes for resort towns. Leaving your bags  unattended whilst you go off for a swim is a no-no. Go with some hostel buddies and take turns guarding bags.
• Don’t overdo it.  It can be tempting to tick off every destination the guidebook tells you about, and that you MUST do it in X amount of days…   Have a day off – it doesn’t have to be  full-on  travelling all of the time. Not only will you possibly get fed-up but, worse than that, you could totally get burnt-out.  And nobody wants that.
• Join in with the local culture.  Chat to people at the beer stands in Georgetown , ask questions when you visit the  National Mosque and other cultural sites in  Kuala Lumpur . People are open, welcoming, and super chatty. Be involved and you’ll get a lot more out of your trip.

Currently, we definitely recommend solo travel to Malaysia. It’s safe, it’s interesting, it’s fun, it’s beautiful. You’ll have an awesome time!

We’re pretty happy to say that  Malaysia is safe for solo female travellers.  That’s right, this wonderful culture has it right when it comes to female tourists.

However, travelling as a solo female can often mean you have to pay a lot more attention to your surroundings in order to make sure that you have a stress-free, enjoyable time no matter where you stay in Malaysia. So, with that in mind, here are some safety tips for solo female travellers in Malaysia.

• Make sure you  lock your door at night  and  don’t open your door to strangers,  especially at night time. Be wary of people knocking on your door. Ignore them, unless you can see, or otherwise confirm, who it is.
• Even if you’re in a chic bar or nightclub, no matter how high or low-end it is,  don’t accept drinks from people other than the bartender or your friends.  These have been known to be spiked and it isn’t all too uncommon either.
• Try to blend in.  Take a look at how the other women around you are dressed and take cues from them.  If they have covered their arms and shoulders, the best way to not get unwanted attention is to follow suit.
• Many Malaysian women cover-up at swimming pools and at the beach – it’s probably best to wear a little bit more to swim in than you might usually. Even a t-shirt over your swimming stuff is a good idea just so you don’t get too much attention.
• Men di hassle women – even if you’re in a group. Try not to make a fuss. A firm no and ignoring will usually work – the guys will hopefully get the message and jog on.
• Cover your head and dress modestly at mosques  – usually, mosques hand out clothing for women (AND men) to wear.
• Make friends with other women. If you want some travel buddies, find yourself some female mates by staying at a sociable hostel or guesthouse.
• And while we’re at it, make sure to stay in safe hostels , i.e. at a well-reviewed place with good security.  If it feels dodgy and not like a place you want to stay when you turn up, leave and find somewhere else. 
• Don’t go wandering around in deserted areas at night, especially in cities and around beaches.
• Join a tour. It doesn’t have to be for days – even a simple walking tour of a city organised by your accommodation can be an awesome way to explore without hassle or stress. It’s a good way to meet interesting people too.
• Let people know your plans. Whether you’re taking an impromptu trip to Langkawi or just out for dinner, let somebody know where you are and what you are getting up to. Keeping in touch with people is ALWAYS a good idea.
• Women’s rights in Malaysia are still antiquated.  Get to know more about local women from different backgrounds and learn about their lives. A good way to meet people is through Facebook groups, in cafes, local hangouts, or NGOs.

There are some extra things to think about when you travel to Malaysia. For the most part,  Malaysia is safe if you’re planning on travelling alone as a woman. It’s a COOL place to explore!

We’ve covered the main aspects of Malaysia’s safety already, but there is loads more to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to stay safe when visiting Malaysia.

Is Malaysia safe to travel for families?

Of course, it is! There are PLENTY of family-friendly resorts you can stay at, all the way from the East Coast to the high-end island of  Langkawi. And there are TONS of activities for children.

Malaysian society is very family-orientated so your kids will be very welcome as well.

Obviously,  there are things to watch out for. 

• Nature and wild animals are two major things. Dogs here definitely can be aggressive because of  rabies.  Don’t let your kids near them.
• Certain insect and mosquitoes that could really harm your children. So cover ’em up with suitable clothing and  mosquito repellent.  Definitely brief them on  the dangers of going off-piste in a jungle.
• Talk about the dangers of the ocean while you’re at it. Rip-tides are super dangerous. Usually, there are lifeguards on duty in resort areas but you should still  keep your eyes peeled.
• If you’re worried about taking your family to Malaysia because of the  terrorist threat … DON’T WORRY. In fact, some European nations are more likely to be victims of terrorist attacks than Malaysia .

In conclusion? Malaysia is safe to travel for families. Case closed.

Is it safe to drive in Malaysia?

It is actually quite safe to drive in Malaysia.

The roads are  really good –  honestly – especially if you compare them with neighbouring countries like Thailand . And the Malaysian government has been working towards improving the roads even more. 

So if you were thinking of a road trip in this tropical melting pot,  we say go for it.

It’s worth noting that rental cars aren’t always in the best condition especially around resort areas.

The highways  are good but the drivers may NOT so good. Watch out for speeding  and  random overtaking. As always in SE Asia, there are motorbikes weaving in and out of traffic to think about.  In these situations, confidence and a cool head pay off.

You can also  hire a motorbike.  These can be fun to explore more remote areas. Again – watch out for other drivers taking risks.  Just make sure you WEAR A HELMET. No point being an idiot.

Riding a motorbike in Malaysia

First of all, there are a couple of rules, which are quite unusual for an Asian country. In Malaysia, you can’t just rent a motorbike around every corner. You actually need to present a valid driving license in order to get your hands on a bike.

Your license has to be at the appropriate level for the cubic capacity of the bike you want to rent. If you’ve got enough time, it’s possible for tourists to do their bike license in Malaysia too.

Once you’ve got your motorbike, there is an incredible amount of great bike tours in Malaysia . You can spend anything from 3 days to 4 weeks on these tours.

Riding our motorbike is generally pretty safe in Malaysia, however, there are a couple of exceptions. Especially in the West, bikes are not seen very often, and cars can be quite reckless.

Unlike other Asian countries, people usually follow basic traffic rules . It’s definitely less chaotic than Thailand or Vietnam. But you should always keep your eyes open, wear your helmet and stay focused while driving.

Is Uber safe in Malaysia?

There is no Uber in Malaysia anymore – it’s all about  Grab  here.  It was  founded in Kuala Lumpur, after all.

It’s safe! It’s easy! The app also has an in-built  emergency button.

Sometimes you may have to wait around  because of traffic,  but other than that  Grab is safe in Malaysia . Just make sure you check the details of the driver and that you’re getting into the right car with the correct number plate.

Are taxis safe in Malaysia?

For the most part,  yes, taxis ARE safe in Malaysia. There are two types in Kuala Lumpur:

• Executive  (white and red) are the safest kinds and are the ones you’ll find at ranks, train stations and airports. These have a very neat system. Pay at the counter for set areas, get a receipt, wait for your driver. Simple.
• Budget taxis (yellow). These  need to have a meter.

Elsewhere, taxis vary. For example, there’s  Langkawi Ferry Terminal  which is pretty, pretty chaotic. Taxi drivers here are almost literally fighting for your business and can feel quite overwhelming.

When taxis might NOT be safe in Malaysia is when the driver tries to get you to share with somebody, or they  try to pick someone up  whilst you’re in the car. If this happens,  refuse. 

And if a driver doesn’t want to turn the meter on,  just get out.  There will be plenty of other drivers who WILL turn the meter on.

Otherwise, an app like  Easy Taxi  can help. It works like  Uber  (or Grab) in that you order in-app and track your journey. It’s also safer than hailing a cab of the street.

Is public transportation in Malaysia safe?

Yep, the public transport in Malaysia is safe and there’s a load of different options in the cities.

Especially Kuala Lumpur.  There’s the LRT, the  KLIA Express  (for the airport), the  MRT , the  Komuter  line. Those trains are clean, cheap and efficient and as safe as any other place in the world. As ever, keep an eye out for pickpockets.

Kuala Lumpur  actually has a free bus system – the  GO KL City bus  – which connects tourists hot-spots. The thing about that free service is that you can get some  weirdos lingering and riding the bus all day. 

Then there are  national  transport systems. A railway travels across the border from Thailand   to Malaysia and all the way through the country to  Johor Bharu  in the south.

There’s also the  East Line, which is more well known as the  Jungle Train. 

Night trains  are pretty comprehensive. These have dinner carts and everything. They’re clean and boast privacy curtains on the bunks.

You might want to know about the  long distance bus services  too. These  aren’t as safe as the trains.  In recent years there have been some  pretty major accidents,  which have been blamed on underpaid, overworked drivers. But bus travel is safe enough –  if a little speedy.

Local boat services connect various islands, travel along rivers, and onwards to National Parks. Make sure these aren’t  overcrowded  when you get on.

Is the food in Malaysia safe?

Malaysian food is amazing, not to mention safe to eat. You’ll get to take your pick of food courts, chill with some  kaya toast  and jet fuel coffee at a  kopitiam,  and eat at a whole load of different food stalls that are  basically everywhere.

Obviously, not everywhere’s gonna be up to scratch so here are some tips on how to avoid a bad tummy in Malaysia…

• Popular places are usually popular because they’re amazingly tasty.  This usually means that you won’t get ill eating there either. People wouldn’t keep going back if the food played havoc with their stomachs,  let’s be honest. 
• If you want to choose with precision, look online. Check travel/food blogs for favorable write-ups, have a look on the map to see if somewhere has a gazillion good reviews .
• Eat HOT things. When stuff is cooked at high temperatures,  most bacteria gets fried too. If you see food being cooked in front of you at a stall, it’s probably safe.
• Satay is good; very good . It’s standard practice to have the sticks  already cooked  and then give them a good grilling before they get given to you. Don’t be scared!
• Another  good dish  is  kaya toast, which is served with a soft-boiled egg. If you’re afraid of eggs being undercooked, or if you crack said egg open and it IS undercooked, feel free to avoid. Don’t freak out either – this is how the locals eat one of the tastiest breakfast foods known to humankind.
• That said,  don’t go crazy.  When you’re travelling,  ease yourself in.  Some food can overly spicy, some can be super rich.
• If you’re not feeling street food, head to a mall. These usually have a  very comprehensive food court  filled with little places that serve local dishes. It’s basically a clean, more hygienic way to get your fill of Malaysian cuisine.
• Oh and, whatever you do,  wash your hands.  Did you ever consider it might be your own grubby little mitts making you ill and NOT the local food?
• Traveling with an allergy? Research ahead of time how to explain your allergy. Keep in mind that store owners and restaurant staff might not know all the foods that contain allergens, so it’s helpful to know the names of some of these too. If you’re gluten-free , pick up a handy Gluten-Free Translation Card with descriptions of Celiac disease, cross-contamination risk, and local Malaysian ingredients in Bahasa Malaysian.

Malaysian food is pretty much safe. Most of the stuff you’re going to come across will be  cooked before your very eyes  anyway. Just make sure where you choose to eat has some good credentials and looks clean. Mostly though you’ll be fine.

Can you drink the water in Malaysia?

Nope.  We wouldn’t advise it. Stick to bottled water. It’s cheap, for one thing.

Bring your own reusable travel bottle and/or some form of water purification if you feel like it. If you’re planning on doing some hefty jungle trekking in  Sarawak, a Grayl Geopress  will serve you very well when dealing with the natural water supplies.

Is Malaysia safe to live in?

Malaysia is absolutely safe to live in. W here you live will influence how safe you are though as there are different rates of crime throughout the country. Doing your research is going to tell you what parts of the country are safest as well as which parts aren’t safe, too.

• Kuala Lumpur  is where it’s at in terms of jobs and good living. There are plenty of areas to choose from and lots of short-term rentals in Kuala Lumpur as well as other accommodation options. Klang Valley  is a decent suburb of the capital.
• Kuching  is the interesting capital of  Sarawak.  You’ll also have the orangutans on your doorstep (figuratively speaking, that is).
• Johor Bharu  and  Petaling Jaya  are options, but they also tend to be hefty on the crime.  The latter is particularly known for gangs.
• Or else you could choose somewhere like  Georgetown for a less city-like experience. Or  Langkawi.

It’s best to have either a job lined up for yourself already (in which case you  won’t be able to pick your city so much ) or to have complete freedom and  already work a travel job .

Living in Malaysia, however, is cheap. Maybe not as cheap as  Thailand,  but, then again, Malaysia is a lot more developed.

But at the end of the day, Malaysia is safe to live in. Case closed.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Malaysia?

Yes, it’s absolutely safe to rent an Airbnb in Malaysia. And it’s not only that, you’ll also find the best and most unique accommodation options on the platform. With the secure booking system, you can check reviews and rating of each property which makes choosing where to stay even easier.

Most Airbnbs are held at a very high standard in Malaysia, so you’ll definitely be in for a treat! That being said, you’ll find most options in the bigger cities. If you move away from the urban areas, you might need to stick with a normal guesthouse.

Planning a safe trip to Malaysia can get very overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions so you can have a safe trip to Malaysia.

What are the safest cities in Malaysia?

The safest cities in Malaysia are Klang and Kuala Lumpur. Both well developed and modern, you’ll hardly find any violent crime here. Klang used to have a bad reputation for gang activity, which has drastically improved over the last years.

What should you avoid in Malaysia?

Here’s what you should avoid when travelling to Malaysia: – Don’t go near drugs – there’s a death sentence  – Don’t pet dogs  – Don’t let your belongings out of sight  – Don’t disrespect any culture or religion

Is Malaysia LGBTQ+ friendly?

No, homosexuality is still illegal in Malaysia, so we’d strongly suggest keeping affection with your partner behind closed doors or you might actually get in trouble.

Is Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia safe?

Kuala Lumpur suffers from petty crime but is overall very safe. It’s a modern and welcoming city but you will need to keep an eye on your valuable belongings are store them in a safe in your accommodation.

For the foreseeable future, Malaysia is safe. It’s an excellent jumping-off point for the great Southeast Asia backpacking journey because it’s accessible and interesting in itself. It doesn’t need to be a stop-off, a visa-run, or anything like that.

Malaysia is a seriously cool country to travel around. All of that tropical scenery, friendly people, sprawling cities, rainforests, rare wildlife, and gastronomic delights – it’s a unique place.  

Even though the government often tries to appeal to  hardline Islamic sensibilities, Malaysia is still one of the most lenient Muslim countries in the world.

So travel to Malaysia, we say! Bear in mind that you might have to do some things differently. At the same time, don’t go doing stupid stuff that you wouldn’t do in your own country, like walking through a sketchy part of town because it ‘looks cool.’

Keep your senses intact and your safety will stay intact too. Trust your gut and follow the common-sense rules of safe travel .

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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1. Petaling Jaya is a suburb of Kuala Lumpur and just as safe. No sense in saying it’s less safe for crime and rabid stray dogs. 2. Some animal charities rescue stray dogs for adoption by using experienced dog handlers. Just don’t cuddle them on the street for your own protection. 3. Tsunamis and earthquakes almost never happen. Unlike parts of Indonesia and the Philippines, Malaysia is not within the Pacific Ring of Fire. 4. Besides taxis, public transport includes ride-hailing services, buses and trains (LRT, MRT and Monorail). Besides Grab (which bought over Uber), there are other ride-hailing services with their own apps. Budget taxis are red-and-white or some other colours, executive taxis that are pricier are blue MPVs, and there are official airport taxis (only from the airport to town) in black. 5. Helmets are compulsory on motorcycles and seat belts in cars. It is an offence to use cellphones while driving. Offenders will be fined. 6. Get travel insurance to cover injury and loss of property. 7. Some urban centres have tourist police kiosks. Locate them in case of emergency. Save the contact numbers of local emergency services in case of need. 8. Google the various local food blogs for dining recommendations in your particular location. 9. Know the location of ATMs in case of cash needs in your location. Some ATMs allow for withdrawal from your home account in Malaysian currency. 10. Prepare everything possible in advance, consider the contingencies, and apply plenty of common sense.

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Is Malaysia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Malaysia : Safety by City
• Johor Bahru
• Kuala Lumpur
• Petaling Jaya

Malaysia is a country located in Southeastern Asia, partly on a peninsula of the Asian mainland and partly on the northern third of the Borneo Island.

The western side of Malaysia borders with Thailand is connected with Singapore by a causeway and a bridge, and has coastlines on the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, while the eastern side of Malaysia (Borneo) borders with Brunei and Indonesia.

In time, it has developed into one of the richer nations in Southeast Asia with its investments in high technology and its oil wealth, and since that is the case, Malaysia became a bingo for many tourists: it isn’t a third world country, but a developed one where everything works well with high-tech technology, yet its prices are more than reasonable compared to other developed countries in its vicinity, like Singapore.

So, even though it is crawling with visitors and has a reputation of a safe country, there are definitely areas to be avoided.

• Warnings & Dangers in Malaysia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Malaysia is generally a safe country to visit. It is a country where you are unlikely to encounter violence, but you should be careful when it comes to petty crime because its rate is high. Apart from that, Malaysia is exposed to a greater risk of terrorist attacks. However, it is still filled with tourists, and if you venture to this country you are likely to have a smooth trip with no incidents.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

As mentioned, some taxis do not have meters so make sure you negotiate the price before entering the vehicle. Also, if you are taking a taxi late at night, never hail them down on the street, but rather call the taxi service, since you might get ripped off. Road conditions in Peninsular Malaysia are mostly fine but in East Malaysia the conditions are poor and there have been reports of crashes and accidents happening along the roads at night.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is a great risk of pickpockets. In this country, you definitely shouldn't let your guard down. Avoid carrying your belongings with you, and if you do, never carry anything in your pocket or a purse.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

During the rainy season in Malaysia, which lasts from October to February, flooding and landslides are a common threat, due to heavy rains. Oceanic coastlines may experience tsunamis, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre website offers more information on the potential for tsunamis.Another threat is the smoke haze that may happen from June to October, during which authorities recommend limited outdoor activities.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Mugging is relatively rare in Malaysia, but it does happen. There have been reports of criminals using knives to cut off tourists' bags. The mentioned islands off the coast of eastern Sabah are best to be avoided, especially the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. This is the area where the threat is coming from both terrorist and criminal groups since they've been known to kidnap people.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorist attacks are very likely in Malaysia. There is a risk of kidnapping, for tourists especially, on the eastern coast of Sabah, particularly the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. During the past years, an increase in kidnapping reports has been noted in the southern Philippines.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a number of scams performed in Malaysia, mostly distractions executed in order to separate you from your belongings or take advantage of you in another way. Many taxis do not have meters so be sure to negotiate the price of the ride before entering the vehicle, and do not use your credit card unless it's at established buildings and businesses.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Malaysia is, generally speaking, safe for women travelers. Try avoiding dark alleys, walking alone along with dark, poorly lit or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention. Apart from that, use your common sense and apply all basic precaution measures.

• So... How Safe Is Malaysia Really?

Malaysia is a relatively safe country to visit.

Violent crime rates are low, so getting mugged, kidnapped or assaulted is unlikely, but robberies and assaults do happen, sometimes even involving weapons, so it is best to be wise.

Malaysia’s greatest safety issue is petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and other types of petty thefts.

There have even been reports of criminals using sharp knives to cut the bag from a tourist or a passenger.

Be careful and follow the advice you hear from the authorities or other locals.

Like in most countries in Asia, there are areas that are best to be avoided, such as all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau.

Get well informed with the locals or your tourist organization about the places to avoid in Malaysia.

Since it is a multicultural, mostly Muslim country, be sure to show respect for local customs, tradition, and culture, and think about your actions in order not to accidentally offend someone of other religious beliefs our culture.

Since it is predominantly Muslim, you should dress modestly in this country, covering your legs and arms if you’re a woman, and your chest and legs if you’re a man.

• How Does Malaysia Compare?
• Useful Information

Visas for entering Malaysia are given upon arrival and most nationals do need one in order to enter Malaysia. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Malaysian ringgit is the official currency in Malaysia. ATMs are widely available throughout the country and but be careful when handling credit cards in public and money in general.

From October to February, the climate in East Malaysia is humid and wet, and heavy rain is to be expected, while the wettest month on the west in August. Mostly, Malaysia has a tropical climate with and the temperatures aren't too high. the average temperature in this country ranges from 20°C to 30°C.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located 35 miles south of the Malaysian capital and is the busiest airport of the country. It is also one of Southeast Asia's busiest airports and serves as a home base to both AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Malaysia, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Malaysia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Malaysia - Safety by City

Explore malaysia.

• 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Malaysia
• 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Malaysia
• 10 Safest Cities in Malaysia
• Top 8 Places In Malaysia For Glamorous Camping
• Where to Next?

94 Reviews on Malaysia

the worst country ever…when i went there, my wallet gone…spoil my mood. not much place i visited, as i busy for report police and everything…

why not go to puchong its a great place and much safer

The safest country that I have been so far

Bro, My wallet felt on a floor and when I was looking for it, I still saw my wallet on the floor and no body pick the wallet since they know that the wallet is not belong to them. Most Malaysian people believe that if you take money not belong to you, you will lose more in the future. By the way, I ‘m an expat for more than 3 years in Malaysia.

worstttt country ever

malaysia is probably the worstttt country for holiday visit. they want ppl to spend there but the country is not safe. traffic vvv bad always jam or the road system sucks. train system also too messy..nobody speak english there nor understand english..40 years no improvement at all..working attitude no good,hotel all no standard..ppl all take their own sweet time to do things..u can wait 30 mins for food for nothing and nobody care u..u report police also waste whole day there nothing will be done!! probably the worstttt country i ever visit even 100x worse than india..even the food quality also getting bad from 10 years ago..that’s why many ppl don’t even bother to go there even it’s free..i hope next 10 years at least they can improve by 1%..

"100x worse than india LUL"

– probably a singaporean – probably butt hurt with Malaysia’s rich culture and amazing food – stay on the other side of the bridge and keep your elitist mindset back there

is a terrorist country…dont go there.

Hv u been there before? I have four times and I can assure u that Malaysia is not a terrorist country. Absolutely safe country, so pls get ur facts checked. Just cus it’s Muslim majority doesn’t mean that it has to be a terrorist country

True, even I am working in Malaysia since 5 years and not heard of terrorists…

Thank you! I agree, I traveled much of the time by myself or with my daughter, we had no troubles at all, I very much enjoyed our time in Borneo.

Malaysia a safe Country for Tourist's

Yes I agree I have been to Malaysia 5 times with my wife as we visit my son who works there for 10 years now and is married. A very safe place. I got lost looking for a place and was approached by a Muslim man and a woman who very politely asked if I needed help. They gave me directions. With no fuss.

😂😂 i already 7 times visit malaysia, its safest country for me, its multicultural, multi religion, muslim,buddha, Christian etc. are life together,😂😂 in malaysia I don’t see any racism issue😂😂

Good country with great good

Sad to break it to you, terrorist attack rate in Malaysia is lower than a lot of western countries. Malaysia is a great multi cultural country with some of the best food in the world.

It is fine you do not wish to go there, but don’t go round and bad mouthing a good country, when you know nothing about the country

Well they ARREST terrorist. I don’t think they will arrest terrorist if they themselves are terrorist. Check your facts

Sure thing you not arrive at Kuala Lumpur yet🙄

Terrorist country?? Hello, terrorist attacks are almost unheard of in this country compared to western or even the adjacent countries.

**** comment i ever heard..in malaysia no terrorist attack happen yet

Michelle, please elaborate more on which part of Malaysia that surely, obviously represent as a terrorist country? You are giving public a false impression and I am not happy with it.

Don’t go there

Malaysia is safe for your visit. Welcome to Malaysia

You are wrong. Everyone is safe here. We are more friendly than the US or western countries.

Fact. Malaysia is my sweet vacay place

This country not for Islamphobos like you racist karen.

Lol what a racist kafir islamophobes Bet you hear Allah Akbar shouting everywhere. You thought, they will be a suicide bomb somewhere else but as it turns it just adzan to ask muslims to go pray.

You must be an unlucky person. As I’ve been going every year since 1997 and never had a problem. Been all over. Nice friendly people, loverly food, great weather, and amazing wild life. The worst that happened was I got a Thorne in my foot.

Is Malaysia safe to school??

You need to define safe. If you talking about school bullying, it will happen everywhere. We do not permit carry guns around and there are no genocide shooting in school before.

However, Malaysia is not famous for their education system. In fact the elite send their children to study oversea.

a different dimension

Hi Michelle – my experience was a country of friendly multicultural appeal, awesome hospitality and some of the most varied and amazing food experiences with heaps of culture and places to explore. A very safe country. Would highly recommend to all (although maybe not during covid times!). Your experience must of been in a different dimension!!!

You trying to show your racism here? It is a nice country. What are you trying to say?? Did you came to Malaysia before? Did the Malaysians welcomed you with a RPG? What do you mean by it is a terrorist country? If you dunno anything about it. Pls be careful of your bad mouth.

I've never been so speechless in my life.

I was born in Malaysia and lived in Malaysia for 17 years. There has never been any terrorist activity! Are you delusional?

I don’t think so

Not the safest of places

Just went… great food, but not the safest place. Got some stuff stolen. Tried to make the best of my time there, but might be a one and done place for me.

Not your lucky day

I’ve been to Adelaide, Australia and got things stolen. I’ve been to Paris, Fracis witness pickpocketing on the street Does that make Australia & France not the safest place in the world, and granted them 1 star?

It is unfortunate that your things got stolen in Malaysia. You just had bad luck. I do hope you have travel insurance.

Its safe i assure you

Wym terrorist country? Ive stayed here for over 10 years and i have never seen any crime, its very safe i assure you. nice culture, great food, Malaysia is a great country for vacation.

Great country.

Theft happens everywhere. Kuala Lumpur is a cool city. We hired a taxi from 10am till 4pm and the driver gave us z great tour. Very cheap. Wonderful food and friendly people. Terima kasih Malaysia sampai jumpa lagi.

Malaysia for life

I have been in that country for almost my WHOLE life and you are very true and I never gotten stolen or got any problems and yes you are again same review with me but I am not really smart but their etucational sistem is bad for me but that is not the reason to hate it.

Malaysia is relatively safe country however there are many pickpockets everywhere. Please beware of pickpockets,they might try to lure you by showing their pity face and making stories to scam people.

Nice to know

As much as I love my country, gotta admit. We got some professional pickpocket here but compared to other country? I would say we have less probability of that. Be extra carefull and stay safe next time everywhere and anywhere<3

Enjoyed Malaysia

Malaysia is a safe country. The Malaysian people welcomes people of all races and nationality. Most Malaysian people are kind to tourists. Nowadays it is easier to travel via grab if you are around town. Or you can use the MRT or LRT.

Malaysian people are not terrorist. They are from diversified races but have lived peacefully. There were so many interesting and delicious food to eat in Malaysia, wkth every state having their own specialty.

Eventhough some of the reviews state they had a bad experience, I think generally Malaysia is 99% fun place to visit. They have many activities like visiting The National Park, art and crafts of the East Coast area, KLCC, Petrosains, the Island Langkawi and feed the eagles, Kundasang Sabah, enjoying the food in Johor Bahru and Penang area, elephant sanctuary in Pahang, back to nature at Janda Baik, visit the casino or the cool weather Genting Highlands and many more.

Women travelling alone in Msia is generally safe. The usual notes would be to not travel in dark alleys at night. Malaysia is rather warm, cotton teeshirt would be great and because their official religion is Islam, maybe try to dress appropriately without actually having to cover up. All in all Malaysians usually welcome the tourists with open arms.

Absolutely agree with you.

I spend months in Malaysia each year and have never had any safety issues or concerns.

Definitely the best country ever to visit.

I can only talk about KL. Had a 2-day stopover traveling with 3 children. Felt very safe and the overall experience was good. I loved the vibrancy of all the different cultures living in what appeared to be harmonious. The food was great. Will return.

Malaysia isn’t bad country isn’t much cultural to visit in main city of Kuala Lumpur mostly modern society and less cultural but other states such as Langkawi and sabah and the rest.

just be aware surrounding and all

Good place to visit

Malaysia is a lovely place. I went there once a year with my family members and we never encounter any dangerous. Malaysian are friendly and most of them able to communicate in English.

Great Holiday Destination

We Visit Malaysia every year for a month. We have always found the people friendly and helpful. If you get a local SIM card cabs can be ordered in line and are safe and cheap. The food is good and personally we have never witnessed any crime , except maybe the driving !!! Watch out for motor bikes.

Great Places

I alway visit Johor Bahru alone, walking around or taking grab, didn’t have any problem with that. Other places like Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang also no problem with that.

Im malaysian, never heard of terrorist attack happen in malaysia so far..where the hell you got this info and warning people of terrorist attack??? 🤣🤣🤣

i can ensure you that i have never heard of any terrorist attack in my 25 yaers living there. i think most of you that says there are terrorist attack is because you visit there when the raya festival as may locals play mercun and bunga api as a tradition .

This site says the risk of terrorism is HIGH?

I’ve never been to Malaysia but this site describes the chance of terrorism as HIGH (see above) and says ‘terrorist attacks are very likely in Malaysia. There is a risk of kidnapping, for tourists…’ On that basis, I wouldn’t go!

Never experienced terrorists attacks yet

Yeah it does but gladly, we’ve never experience any terrorists attack yet. But that’s your choice and I will respect it.

Don't worry

Hi, the terrorist attack were most likely to happen in east malaysia ( the right side of the map across the sea). It have famous rate of kidnapping by terrorist from southern philiphine. But rest assure, the rate is highly decreasing after establishment of Eastern Sabah Security Command and Eastern Sabah Security Zone. Just keep vigilant if you go there but generally the other part of malaysia is mostly safe ✌🏻

If you read the review, it says the kidnappings are in the Philippines, which is different from Malaysia….. just saying. Different countries. They don’t even touch each other.

Mate that does not happen in the Peninsula, most happens near Sabah or Sarawak which is connected to Borneo (Where the terrorist comes from) so its 60/40 safe

Don’t be such a coward – terrorism can happen anywhere

Must see country

I’m a experienced traveller and travelled all over the world- Risk of terrorism is high in islands near Philippines, no where near mainland! in fact closer to Philippines lol, so not relevant as most tourists don’t go there anyway. I been to Malaysia dozens of times over 25 years and travelled all over, very safe country. East Malaysia has some issues so be more mindful there, in K.L Usual stuff like pickpockets like most countries not as bad as many places in Europe. I’m more concerned in Barcelona, Rome and Paris with pickpockets than K.L (I’m a big lad who can certainly look after myself) People in Malaysia are very friendly and police everywhere. People don’t tend to mess about in this country as you can go to jail for a very long time!!!! There still had death penalty when I was there years ago, not sure if they still do. Everybody speaks English, the food is probably the best in the world. Not kidding..there are 1000s of ex pats living there from all over the world and is so westernised. Shopping food attractions are better than most western countries. The country is beautiful and truly a place everybody should visit. Only down side is- don’t go late August and september onwards until late november, to K.L as this is when fire season starts in Indonesia when they burn don’t their forests for oil palm planting, which causes huge pollution issues in Malaysia. 15 years ago blue skyies all year , now when fire season starts pollution blocks out the sun! very bad. Some tropical islands have been neglected from tropical paradise to litter problems and over developed tourists areas. When I first went 1992 it was crystal blues waters blue skies and tropical jungles. Malaysia has grown rapidly and this has taken its tool on some areas. I last went 2019 and still love the country just unfortunate I went to K.L in sept (no sun) went to east coast and blue skies. Travelled down to Singapore, that’s always a must. Sorry some people have had a bad experience, that’s always crap. I live in UK and that can happen anywhere.

A Paradise of great food, scenic & good experiences

I agree with those who have good experiences. Not safe to carry money or documents in handbags or stuff in backpacks. Be on the lookout in crowded places. A slight push or jostling you may find your purse or stuff gone. Avoid lonely places at night. Better travel in small group. An American who visited Kuala Lumpur with me last October explored Chinatown on his own, a couple of times. Took the train/ light transit here & there. Enjoyed himself 100%, after being told by me what to avoid. No incidents. He loved his adventures in Bungsar areas too. Malaysia is as safe if you know to take safeguards. We also visited Trengganu, Kelantan, Genting Highlands, Boh Tea Plantations in Cameron Highlands, also Penang. We returned without losing anything except what we spent on food & accommodation & transport.

Best place to stay

Very safe place

I am a 38 years old Malaysian, I’ve lived in KL all my life. I have never had any pick pocket incidences or encounter any terrorist attack. I have taken public transport a lot when i was younger. To be honest, regardless of where you go, you keep your belongings where you can see them or at least not easily accessed. Some Western movies wrongly portray Asian countries which give tourists a bad impression. I would say,you are more likely to encounter a great sale that use up all your money than it being stolen from you.

Malaysia very safe

Yes I agree Malaysia and especially Kuala Lumpur are beautiful places to visit. I have visited from Australia 5 times as my son works and got married there. Safe at night at the markets, I’ve seen young family’s there having a great time. My wife and I got lost and were approached by two Muslim people a man and his wife who asked if we needed any help. They showed us the way walking there with us. Remember to show respect for customs and cultures when in a foreign country and you won’t have any problems.

Another islamist country.

Islamist nation, behaviour changes if you aren’t a Muslim, minorities are oppressed.

Yes. Extremist Malay Muslims !!!

Global Peace Index 2020

1 Iceland 1.078 2 New Zealand 1.198 3 Portugal 1.247 4 Austria 1.275 5 Denmark 1.283 6 Canada 1.298 7 Singapore 1.321 8 Czech Republic 1.337 9 Japan 1.36 10 Switzerland 1.366 11 Slovenia 1.369 12 Ireland 1.375 13 Australia 1.386 14 Finland 1.404 15 Sweden 1.479 16 Germany 1.494 =17 Belgium 1.496 =17 Norway 1.496 19 Bhutan 1.501 20 Malaysia 1.525 21 Netherlands 1.528 22 Romania 1.541 23 Mauritius 1.544 24 Hungary 1.559 25 Slovakia 1.568 26 Croatia 1.615 27 Qatar 1.616 28 Bulgaria 1.628

Malaysia rank no 20 world safest country for year 2020 ahead some western country

They Have Destroyed The Rain Forests On The Island of Borneo

Too Late Forests Destroyed

That’s Indonesia bruh check your fact first before commenting xD. Malaysia only get the haze effect from them

i dont think so

This article is fake and need help 🙁

They have Xenophobia

Toxic locals, worst choice for tourism.

True. The people are horrible

Crime in Malaysia? Is it a joke?

As a person living as an expat in Malaysia after for more than 3 years after spent 2 years in singapore, I never heard any such crime in Malaysia.

The only crime in Malaysia that you should consider to sue all Malaysian is thier food. Thier food made me 11 KG more.

Another crime in Malaysia, thier beaches and forest are so beautifully.

i been to about 40 countries, lived in 6. Malaysia food is the number 1. Best of the best. Same problem, I always need to buy bigger pants and longer belts after visiting.

Enjoyed Malaysia always. Variety of glorious food. Travel inexpensive. Hotels air-conditioned. People speak English. Hard to find Police around though. Please recruit English speaking Police. I recommend KL and Penang cities.

Be careful.

Beware of pickpockets and scams! Unfortunately, Malaysia is not as safe as some other countries. You have to be vigilant of your belongings and pay attention to your surroundings. Never leave your children unattended. Best to avoid walking alone in the dark.

its not safe

i dont feel safe here i wan move another country lah 🙁

a lot of people said that this country was a ”terrorist country”. I have some advice for you guys. PLEASE!!! do a research before you judge somebody/something. i’ve been in this country for over 13 YEARS. sure crime might happen here but think again, its your own fault because you dont be aware of your own things.

i hate these kind of people who judge earlier. please go to this place first before judging it :/

Safe for LGBTQ+?

Could you include in this article how safe it is for LGBTQ+ visitors?

Comments here say ‘safe for everyone ‘ will be great if it really does mean everyone- including the country’s own LGBTQ* citizens 🙂

very dangerous.

very dangerous country now because of criminals and covid 19 is out of control don’t come here lah

Its not sorry, you will get arrested

Well, living in Malaysia for few years as a queer. Nothing happen to me as long as you’re not muslim yourself. If you just come to travel or work as an expat like myself, probably nothing to be scare of being lgbtq here. Just as you know, there are alot of muslim here. As a sense of respects for their religion and also culture , you won’t go around and telling everyone you are a lgbtq. You do you, and respect others then everyone will be cool with it.

If youre not muslim, you are free to do whatever you want. To remind you, we are not yet on the level to make lgbtq public toilets so you need to use the toilet depends on your ‘original’ gender or you could be arrested. As long as you not making problem to the public, youre safe

goodbye malaysia

I’ve lived here for 41 years and it has become so dangerous. The police don’t protect us. That’s why I’m packing up my stuff and moving to a safer and better country. Goodbye Malaysia!

No terrorist in Malaysia

I never heard Malaysia had a terrorist attack. Where u get the info🤡.

I’ve been couple of times in KL, Penang and Langkawi. Never felt any kind of problem. People can be pushy for some sales or similar, but if you firmly deny, no any kind of trouble.

I’ve been in KL, Penang and Langkawi and felt perfectly safe everywhere. Heaviest thing there is weather.

I am sacred the way you people are commenting about the country, because am hoping after my HND program I will go to Malaysia and do my degree. please, can someone tell me how safe is Malaysia?

As far as i know, we have a loooooooot of overseas student here. There is low to non terrorist problem. Pickpocket might happen but you can avoid it as long as you did not being careless or take things way too easy. Be extra carefull, a lot foreigners says we are friendly too, well, we are extra friendly when it comes to foreigner.

Overall risk medium why? Answer:petty and terrorist attacks

ALSO GOT TORNADOES

TORNADOES ALSO CAN HAPPEN but quite rare

Ive been to Malaysia, in 2019, in Kuala Lumpur and Lankawi Island and it was just fine 🙂 Veeeeeery tasty food. I have felt safe, the only thing that made it unsafe were the monkeys…damn their nosy.

A most favorite place but be very cautious

I’m from malaysia, and I living in malaysia for at least 17 years and having no problems, I really love malaysia country as it’s so diversified, many kind of food, many places to go, the forest are almost everywhere, the animal are free to flee, cheap, high standard of living and educational, modern, rich and multicultural, travelling to malaysia is a *Must*

Be alert that since malaysia is very safe country, there is some case of petty crime especially pick pocketing and purse snatching, so be very cautious all the time, the kidnapping has been noted in eastern coast of sabah due to conflict with Philippines.

I’m planning to go to Malaysia in January. After reading all this, I am skeptical. Don’t know what to believe ?

live in malaysia for 30 year. It is safe for non-asian looking tourist only.

MALAYSIA IS NOT A TERRORIST COUNTRY

It is wild how racist some people are. When I went there didn’t experience any terrorism. Mosques are awesome, people are lovely, and they have heaps of cool shopping centers to explore such as the one under the Petronas towers, there is also the KL tower to visit which is a 360-degree spinning tower with good food. Malaysia is a great Muslim country to visit (one of the safest too).

For the security

So Malaysia needs to install more cctv/security cameras for safety

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Exercise normal safety precautions in Malaysia.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Malaysia (PDF 367.29 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on 321 159 999 or 322 662 222.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities.

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities, due to the high threat of kidnapping. The risk of kidnapping increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall and is highest in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau.

See Safety .

• There's an ongoing high risk of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah. There have been a number of attempted and successful kidnappings. This includes islands, dive sites and tourist facilities. If, despite our advice, you travel to these areas, get professional security advice. Obey all local governments' curfews.
• Terrorism is a threat. Possible targets include businesses and public areas popular with foreigners. Take official warnings seriously.
• Petty crime is common. Bag-snatching, including by thieves on motorbikes, happens often. When walking, hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic. Safeguard your belongings, especially in shopping centres, at the airport and on trains. Credit card fraud is common. Always keep your credit card in sight when paying for purchases.
• Drink spiking can occur, even at reputable places. Never accept food, drinks, cigarettes or gum from strangers. Don't leave your food or drinks unattended.
• Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem. Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. If you intend to travel in the region by boat, check the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reports . Arrange personal security measures.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia.
• Dengue fever is common, including in major urban areas. Zika virus is also a risk. Malaria is a risk in rural areas. Other insect-borne diseases include chikungunya, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. 
• Rabies is present in Malaysia. It's fatal without immediate treatment. Avoid dogs, monkeys and other mammals. Get medical help straight away if an animal bites or scratches you.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid and cholera. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Private hospitals in major cities are of an international standard. You'll need to pay up-front at all hospitals unless you have travel insurance, and your travel insurance policy covers your hospitalisation. Services are more limited in rural areas. Government hospitals require a deposit even if you have travel insurance.
• Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah. Ensure you're immunised against pertussis and practice good personal hygiene.

Full travel advice: Health

• If you're suspected of using drugs, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal. Penalties for drug offences are severe. 
• Don't use, carry or traffic illegal drugs. Punishments include the death penalty.
• It's unclear if surrogacy is legal under Malaysian civil law and what conditions apply. Get legal advice before arranging a surrogacy.

Malaysian law requires that you carry identification, such as your passport or a Malaysian Immigration Issued Card (IKAD), with you at all times. If you are asked by police and are unable to provide it, you may be detained until you can present valid identification.

• Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country. Many areas have conservative standards of dress and behaviour. This includes at religious sites. Get advice on local customs.
• Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. Kelantan and Terengganu states are stricter than others. These laws apply to all Muslims, including visitors from Australia. Research laws that apply to you before you travel.
• Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality. Always travel on your Australian passport. If Malaysian authorities find out you're a dual citizen, you may need to renounce one of your citizenships immediately, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Full travel advice: Local laws

From 1 January 2024, you'll be required to complete and submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days prior to arrival in Malaysia. The MDAC must be submitted through the  Malaysian Immigration website . See the  Malaysian Immigration website  for further information, including exemption details.

• In most circumstances, you can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.
• Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving. The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the  Malaysia Digital Arrival Card  website.
• Monitor the websites of the  Malaysian Department of Immigration,  My Safe Travel , the  Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes to entry requirements. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the  Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks could happen in Malaysia. Attacks could be random and may affect locations popular with Westerners or during major events or holidays that attract large crowds.

Malaysian authorities have arrested people for planning terror attacks. This includes attacks against entertainment venues in Kuala Lumpur.

Other possible targets include:

• hotels, clubs and restaurants
• places of worship  or religious holidays
• outdoor recreation events
• tourist areas

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• be cautious around places known to be possible terrorist targets
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• check the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Terrorist threats

Overland travel through Thailand

Read our travel advice for Thailand if you're planning to go there overland.

Avoid travelling to or through the far southern provinces of Thailand.

There's an ongoing high threat of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah, including islands, dive sites and other tourist facilities.

Extremists based in the southern Philippines are active in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau in eastern Sabah.

Foreigners have been kidnapped from the nearby islands of Sipadan and Mataking and surrounding waters.

Some attempted and successful kidnappings have happened in coastal areas of eastern Sabah in recent years.

• In May 2021, Malaysian authorities arrested eight suspected Abu Sayyaf militants who they suspect may have been planning kidnappings in Malaysia.
• In September 2019, 3 fishermen were abducted in the waters off Lahad Datu.
• In June 2019, 10 fishermen were abducted in waters between Lahad Datu, Sabah and Sitangkai, Southern Philippines.
• In December 2018, 3 fishermen were abducted from Pegasus Reef near Kinabatangan, Sabah.
• In November 2016, militants based in the southern Philippines attacked a yacht in waters between eastern Sabah and the Sulu archipelago. One German national was killed and another kidnapped and later killed.  Further in 2016, some commercial seamen were kidnapped from cargo vessels in the area.
• In May 2015, gunmen entered a local seaside restaurant in Sandakan and abducted the manager and one customer.

Malaysian authorities increased security in the region in response to kidnapping incidents. The Sabah Government has restricted the use of waterways.

Security measures

There's a 6pm to 6am curfew on water travel in 6 coastal districts of eastern Sabah state. This includes offshore areas up to 3 nautical miles (5.5km) from the coast.

All vessels travelling in the waters off Lahad Datu and Sandakan in daylight hours must get a permit or permission from police.

Vessels must travel only on designated routes.

There's a ban on resort-organised water activities at night. This includes diving and fishing.

Authorities established the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which includes the regions of:

• Kinabatangan
• Kota Marudu

There's an increased presence of security forces in the ESSZone.

Authorities may extend the water travel curfew each fortnight. If you travel by water during curfew hours without permission, authorities could fine you or jail you for up to 6 months.

Australian Government policy

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If you decide to travel to eastern Sabah despite our advice:

• get professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures
• check if your hotel has security measures in place
• be extremely cautious

Civil unrest and political tension

You could encounter protests or demonstrations on the streets or at certain venues.

Protest activity could lead to violence and disrupt public services, including public transport, and cause traffic congestion. However, this is rare.

Police permission is needed for public gatherings and demonstrations. If you take part in a protest or demonstration, authorities could arrest and deport you.

Avoid protests and demonstrations.

During periods of unrest:

• check the news and other sources for information on planned and possible unrest or strikes
• plan your activities to avoid unrest on national or commemorative days
• be ready to change your travel plans

If civil unrest disrupts your transport plans, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Petty crime is common.

Opportunistic pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab robberies happen often where thieves snatch handbags, shoulder bags, jewellery, mobile phones and other valuables from pedestrians.

Hotspots include busy pedestrian crossings near major shopping malls, including within the KLCC area.

Motorcyclists, and sometimes thieves in other moving vehicles, pull bags from victims. This often causes injuries.

Smash-and-grab attacks against slow-moving and parked vehicles also happen.

To avoid petty crime:

• don't carry bags that are easy to snatch
• walk on footpaths when you can and stay away from the curb
• hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic
• when driving or parking your car, keep valuables out of sight
• always keep vehicle windows up and doors locked, even when moving

Handbags, expensive watches, jewellery and cameras are tempting targets for thieves.

Many travellers have lost passports and other valuables to thieves on trains and at airports.

Carry only what you need and leave other valuables, in a secure location.

Thieves sometimes work in groups at busy shopping centres. One or more may approach you with stories of distress or warnings for your safety. When you're distracted, others steal your belongings.

Watch your personal belongings, especially:

• in crowded areas and during holiday periods
• when travelling on trains from the airport
• at airports

Be wary of approaches from strangers, especially in shopping centres.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is common.

Credit cards are often copied for illegal use. This can happen anywhere, from small shops to large department stores and hotels.

Always keep your credit card in sight.

Online scams

Online scams  have increased in recent years. Scammers often pretend to be people in need of financial help.

They prey on people looking for companions on online dating websites.

To protect yourself from being scammed:

• be wary of people asking for money
• don't send money or provide your bank details to anyone you don't know
• be careful when sharing personal information with people you haven't met in person

Scams involving gambling are also common.

Violent crime

You could experience violent crime in Malaysia. Australians have been victims of violent crime in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other areas of the country. You should exercise vigilance and take sensible precautions. If you're a victim of crime, inform the local police and get a police report.

Criminals have assaulted and robbed travellers after spiking their drinks. This can even happen at places with a good reputation.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
• if you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it
• stay with people you trust at parties and in bars, nightclubs and taxis

To stay safe while using taxis:

• don't hail taxis on the street, especially after dark
• book taxis by phone at a shopping centre taxi desk
• check there's a licence with photo on the dashboard or seat back before getting into a taxi
• check the driver matches the photo.

If you're alone in a taxi, sit in the back seat. Keep your belongings with you in the taxi.

If your taxi stops to pick up other passengers, get out of the taxi when it's safe to do so. Taxi drivers aren't allowed to pick up extra passengers, but it sometimes happens.

E-hailing services are available. Use the same precautions as taxis.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Malaysia experiences severe weather and natural disasters , including:

• earthquakes
• severe rainstorms

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and weather reports
• check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes can happen in Malaysia.

In 2018, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Sabah. No deaths or injuries were reported. The earthquake's tremors were felt and climbing activities were suspended.

Coastal regions of the world can experience tsunamis. Malaysia and its neighbours are vulnerable to earthquakes, which make destructive tsunamis more likely.

US Tsunami Warning Centre

Severe weather

Flooding and landslides are common during the wet season which is usually from October to February.

Severe rainstorms can result in deaths and extensively damaged infrastructure.

Essential services can be interrupted.

Tours and adventure activities

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators aren't always met. This includes for adventure activities, such as diving.

Operators may not provide enough safety equipment. They also may not pay attention to maintenance standards and safety precautions.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check your travel insurance covers you for it
• ask and insist on minimum safety requirements
• use available safety equipment, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem, especially in the:

• Strait of Malacca
• waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues weekly piracy reports.

Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. This includes waters between Sabah, Malaysia and Palawan in the Philippines.

If you decide to travel by boat in these regions:

• check IMB piracy reports
• get local advice
• arrange security measures

Travelling by boat

• Going on a cruise

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations if, despite our advice, you're travelling to the coastal region of eastern Sabah.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. Contact the  high commission or embassy of Malaysia  to check what documentation local authorities may need you to have. Further information can be found on the  Pharmaceuticals Services website.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

More information: 

Health risks

Smoke haze often happens from June to October, but it can happen at any time.

Check the haze situation and any health warnings the Malaysian Government issues.

When haze levels are high, authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity. Get your own medical advice.

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue  is common, including in major urban areas. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.

There's no vaccination or treatment available for dengue fever.

Zika virus is a risk. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

The Zika virus bulletin includes advice on how to minimise Zika virus risks.

Malaria is a risk in rural areas. It's less common in urban and coastal areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases can happen. This includes chikungunya and filariasis .

Reported cases of Japanese encephalitis have increased in recent years. Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

The risk of contracting insect-borne diseases increases during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• always use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Ministry of Health

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease. It's found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

The most recent cases were reported in Sarawak. It was transmitted through feral dog and cat bites.

Rabies can also be contracted when a rabid animal's saliva gets directly into your eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

Avoid direct contact with dogs and other mammals.

If a dog, monkey or other mammal bites or scratches you, use soap and water straight away to wash the wound thoroughly.

Get urgent medical attention.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common.

These include:

• tuberculosis
• hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• wash your hands often and thoroughly

Get medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah since the beginning of 2023. If you're planning to travel to Sabah:

• ensure you're immunised against pertussis
• practice good personal hygiene including frequent hand washing, not sharing drinks or lip balm
• keep your distance from people who appear sick
• seek medical attention if you develop symptoms

Infectious diseases

Marine stings

Stings from jellyfish and other marine animals can be fatal.

Ask local authorities, your tour operator or hotel about:

• swimming conditions
• precautions to take
• other dangers

Black henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos as they often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

You can find private hospitals with international-standard facilities in major cities.

Public hospitals in major cities have a good range of medical services. However, access can be slow. Services are more limited in rural areas.

Most private hospitals need a cash deposit or a confirmation of insurance before they will admit you. They also expect immediate payment for services.

You need to pay up-front for treatment at government hospitals.

There are decompression chambers in:

Medical tourism

Medical tourism , including for cosmetic surgery, is common.

Standards at discount and uncertified medical facilities can be poor.

Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can result.

Before travelling for medical tourism:

• research and choose medical service providers carefully
• don't use discount or uncertified medical service providers
• check your travel insurance covers you if things go wrong with your surgery, as most don't

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you're suspected of using drugs before you visit Malaysia, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal. 

Penalties for drug offences are severe, including drug possession and the presence of drugs in your bloodstream. Malaysia still carries the death penalty for drug trafficking.

Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy laws

Malaysian civil law applies to everyone in Malaysia. Under this law, it's unclear if surrogacy is legal and what conditions apply.

Under sharia law, surrogacy is illegal. However, sharia law only applies to Muslims.

Surrogacy isn't practised openly in Malaysia. If you want to pursue surrogacy, it's mostly a private arrangement between you and the surrogate.

Get independent legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt

Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. These laws apply to all Muslims, including those from Australia.

Research laws that apply to you before you travel.

Serious crime

Crimes that may attract corporal punishment include:

• certain drug offences
• commercial crime

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal.

Punishment can include whipping and up to 20 years in prison for same-sex acts involving either men or women.

LGBTI travellers

Drink driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offence, which can result in fines and/or a jail sentence. Authorities strictly enforce these laws. 

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many areas. This includes at religious sites.

Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.

Learn about customs at your destination. If in doubt, get advice from locals. Take care not to offend cultural or religious beliefs.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan  is observed in Malaysia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Dual citizenship

Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

If Malaysian authorities find out you hold both Australian and Malaysian citizenship, you may need to renounce either your Australian or Malaysian citizenship straight away, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

I n most circumstances, Australian passport holders can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. 

Arrange a visa before you travel if you're visiting for:

• volunteer work

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest high commission, embassy or consulate  of Malaysia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

If you breach your visa conditions or overstay your visa, authorities may fine, detain or deport you.

Always check the correct dates are on the visa stamp placed in your passport.

Follow immigration rules, including your visa conditions.

Border measures

Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving.

The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the  Malaysia Digital Arrival Card  website.

Entry requirements may change at short notice. Monitor the websites of the  Malaysian Department of Immigration ,  My Safe Travel , the  Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the  Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Staying in Malaysia

You should ensure you keep your visa up to date.

Other formalities

Foreigners need to provide biometric identification (fingerprints and/or face) on arrival.

Children aged younger than 12 years and visitors with finger disabilities don't have to do this.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

When you depart, declare any MYR over MYR30,000, $US10,000 or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can take larger amounts out of the country if you declare it when you arrive.

ATMs are widely available.

Local travel

If you travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, you need your passport. East Malaysia includes Sabah and Sarawak.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for any related damage and injuries if you plan to hire:

• a motorcycle
• any other vehicle

Driving permit

To drive in Malaysia, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

If you don't have both, you need to apply for a Malaysian licence.

Driving or riding

Road travel

Motorcyclists are a common traffic hazard. They often:

• weave through traffic
• drive through red lights and pedestrian crossings
• travel on the wrong side of the road

Motorcyclists have been increasingly confronting drivers who shout, gesture or toot their horn at them. They sometimes assault drivers.

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Malaysia than in Australia.

To stay safe, drive carefully and avoid road rage.

On a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.

Some taxi drivers, especially in tourist spots or when roads are jammed, don't use their meter. This is illegal.

Malaysia's taxi regulator has an English-language hotline for reporting problems. To make a report, call 1 800 88 7723 and provide the:

• vehicle number
• taxi company name
• time, date and location of the incident
• name of the driver if known

Always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree the fare, before you get in a taxi.

At the start of your trip, take note of the vehicle number, the taxi company name and the name of the driver.

Public transport

There have been fatal and other serious accidents involving long-distance tour buses. This often happens at night or in bad weather.

If you plan to travel by bus, choose a company with a good reputation and avoid overnight travel.

Transport and getting around safely

In recent years, several passenger boats have sunk due to overloading and poor maintenance.

Before booking tickets on a passenger ferry, speedboat or other vessel, check there is appropriate safety equipment available.

Don't travel on any vessel that looks overloaded or in poor condition.

When you board, confirm there are enough life jackets for all passengers. Know where they are.

In bad weather, wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

There is a curfew on travel by water from 6pm to 6am in the coastal districts of eastern Sabah. See Safety

Airline safety

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malaysia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

National parks

National parks are protected areas, and some are home to ethnic minority groups.

Be respectful of the law and customs in these areas. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Don't remove any wildlife or plants from the park.

Before entering a park, register your plans with park officials and let someone you trust know where you're going.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on +60321 159 999 or Royal Malaysia Headquarters (Bukit Aman) +603 22662 222.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur

6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng 50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Phone: (+60 3) 2146 5555/2146 5575 Fax: (+60 3) 2141 5773 Website: malaysia.highcommission.gov.au Email: [email protected] Facebook: Australia in Malaysia Twitter: @AusHCMalaysia

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

You can get limited consular help, including lodging Australian passport applications, at the following Australian consulates headed by honorary consuls:

Australian Consulate, Penang

Level 3 Jalan Macalister  10400 Penang Malaysia Phone: (+60 4) 226 8955 Fax: (+60 4) 228 3366 Email: [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Kota Kinabalu

Lot 01-05, 11th Floor Jubili Tower (Menara Jubili) 53, Jalan Gaya 88000 Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia Phone: (+60 88) 267 151 Fax: (+60 88) 266 509 Email:  [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Sarawak

E39 Level 2 Taman Sri Sarawak Mall Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching Sarawak Malaysia Phone: (+60 19) 898 9787 Email: [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Asia , MALAYSIA

15 things to know before you travel malaysia.

Planning to head to Malaysia soon? Then here’s the 15 things to know ahead of your trip there…

One of my favourite countries to travel in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a treat you shouldn’t keep waiting on your bucket list for too long.

Thanks to its wonderfully unique culture, staggering natural diversity and some of the most kickass food in the world, this country gets the full thumbs up from me.

But there’s a few things you should probably know before you travel Malaysia to ensure you get the best out of your time there.

From culture to geography, this is a diverse country and one where it really does pay off to do a bit of research in advance, especially if you’re travelling independently.

So here goes…

Related Posts

• Full Malaysia Travel Budget – How Much Does a Trip Here Cost?
• Ultimate 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary
• Complete Southeast Asia Packing List

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#1 A County of 2 Halves

One of the most important things to know about travelling Malaysia is that there are 2 geographical parts to the country – Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.

The Malaysian Peninsula is what I would describe as the mainland and is connected via land borders with Thailand and Singapore.

Kuala Lumpur is situated on the Malaysian Peninsula and, for this reason, most travellers spend the majority of their time there.

Malaysian Borneo is more remote and is generally only accessed via flights from Peninsular Malaysia.

Most travellers head here to see the orangutans, visit some of the country’s top national parks and get off the beaten track.

If you only have a short amount of time to travel Malaysia (like 2 weeks or less) then I would stick to the Peninsula – there’s a ton of stuff to do there and it will prove more cost-effective without the need for additional flights.

With longer than 2 weeks, there’s definitely time to get away from the crowds and explore a bit of Malaysian Borneo.

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#2 How to Get to Malaysia?

Arriving By Air

Most international tourists will arrive into Malaysia’s bustling capital – Kuala Lumpur.

The city’s airport is a major international hub, with flights arriving from across Southeast Asia and around the world.

You can also use the airport to grab domestic flights to other destinations within Malaysia – just be warned that the distance between the international and domestic terminals is massive so allow plenty of time for connections.

It literally took me half an hour at my fastest pace to dash between them and I walk fast!

If you are looking to get the best flight prices for Malaysia, I always recommend checking out Skyscanner who advertise deals for international, as well as domestic flights, including those operated by low-cost carriers.

Arriving By Land & Sea

Otherwise, if you’re arriving from other parts of Southeast Asia, it’s useful to know that Malaysia shares land borders with both Thailand and Singapore.

It’s an easy process to cross to Singapore by bus from the cities of either Kuala Lumpur or Malacca – just be aware of the strict border restrictions if you are entering Singapore.

Arriving from Thailand is possible into the north of Malaysia via bus from cities such as Krabi and Trang.

When it comes to booking any international buses in the Southeast Asia region, I always use 12Go – a great website that provides secure booking for hundreds of bus journeys across the region.

Otherwise, you can also enter Malaysia via boat from the Thai island of Koh Lipe, which will get you to the Malaysian island of Langkawi in around 90 minutes.

From Langkawi, you can then travel on to the island of Penang and, from there, across to Peninsular Malaysia.

#3 How to Get Around?

And when it comes to getting around Malaysia, you have a few options too.

Travelling by Bus

Domestic buses are the cheapest way to get around Malaysia, with regular connections running between all cities.

Buses in Malaysia are very comfortable, clean and well organised.

Usually leaving from centralised bus stations, they run on time and you can book tickets in advance with 12Go .

With distances often large between cities, night buses are common in Malaysia and a good way to save money on a night’s accommodation.

Comfortable and clean, I travelled as a solo female on night buses in Malaysia and always found them very safe… if not a little cold.

Yup they crank the aircon on these guys, so always remember to bring a travel blanket to keep warm.

If you want to get a good night’s sleep, I also advise taking a travel pillow and decent eye mask .

Travelling By Air

You can also use domestic flights to get between destinations within Malaysia.

While I wouldn’t advise them for your budget or your carbon footprint within Peninsular Malaysia, they will be a necessary evil if you want hope across the sea to Malaysian Borneo.

Use Skyscanner to find the best deals.

Travelling Short Distances

And within cities and towns in Malaysia, it’s all about either walking around or using the great ride-sharing app Grab to get about.

You can learn more about why I love ridesharing apps as a traveller here .

Grab works brilliantly across many countries in Southeast Asia and you can use it for vehicle transport, motorbike transport or food delivery.

Definitely download this app one before you travel Malaysia!

Within Kuala Lumpur, there’s also a great metro system you can use to get around, which is cheap and easy.

English-speaking staff can be found at all stations and there’s helpful signs, as well as ticket machines instructions in English too – winning!

Kuala Lumpur also has a free shuttle bus that runs around the capital on a 4-coloured loop system and operates on a hop-on hop-off basis.

#4 When to Visit & How Long For?

With a large country separated into 2 main parts, there’s a lot of travel time to be accounted for when moving around Malaysia.

Add into this mix, the amount of things there are to do in the country and there’s no question it’s easy to spend 2-4 weeks here… and still not see everything.

For backpackers who are adventuring the Southeast Asia region, I’d advise a least of fortnight to enjoy Malaysia, which will allow you to get the most out of the Peninsular attractions.

However for those who also want to enjoy jungle trekking, volcano climbing, multiple island hopping or seeing the orangutans, I’d allow at least 3 weeks, or better 4!

This will, of course, be dependent on the total length of your trip, as well as the time of your visit, which in Malaysia is never straightforward!

The best months to visit the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia are from November to February, when it’s slightly less hot and humid.

Read. slightly!

However, when it comes seeing the orangutans and visiting Malaysian Borneo, the best time to visit is between the months of March and October i.e. the opposite time of year to the beaches of Langkawi and foodie hotspot of Penang!

And within this March to October window, it’s the months of June and July that are best for visiting the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia i.e. the Perhentian and Tioman islands.

Confusing or what!

#5 Where to Go in Malaysia?

Of course, where to go in Malaysia will definitely depend on how long you have to travel this country.

As I’ve said before, I recommend sticking to Peninsular Malaysia if you are short on time, and here’s the stand-out destinations you shouldn’t miss in that part of the country:

Kuala Lumpur: A highly underrated capital, I really enjoyed this city and recommend a stay of at least 2 days here. Check out this list of the 21 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur for more info.

Malacca: A lovely colonial port city full of historic attractions and chilled vibes. Stay here 1-2 nights and use this list I wrote about the best things to do in Malacca to plan your time there.

Cameron Highlands : A beautiful, lush hilltop area famous for its tea plantations and strawberry-growing. The climate is wonderfully cool up here and there’s some great day hikes to enjoy. Learn more about this region in my ultimate guide .

Penang: Famous for its great street art and delicious food, the island of Penang is a must for those who travel Malaysia – with its capital, Georgetown, being the centre of the action. Check out my list of the top things to do in Penang to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the top spots.

Perhentian Islands: Tiny tropical islands off Malaysia’s east coast that are known for their great diving and snorkelling opportunities. I visited the smallest island – Perhentian Kecil – and cover my trip there in detail in this travel guide .

For more ideas about things to do in Malaysia and places to visit, check out my list of the 21 best things to do in this country .

Most travellers from the EU, UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand do not require visas to enter Malaysia either via air or land.

This is also true of many other Southeast Asian passport holders.

As always however, do ensure you check entry requirements for Malaysia well in advance of your trip there.

As a British passport holder travelling to Malaysia in 2019, I received a free 90 day tourist stamp on entry.

#7 Currency

The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM).

It is divided into 100 sen.

Roughly speaking, $1 USD = 4-5 RM and £1 GBP = 5-6 RM.

This means the numbers you are dealing with when converting in Malaysia aren’t huge, which is great for people poor at maths like me!

I also like that the Malaysian notes are very brightly coloured!

And when it comes to paying for things in Malaysia, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

One of the most fascinating things about travelling in Malaysia is the diverse culture this country houses.

Home to multiple waves of immigration and colonisation over hundreds of years, Malaysia feels like one of the most diverse places in the world to me, with many different religious and ethnic groups peacefully cohabiting together.

It’s great!

As a traveller, this makes Malaysia an amazing destination with religious ceremonies and buildings, as well as loads of different cuisines and cultural practices going on all the time.

It’s fascinating to see and experience.

#9 Language

And, inline with this cultural diversity, many different languages can also be heard on the streets of Malaysia.

Malay is the official language of the country, but Mandarin, Tamil, Hokkien and Punjabi, among many other languages, are also widely spoken.

English is also widely spoken, which is great news for many travellers.

In most parts of the country, you’ll be understood perfectly in English.

#10 Travel Costs

Malaysia is a fairly developed country and many of the cities are modern, efficient, clean and industrial.

Despite this, travelling in Malaysia (like many countries in Southeast Asia) is very reasonable.

In general, as a budget traveller, I got by on less than $50 USD per day in Malaysia, which included eating out twice a day and staying in private rooms in hostels or small guesthouses.

Accommodation made up by far the greatest chunk of my budget in this country – almost 45% (and yes I use a geeky app called TravelSpend to track this stuff!)

After that, food and transport came in at 17% and 12% of my budget respectively.

The smallest portion of my budget was spent on tours and guides, because in Malaysia there really isn’t any need to take them.

Outside of a few diving and snorkelling experiences and the occasional day trip, I didn’t use these services at all.

All of this makes Malaysia a very affordable destination if you want it to be.

#11 Safety & Independent Travel

Which leads me nicely on to my next point about independent travel and travel safety in Malaysia.

This country is incredibly easy to travel independently – either on a budget as a backpacker or as part of a higher-end experience.

There really is no need to take tours here, with English-widely understood, tourist-infrastructure organised and efficient, and the country easy to navigate and accessible.

I never encountered any trouble adventuring here as a solo female and found Malaysia an incredibly safe country to travel, especially if you employ common sense rules including not walking alone at night.

That said, accidents do happen and I wouldn’t dream of travelling anywhere in Southeast Asia without coverage.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Another area of safety to consider when travelling in Malaysia is drinking.

Malaysia is a hot and humid country, so as well as using sun protection measures, ensuring you drink enough water here is crucial.

In general, tap water outside of Kuala Lumpur is potable from the tap, but rather than buying plastic bottles and creating more waste, I highly suggest travelling with a Life Straw Go Water Filter Bottle .

Allowing you to safely drink water straight from the tap, the inbuilt filters in this bottle remove 99.9% of bacteria, meaning you don’t have to spend money on plastic bottles and you won’t contribute as much to the world’s plastic problem either.

I have a Life Straw Go Water Filter Bottle and never travel without it now.

I also thought I’d address the alcohol issue under this drinks section, for while Malaysian is a predominantly Muslim country, it is not strict.

Alcohol is readily available to buy at bars and restaurants everywhere.

#13 What To Wear in Malaysia?

In discussing the religion of Malaysia, I thought it might be useful to include a section here about what to wear when you travel this country, particularly for female travellers.

As I mentioned Malaysia is not a conservative country and women will be fine to wear shorts and sleeveless tops.

I won’t recommend wearing anything too tight, short and revealing (especially in the cities) but this is more about being respectful and feeling comfortable rather than anything else.

Malaysia is hot and humid, so thin clothes are key and t-shirts that protect shoulders from the sun (as well as a hat) are a must.

When travelling on buses, comfy thin trousers or pairs of leggings are great options, as they are when sightseeing in temples or enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking.

In the cities in Malaysia, I tended to wear thin knee-length dresses with a thin scarf and sandals to mix keeping cool with looking presentable.

If you are visiting any of Malaysia’s islands, such as the Perhentian Islands, then sarongs and swimwear are the order of the day.

Learn here why I always recommend you take at least 1 sarong travelling no matter where you are going.

Here’s 5 other packing essentials I recommend for your travels in Malaysia:

#1 Lonely Planet Guidebook – The Malaysia Lonely Planet is excellent and very helpful for any trip to this part of the world with lots of top tips and useful information, including great eating recommendations.

#2 Birkenstocks – A good pair of sandals are king in Malaysia and I love my Arizona Birkenstocks which are perfect for keeping my feet cool, supported and for kicking on and off easily when you visit temples or hit the beach. Literally wore them all day every day in this country!

#3 British Power Adapters – Malaysia primarily uses the format of British power outlets, so make sure you come prepared with a suitable Skross adapter .

#4 Camera and Lens – I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless , which was ideal for capturing this diverse and delightful country. My GoPro also came in very handy for snapping during those more active and water-based activities!

#5 Day Pack – My Bobby Anti Theft Backpack was ideal for travelling in Malaysia, especially when I wanted to keep my belongings close to me and secure on night bus rides and in hostels.

#14 Telecommunications

Like much of Southeast Asia, internet access in Malaysia is fast, quick, cheap and easy.

All accommodation options have free wifi, as do many cafes, bars and restaurants.

Data is also incredibly cheap and I highly recommend picking up a SIM card when you arrive in Malaysia so you can access Google Maps, Grab and other useful services when you are out and about.

I got a SIM from a company called Digi.

You can pick these up in any 7Eleven Stores or similar, just ensure you have your passport on you.

I paid around 40RM for 10GB of data.

#15 Accommodation

And finally on this list of the 15 things you need to know before you travel Malaysia, I wanted to address the issue of accommodation.

As one of the most developed countries in the region, Malaysia has a huge range of tourist accommodation from luxury hotels to budget backpackers and everything in between.

However, because this is a budget travel blog, you can guess which end of the spectrum I favoured!

Here’s my list of the top hostels in Malaysia I stayed at:

Cameron Highlands: Fathers Guesthouse

Kuala Lumpur: Birdnest

Malacca: Nomaps

Penang: Frame Guesthouse

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

And there you have it, my top 15 tips to know before you travel to Malaysia.

I hope they have proved useful and that you now feel ready to explore this wonderful country.

Don’t forget to check out the range of articles I have on my blog about travelling in Malaysia and any questions they don’t answer, feel free to shoot them into the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Safety Guide: Is Malaysia Safe?

Introduction.

Malaysia, a vibrant and diverse country located in Southeast Asia, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. As a popular tourist destination, it’s natural to wonder about the safety aspects of traveling to Malaysia. This comprehensive safety guide aims to shed light on the safety statistics, crime rate, common safety concerns, and provide valuable safety tips for travelers.

Malaysia is generally a safe country to visit, with a low overall crime rate. Like any other destination, it’s important to take precautionary measures and be aware of potential risks. By being well-informed and practicing common sense while exploring the country, travelers can have an enjoyable and secure experience.

In this safety guide, we will discuss the safety statistics in Malaysia, the current crime rate, as well as common safety concerns. Additionally, we will provide practical safety tips for travelers to ensure a smooth and worry-free trip. It’s crucial to understand the political stability and natural disaster risks in Malaysia, along with the availability of healthcare facilities and the safety of public transportation. Moreover, we will address safety precautions specifically for solo travelers.

It’s important to note that while Malaysia generally maintains a safe environment for tourists, it’s always wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. By equipping yourself with knowledge and taking necessary precautions, you can have a memorable and secure experience exploring the diverse beauty that Malaysia has to offer.

Safety Statistics in Malaysia

When considering the safety of a destination, it’s helpful to examine safety statistics to gain a better understanding of the overall security situation. In Malaysia, the government takes the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors seriously.

Malaysia has made significant progress in maintaining a safe environment for residents and tourists alike. According to the Global Peace Index 2020, Malaysia ranks 23 out of 163 countries, indicating its relatively high level of safety and peace.

In recent years, the Malaysian government has implemented various measures to enhance security and maintain law and order. These efforts have led to a decrease in overall crime rates, including violent crimes and property-related offenses.

It’s worth noting that, like any country, there are specific areas or regions that may have higher crime rates compared to others. In major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, petty theft, snatch theft, and pickpocketing incidents do occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas. However, by taking precautions and being mindful of your surroundings, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to such crimes.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any travel advisories or alerts issued by your home country’s embassy or consulate. These advisories provide valuable information regarding the current safety situation and any specific areas to avoid. It’s always recommended to stay updated with any relevant travel warnings before planning your trip to Malaysia.

Overall, Malaysia maintains relatively good safety statistics, with efforts in place to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors. By staying informed, exercising caution, and adhering to safety guidelines, you can enjoy your time in Malaysia with peace of mind.

Crime Rate in Malaysia

Like any country, Malaysia does experience some level of crime. However, it is important to note that Malaysia has taken significant steps to combat crime and ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.

According to official crime statistics, Malaysia has seen a decline in the overall crime rate in recent years. The Malaysian government has implemented various crime prevention initiatives, increased police presence, and enhanced surveillance systems to curb criminal activities.

The most common types of crimes reported in Malaysia are property-related offenses, including theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. It is advisable to take necessary precautions to safeguard your belongings, such as keeping valuables secure and not leaving them unattended.

Snatch theft is another crime that can occur in crowded areas. This involves the theft of personal belongings, such as handbags or smartphones, by individuals on motorcycles or bicycles. To minimize the risk of becoming a target, be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded public spaces, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large sums of cash.

While violent crimes are relatively low in Malaysia, it is still important to exercise caution and be mindful of your personal safety. Avoid traveling alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and stay in well-populated and well-lit areas whenever possible.

It is also recommended to stay informed about the local laws and regulations in Malaysia to avoid any unintentional legal issues. Drug-related offenses, for example, carry severe penalties in Malaysia, and it is important to avoid involvement in any illegal activities.

If you do become a victim of a crime or witness any suspicious activities, it is important to report it to the local authorities immediately. The Malaysian police force is generally responsive and committed to maintaining public safety.

By staying vigilant, being aware of your surroundings, and taking necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to crime while visiting Malaysia. It is important to remember that while crime exists in every country, Malaysia remains a relatively safe destination for travelers.

Common Safety Concerns

While Malaysia is generally a safe country to visit, it’s essential to be aware of common safety concerns to ensure a smooth and secure trip. By familiarizing yourself with these concerns, you can take appropriate measures to mitigate any potential risks.

One of the primary concerns for travelers in Malaysia is petty theft. In crowded areas, especially tourist hotspots, incidents of pickpocketing and snatch theft can occur. To prevent becoming a target, keep your valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or gadgets, and be cautious when using ATMs.

Another safety concern in Malaysia is road traffic accidents. The traffic in major cities like Kuala Lumpur can be congested, and accidents can happen. It’s important to be cautious when crossing roads, adhere to traffic rules, and use designated pedestrian crossings.

In certain areas, it’s advisable to avoid walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit and busy streets whenever possible, or consider taking a taxi or rideshare service for added safety. Additionally, be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers, as there have been incidents of drink spiking.

For those planning to explore Malaysia’s natural landscapes and outdoor activities, it is crucial to be aware of potential hazards. Pay attention to signage, follow safety guidelines, and seek guidance from professionals when engaging in activities such as jungle trekking or water sports.

It is also important to exercise caution during the monsoon season, particularly in coastal areas, as heavy rains can cause flash floods and landslides. Stay updated with weather forecasts and be prepared for potential disruptions to travel plans.

Lastly, be aware of scams targeting tourists. Some common scams include overcharging for goods or services, fake tour packages, and street touts offering counterfeit products. It’s essential to research and book through reputable sources, negotiate prices in advance, and be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers.

By being alert, practicing common sense, and following these safety tips, you can minimize the risks associated with these common safety concerns and have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring Malaysia.

Safety Tips for Travelers

When traveling to Malaysia, it’s important to prioritize your safety and take necessary precautions. Here are some valuable safety tips that can help ensure a secure and worry-free trip:

• Stay aware of your surroundings: Be observant of your surroundings at all times. Stay alert, especially in crowded areas, tourist spots, and public transportation hubs.
• Secure your belongings: Keep your valuables secure by using a money belt or a secure bag. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or gadgets that may attract unwanted attention.
• Use reliable transportation: Choose reputable taxi services or rideshare platforms for transportation, especially at night. If using a taxi, ensure it’s a licensed one and ask the driver to use the meter or agree on a fare upfront.
• Be cautious with ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit and secure areas. Shield your PIN when withdrawing cash and be vigilant for any suspicious individuals nearby.
• Protect your personal information: Be cautious when sharing personal information, especially with strangers or on public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid sharing sensitive information or engaging in financial transactions on unsecured networks.
• Stay informed: Stay updated with the latest travel advisories and alerts issued by your home country’s embassy or consulate. Be aware of any local safety concerns or areas to avoid.
• Drink responsibly: Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. Incidents of drink spiking have been reported in certain areas.
• Respect local customs and laws: Familiarize yourself with the local customs, traditions, and laws of Malaysia. Respect cultural norms and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Stay hydrated: Malaysia’s tropical climate can be hot and humid. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when engaging in outdoor activities or exploring for long periods.
• Use reliable tour operators: When booking tours or excursions, use reputable and licensed tour operators. Ensure they have proper safety measures and adhere to guidelines for your chosen activity.

By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering any safety issues and have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the beauty and diversity of Malaysia.

Political Stability in Malaysia

Malaysia is known for its political stability, which is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of both residents and tourists. The country has a constitutional monarchy system, with a stable political landscape that promotes peace and harmony.

The political system in Malaysia is governed by a parliamentary democracy, where political power is divided between the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The country holds regular elections, allowing citizens to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard.

Over the years, Malaysia has demonstrated a smooth transition of power through peaceful elections and political leadership changes. The government prioritizes maintaining a stable and secure environment to encourage economic growth and attract tourism.

Foreign visitors to Malaysia can expect to experience a peaceful and stable environment. The rule of law is upheld, and the country has a robust legal system to ensure justice and protect the rights of individuals.

It is important to stay informed about any political developments or demonstrations that may occur during your visit. While protests and demonstrations in Malaysia are generally peaceful, it’s advisable to avoid getting involved or being in close proximity to such gatherings for personal safety reasons.

It’s worth noting that Malaysia is known for its cultural diversity, with citizens from various ethnic backgrounds coexisting harmoniously. The government has implemented policies to promote multiracial and multicultural harmony, further enhancing the overall stability of the country.

In the unlikely event of any political unrest or emergency situations, the Malaysian government and its associated agencies are well-prepared and equipped to handle such situations. Tourists are advised to follow the guidance provided by local authorities and embassies or consulates of their respective countries.

Overall, Malaysia’s political stability plays a fundamental role in ensuring the safety and security of residents and tourists. With a commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining a peaceful environment, Malaysia continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for travelers.

Natural Disasters in Malaysia

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is prone to certain natural disasters that visitors should be aware of. Being prepared and informed about these potential risks can help ensure your safety during your trip.

One natural disaster that can occur in Malaysia is the annual monsoon season. This season brings heavy rainfall, particularly in coastal areas, which can cause flash floods and landslides. It is important to stay updated with weather forecasts, especially during the monsoon months of November to March, and be prepared for potential disruptions to your travel plans.

In addition to monsoons, Malaysia is also located in a seismic zone where earthquakes can occur. While earthquakes in Malaysia are usually mild, visitors should familiarize themselves with earthquake safety guidelines and be prepared to react if an earthquake does occur.

Another natural disaster that can affect Malaysia is tropical storms and cyclones. Although rare, the country has experienced storms that can result in strong winds and heavy rainfall. It is important to monitor weather updates and follow the instructions of local authorities in the event of such a situation.

To mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters in Malaysia, it is recommended to take the following precautions:

• Stay informed: Stay updated with weather forecasts and any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities or your embassy/consulate.
• Follow evacuation guidelines: If there is a risk of a natural disaster, such as an impending cyclone or severe flooding, follow the instructions of local authorities regarding evacuation procedures.
• Have an emergency plan: Familiarize yourself with emergency routes and have a plan in place for communication and meeting points with your travel companions in case of a natural disaster.
• Pack essential supplies: Consider packing a basic emergency kit that includes items such as a flashlight, bottled water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and necessary medications.
• Be cautious during outdoor activities: If engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking or water sports, pay attention to weather conditions and heed any warnings or advisories. It’s better to postpone or reschedule activities if there are potential risks.

While natural disasters can occur, it is important to remember that Malaysia has effective disaster management systems in place. By staying informed, prepared, and following the guidance of local authorities, you can minimize the impact of natural disasters and ensure your safety during your visit to Malaysia.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Malaysia boasts a well-developed healthcare system, making it a reassuring destination for travelers concerned about their health and well-being. The country offers a range of healthcare facilities, including public and private hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers.

Public healthcare services in Malaysia are provided by government hospitals and clinics, offering quality medical care at affordable prices. These facilities are located throughout the country, ensuring access to healthcare in both urban and rural areas.

Private healthcare facilities in Malaysia are known for their high standard of care and state-of-the-art technology. These facilities cater to both local and international patients and often provide luxury amenities for a comfortable and personalized experience.

Many private hospitals in Malaysia have obtained internationally recognized accreditations, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, ensuring adherence to international healthcare standards.

Pharmacies are easily accessible throughout Malaysia, with both local and international brands available. Pharmacies in urban areas often operate 24/7, providing convenience for travelers in need of medications or minor medical supplies.

It is highly recommended that travelers obtain travel insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay in Malaysia. This provides peace of mind and financial protection in the event of any unexpected medical emergencies.

Some essential tips to consider regarding healthcare and medical facilities in Malaysia include:

• Vaccinations: Check with your healthcare provider prior to travel regarding any recommended vaccinations for Malaysia.
• Medical Documentation: Carry a copy of your medical history and any necessary prescriptions during your visit to Malaysia.
• Language: While English is widely spoken in Malaysia, some healthcare providers may primarily communicate in Malay or other local languages. Consider bringing along a local contact or interpreter, if needed.
• Emergency Services: In case of a medical emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.
• Health Precautions: Like any other destination, maintain personal hygiene, drink bottled water, and be cautious when consuming street food to prevent any gastrointestinal issues.

Overall, Malaysia provides a comprehensive healthcare system with a wide range of medical facilities and services. By taking necessary precautions and having appropriate medical coverage, you can have a worry-free and confident travel experience in Malaysia.

Public Transportation Safety

Malaysia offers a variety of public transportation options to help you navigate the country efficiently. While generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions to ensure a smooth and secure experience when using public transportation in Malaysia.

Buses are a common mode of public transportation in Malaysia, especially for traveling between cities and towns. When using buses, it is advisable to wait at designated bus stops or intercity bus terminals. Avoid boarding unmarked or unofficial buses and keep an eye on your belongings while on board.

The RapidKL and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) systems are reliable and efficient means of transportation within major cities like Kuala Lumpur. These systems are well-maintained and provide a safe way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Be mindful of your personal belongings and stay vigilant against pickpocketing in crowded stations.

Taxis are another popular mode of transportation in Malaysia, especially in urban areas. It is recommended to use licensed taxis and insist on using the meter or agree on a fixed fare before starting the journey. Ride-hailing services like Grab are also widely available in Malaysia, providing a convenient and safe option for getting around.

When using trains, such as the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) or ETS (Electric Train Service), ensure you hold a valid ticket and mind the gap when boarding and alighting. Stay cautious of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, especially during peak hours.

It is important to note that road traffic in Malaysia can sometimes be congested, especially in major cities during peak hours. Plan your travel accordingly and allow extra time to reach your intended destinations.

Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind when using public transportation in Malaysia:

• Stay vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times, particularly in crowded areas or on packed public transportation.
• Follow safety guidelines: Pay attention to any safety announcements or instructions provided by the transport operators and adhere to them.
• Travel during daylight hours: Whenever possible, try to travel during daylight hours, especially if you are unfamiliar with the routes or destinations.
• Research your route: Prior to your journey, familiarize yourself with the routes, schedules, and any necessary transfers to ensure a smooth travel experience.
• Stay in well-lit areas: When waiting for public transportation, choose well-lit areas and avoid secluded or dimly lit locations.
• Inform others of your travel plans: Let a trusted family member or friend know about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times, especially if you are traveling alone.
• Use trusted sources: Stick to authorized ticket vendors or official websites when purchasing tickets to avoid scams or counterfeit tickets.

By following these safety tips and exercising caution, you can enjoy the convenience of public transportation in Malaysia while ensuring your personal safety throughout your journey.

Safety Precautions for Solo Travelers

Solo travel can be an enriching and liberating experience, allowing you to explore a destination at your own pace. While Malaysia is generally a safe country for solo travelers, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and well-being throughout your trip.

Here are some key safety precautions to keep in mind when traveling solo in Malaysia:

• Research your destination: Before your trip, gather information about the areas you plan to visit. Understand the local customs, cultural norms, and any safety considerations specific to those areas.
• Share your itinerary: Inform a trusted friend or family member of your travel itinerary, including your accommodation details and any planned activities. Regularly keep in touch with them and update them on your whereabouts.
• Stay in safe accommodations: Choose reputable and secure accommodations, such as hotels or guesthouses with positive reviews. Consider staying in well-populated areas and opt for rooms with good security measures.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can impair judgment and make you more vulnerable in unfamiliar surroundings. Drink responsibly and be mindful of your alcohol intake, especially when alone.
• Be cautious with strangers: While it’s always great to meet new people during your travels, be cautious when interacting with strangers. Trust your instincts and use your judgment to determine whether or not to engage in conversations or accept invitations.
• Blend in with the locals: Try to dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or accessories that may draw unwanted attention.
• Use reliable transportation services: Stick to licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services when getting around. Avoid sharing rides with strangers and ensure the vehicle matches the details provided by the app.
• Stay vigilant in crowded areas: In crowded places, such as markets or public transportation hubs, be mindful of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure. Consider using a money belt or a cross-body bag to deter thieves.
• Trust your instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and remove yourself from that situation. Your safety should always be your top priority.
• Be cautious with personal information: Be mindful of sharing personal information, especially in public settings. Avoid discussing sensitive details or revealing too much about your travel plans to strangers.

By following these safety precautions and being aware of your surroundings, solo travelers can have a safe and rewarding experience exploring the wonders of Malaysia. Embrace the adventure, but always prioritize your safety and well-being throughout your journey.

Traveling to Malaysia can be an incredible experience, with its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. While no destination is completely risk-free, Malaysia is generally considered a safe country for travelers. By understanding the safety statistics, being aware of common safety concerns, and following the provided safety tips, you can enjoy a secure and memorable trip.

Malaysia has made significant progress in maintaining safety and security, resulting in a low overall crime rate. However, it’s crucial to take precautions against petty theft and be cautious in crowded areas. Additionally, staying informed about any travel advisories and observing local customs are important for a safe journey.

Malaysia’s political stability ensures a peaceful environment for residents and visitors. The country has a reliable healthcare system, with both public and private facilities that provide quality care. Public transportation in Malaysia is generally safe, but it’s essential to stay vigilant and follow necessary precautions.

For solo travelers, Malaysia offers wonderful opportunities for independent exploration. By researching your destination, sharing your itinerary with someone you trust, and practicing situational awareness, you can enhance your safety as a solo traveler.

In conclusion, with proper planning, awareness, and a common-sense approach, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the vibrant and diverse country of Malaysia. Embrace the beauty, immerse yourself in the culture, and create lasting memories while keeping your safety a top priority.

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Malaysia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Malaysia. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles March 22, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia
• Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands February 09, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Asia and the Pacific Islands can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Malaysia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Malaysia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Malaysia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Malaysia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Malaysia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Malaysia. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Malaysia, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Malaysia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Malaysia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Malaysia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Malaysia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Malaysia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Malaysia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Malaysia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Malaysia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Malaysia.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Malaysia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Malaysia travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: April 8, 2024 10:49 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, malaysia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Malaysia due to the threat of criminality and terrorism.

East coast of Sabah - Avoid non-essential travel

• Kinabatangan

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Demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur

Due to the ongoing situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, calls for protests on Fridays and weekends may continue for the duration of the conflict. Large-scale demonstrations are expected to continue.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. If you're in Kuala Lumpur:

• remain vigilant at all times, especially near embassies, tourist attractions and markets
• monitor local media for the latest information on these demonstrations
• avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
• follow the advice of local authorities

East coast of Sabah

Eastern Sabah is deemed a Special Security Area by the Malaysian government. Despite increased security in the region, the risk of kidnapping and violence perpetrated by Philippine militants remains, especially in the coastal areas. Tourist resorts, restaurants and watercrafts are targeted as well as resort islands and surrounding waters, including around Sipadan. The risk increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall. Land- and water-based curfews, including a Movement Control Order, are in effect in the coastal areas of Eastern Sabah.

The Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) includes:

Check local media or with local police for the most recent curfew information. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Violent crime against foreigners is not common. Petty crime, however, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and snatch-and-grab incidents is prevalent, especially in tourist areas and at the airport. Thieves on motorcycles frequently grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, often resulting in injury. Women walking alone or with children are common targets.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Try to limit the number of valuables you carry
• Wear your purse facing away from the street and don’t put the strap over your shoulder or wrap it around your arm
• Don’t leave valuables unattended in vehicles

Scam artists operate in Malaysia. Male travellers, usually alone, have been approached in public places with invitations to participate in card games offering attractive opportunities for winning large amounts of money. Victims have lost thousands of dollars before realizing they were being scammed. Companies have also been the target of scams. Scammers will often pose as representatives from phony loan companies and fabricate documents, emails and receipts to appear legitimate. They then ask for up-front payments in order to facilitate the fake loans. Don’t enter into agreements without conducting appropriate research.

There are reports of travellers encountering serious problems after responding to advertisements to do volunteer work with some adventure or environmental organizations. If you are interested in doing volunteer work abroad, conduct careful research before making a commitment.

Internet dating and other financial scams are common. Foreigners, including Canadian expatriates, may be targeted.

Credit cards and debit cards should be safeguarded at all times as theft, fraud and skimming does occur. Credit card magnetic strips have been duplicated, even in international hotels. Swiping your own card may not always be possible.

• Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Terrorist targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures; however, keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Demonstrations

Large-scale demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Demonstrations are usually accompanied by a heightened police presence and traffic delays. Law enforcement officials have deployed crowd control measures such as tear gas and water cannons, and participants and bystanders have been injured.  It is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Public transportation

Touts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, including at the KLIA2 terminal, attempt to get travellers to take their “taxi” into town. Several incidents of robbery and/or assault have occurred, as well as gross overcharges by such individuals. Take registered airport taxis only: before leaving the customs and arrivals hall, obtain a coupon from the airport taxi stand near the exit.

Many taxi drivers will often refuse to use the meter even though it is illegal not to use it. You should either look for another taxi or agree on a rate before entering the taxi.

If possible, book taxis by phone. Use a taxi desk or a trusted application on a smartphone, and confirm that the identity of the driver matches that of the photo in the dashboard and seatback.

Taxis are not permitted to pick up additional passengers. If they do, disembark when it is safe to do so.

Report any taxi-related problems to the SPAD (Malaysian body regulating public land transportation) at 1 800 88 7732. English-speaking operators are available. Be ready to provide details such as the vehicle number, the taxi company name as well as the time, date, locations and the nature of the incident.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Signage is in the local language. In some remote areas, there may be a lack of guard rails.

Be extra cautious when driving in the rain as your visibility may be impaired.

Aggressive driving habits by motorcyclists, including driving between vehicles, may pose a risk to foreign drivers who may not be accustomed to these driving techniques.

Bus accidents have occurred on long-distance tour buses, particularly at night. Choose a reputable tour company and avoid overnight routes.

Maritime travel

Boat accidents occur. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Pirate attacks and armed robberies occur against ships in and around Malaysia, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Malaysian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Malaysia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: required Student visa: required

For stays of over 90 days, you must apply for an extension at any Malaysian Immigration office.

Immigration Department of Malaysia  - Government of Malaysia

A special visa is available to individuals who participate in the Malaysia My Second Home or Mm2h program.

Other entry requirements

From December 1, 2023, you must complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This is an online pre-arrival form and can be filled in up to three days prior to your arrival in Malaysia.

You must present your passport and a complete MDAC for border officers to validate before leaving the immigration counter.

Malaysia Digital Arrival Card –  Immigration Department of Malaysia

Employment pass

Before you apply for an employment pass (at an immigration office or a Malaysian high commission overseas), your prospective employer must apply for approval from the Standing Committee for Malaysianisation or the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority to fill the position with an expatriate. While waiting for the approval, your employer can apply to bring you into the country on a social visit pass (for example, temporary employment). We strongly recommend against this last step: you should obtain your employment pass before arrival because it is very difficult to change visa status once in Malaysia. Foreigners are limited to three visit pass extensions, after which they must leave the country or a fine will be imposed for overstaying.

Foreigners are required to register their biometrics (fingerprints) at their port of entry. Children under 12 years of age and diplomats accredited to Malaysia are exempt from this process.

Screening measures

Malaysian authorities have implemented screening measures in response to various virus outbreaks. Travellers entering Malaysia from Canada may be subject to a body temperature check. In some cases, travellers may be isolated and treated.

Drug screening

Custom officers can subject you to a drug screening test at the point of entry to Malaysia. If you test positive for drugs, you can be arrested and prosecuted, even if the drugs were consumed prior to your arrival in the country.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Covid-19 - testing.

Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.

Good health care is only available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Payment is expected at time of service and can be made either in cash or by using a major credit card.

Decompression/hyperbaric chambers are located in Ipoh, Kuantan, Labuan Lumut and Semporna.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Some aspects of Shari’a (Islamic) law have been introduced in Malaysia. Muslim travellers may be subject to these laws. In some states, such as Kelantan and Terengganu, particularly strict regulations on alcohol and public decency can be applied.

Religious preaching to Muslims, including distributing non-Islamic religious materials, is illegal.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can face the death penalty. Possession of as little as 15 grams of some prohibited substances will be considered trafficking.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

You must carry photo identification, such as your passport. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Traffic drives on the left.

Canadian driver’s licenses are valid in Malaysia and can be used locally for a period of 3 months. After this time, you can either drive with an international driving permit, or apply for a Malaysian driver’s license at a certified driving institute.

• More about the International Driving Permit
• Certified driving institutes

Seat belts are mandatory. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Convicted offenders can expect fines or imprisonment and could have their driver's licence suspended or revoked.

The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited.

It is common to receive on the spot fines for disobeying traffic laws.

Marine transportation

Foreign vessels travelling in the waters off Sabah are subject to Malaysian law and must use routes designated by Malaysian authorities. Vessels must also fly both a Malaysian flag and the flag of their home country.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Malaysia prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, and transgender individuals have been arrested. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Malaysia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Malaysia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Malaysia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Malaysia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Malaysia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Malaysia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The majority of the population is Muslim. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and avoid discussions on race or religion.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

The currency is the ringgit (MYR).

Some major hotels don’t accept credit cards. ATMs are readily available across the country.

A special permit is required to bring in more than US$10,000 in the form of cash or other negotiable items. Without the permit, excess amounts are seized upon arrival. Visitors may leave the country with only the amount of currency declared on the Traveller’s Declaration Form on arrival.

Monsoon season

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from November to March. Severe rainstorms have occasionally caused flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Unrestricted burning periodically causes atmospheric pollution (haze) to rise to unhealthy levels in various parts of the country, especially from June to October. Levels change quickly and should be closely monitored.

• Level of air pollution - Department of Environment of Malaysia
• Recommendations on reducing health risks - Ministry of Health of Malaysia

Local services

Dial 999 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Safety in Malaysia – How Safe is Malaysia for Travel?

Prioritizing travel safety in Malaysia, just like any other country, is crucial when visiting a new destination.

Even though visiting a new area may be an exciting and enlightening experience, it’s crucial to take the required security measures to ensure you can enjoy your stay without jeopardizing your safety.

In this context, the safety of travelers in Malaysia is a crucial concern that should be taken seriously.

Whether you are a solo female traveler or part of a larger group, there are specific precautions you can take to ensure your safety during your trip to Malaysia.

In case of time constraints, it’s crucial to keep these essential points in mind:

Strict Drug Laws

Malaysia enforces strict drug laws that carry severe penalties for possessing or using illegal drugs, including death. Even prescription medications may be illegal, so travelers should declare their prescriptions upon entry. To ensure safety and avoid legal troubles, it is strongly advised to avoid drugs entirely. The Malaysian embassy in Thailand has warned its citizens against bringing psychoactive drugs when re-entering the country. Being under the influence or possessing cannabis could lead to arrest and charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The warning follows Thailand’s decriminalization of cannabis in June, allowing its cultivation, consumption, and use in food and beverages.

Malaysia is a known safe travel destination.

The government has implemented security measures to ensure visitor safety.

Visitors feel well taken care of thanks to the country’s emphasis on safety and security.

Petty theft and scams can occur in tourist areas, but Malaysia remains safe overall.

Malaysia’s friendly and welcoming people contribute to its reputation as a safe place to travel.

Where is Malaysia?

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo.

Malaysia is safe, but stay alert in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions to stay safe is essential.

By staying informed and following the guidelines for safe travel, you can enjoy all that Malaysia offers while staying safe and secure.

Malaysia has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals.

Like any other travel destination, safety is a concern, and being aware of your surroundings is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.

1 Understanding the safety situation in Malaysia

While Malaysia is a relatively safe country for travelers, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid any mishap.

Like any other city or country, crime does occur, and tourists are often a target.

Theft and pickpocketing are common, and it’s best to be alert and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Tourists should also be cautious when using public transport or walking around in the evenings.

2 Tips to Stay Safe in Malaysia

Stay safe in Malaysia with these helpful tips for traveling and exploring the country’s cities, countryside, and attractions.

3 Dress Modestly

Malaysia’s multicultural society brings various religions and customs, making it crucial to respect local practices, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative areas.

Dressing modestly is essential, particularly in predominantly Muslim areas, where women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid shorts or sleeveless shirts.

When visiting a place of worship, respect requires removing shoes and wearing clothes that avoid revealing or tight clothing.

Adhering to local customs and following guidelines from religious institutions can enhance a visitor’s experience while preventing conflicts.

4 Importance of being mindful of surroundings in crowded or tourist areas.

Being watchful and aware of your surroundings is one of the most crucial things you can do to keep safe in Malaysia.

Watch for suspicious behavior or individuals targeting tourists in crowded areas or tourist spots.

Stay alert and blend in with the locals as much as possible.

If you are still getting familiar with the area, it’s best to travel with a group or hire a reputable guide.

Transportation in Malaysia

Transportation is essential for traveling in Malaysia, whether you’re exploring bustling cities or the scenic countryside.

However, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety while using different modes of transportation.

Each method of transport has risks and challenges, from taxis to public buses and trains.

In this section, we will discuss some tips to help you stay safe while navigating the transportation system in Malaysia.

5 Use only registered taxis.

Always use registered taxis, and avoid taking unmarked taxis or private cars.

When traveling around Malaysia, it’s essential to use only registered taxis, and this will ensure that you are traveling with a licensed driver who has undergone a background check.

Avoid taking unmarked taxis or private cars, as these may not be safe or reliable.

Ask your hotel or a trusted local for recommendations if you need clarification on which taxis are registered.

6 Grab Safety in Malaysia

Grab is a popular ride-hailing service in Malaysia that prioritizes the safety and security of its passengers and drivers.

The company has implemented safety features, including in-app emergency buttons, real-time tracking, and driver identification.

Grab also conducts background checks and training for its drivers to ensure their reliability and professionalism.

Additionally, the company has introduced safety guidelines for its passengers, such as wearing a seatbelt and avoiding distracting the driver.

Overall, Grab is committed to providing a safe and comfortable transportation experience for its customers in Malaysia.

7 MRT in Malaysia

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is a relatively new addition to Malaysia’s public transportation network, having been launched in 2017.

It provides a safe and efficient mode of transportation for locals and visitors alike, with modern trains and well-maintained stations.

Security personnel are stationed throughout the stations, and surveillance cameras are installed in critical areas.

However, as with any public transportation system, passengers should remain aware of their surroundings and keep their valuables secure while riding the MRT.

8 Public Bus in Malaysia

Public buses are a standard mode of transportation in Malaysia, and while they are generally safe, there are a few precautions travelers should take.

Always use reputable bus companies and avoid boarding unmarked or unofficial vehicles.

Ensure the safety of your belongings by refraining from placing them in easily accessible locations such as the overhead rack or luggage compartment and keeping a vigilant eye on them.

When boarding or alighting, be mindful of your surroundings and watch your step, as buses in Malaysia can become crowded, and drivers may only sometimes adhere to traffic rules.

9 Train Travel in Malaysia

Train travel in Malaysia is generally safe and reliable, with well-maintained tracks and modern trains.

The leading rail network operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) connects major cities and towns throughout the country with affordable fares and various classes of service.

However, travelers should still take precautions to ensure their safety, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and staying alert for any suspicious activity.

Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid traveling alone at night and to use well-lit areas when possible.

10 Boat Trips in Malaysia

If you’re planning a boat trip between islands in Malaysia, it’s important to prioritize safety by thoroughly researching the company before booking.

Some boats may be overcrowded or lack the necessary safety equipment, which can be risky in an accident or emergency.

Look for companies with a good reputation for safety and ensure they have qualified crew members and life jackets on board.

This will help you have a more enjoyable and secure experience on your boat trip.

11 Motorbike Hire in Malaysia

When renting a motorbike to explore Malaysia, prioritize your safety by wearing a helmet and renting from a reputable company.

Ensure the bikes are well-maintained and insured to avoid hefty medical bills in case of an accident.

Inspect the motorbike for any damage before renting and take pictures to avoid disputes.

You can have a secure and hassle-free journey by following these safety measures.

12 Cycling in Malaysia

Cycling in Malaysia is an eco-friendly exploration, but safety precautions are necessary. Wear a helmet and reflective clothing, use designated paths, and follow traffic rules.

Avoid busy roads and use a sturdy lock when parking your bike.

Cycling in Malaysia can be enjoyable with proper precautions.

Exploring Malaysia by bike? Remember to wear a helmet, stay visible, follow traffic rules, and stay hydrated in the tropical heat!

13 Hiking in Malaysia

Hiking in Malaysia is popular, but safety is crucial.

Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and snacks, stick to marked trails, and avoid going alone.

Be mindful of potential hazards and weather conditions, especially during the rainy season.

Keeping your valuables and cash safe is also essential while traveling in Malaysia.

Enjoying scenic hikes on well-known trails in Malaysia? Remember to stay safe and stick to designated paths for a memorable adventure.

Crimes in Malaysia

Regarding safety in Malaysia, travelers should know that it is generally a safe travel destination with a low crime rate.

However, there are still risks, such as pickpocketing, theft, and scams, particularly targeting tourists who are perceived to be wealthy and unfamiliar with local customs.

To avoid becoming a victim, it’s important to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry and keep important documents safe.

Report any incidents to the police and embassy, and keep records for insurance purposes.

By using common sense and respecting local customs and laws, travelers can have a safe and enjoyable trip in Malaysia while staying aware of their surroundings.

14 Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large sums of cash.

When traveling in Malaysia, avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry is important to minimize the theft risk.

Use a credit card or withdraw money from an ATM as needed, and keep your cash secure in a money belt or hidden pocket.

Avoid displaying your valuables in public to reduce the chance of attracting unwanted attention and becoming a target for theft.

15 Use your hotel safe

To protect essential items like passports and cash, use the hotel safe.

Carry only what you need to avoid losing or misplacing belongings.

Keep valuables close to your body in a secure bag or hidden pouch to prevent theft and ensure a stress-free trip.

Always lock your hotel room door and use the room safe for valuables.

16 Pickpockets

To avoid being targeted for theft or pickpocketing in Malaysia, it’s important to avoid wearing expensive items, such as jewelry or cameras, and keep your valuables hidden and secure.

Consider using a money belt or hidden pocket to safeguard your important documents and cash while traveling and decrease the possibility of theft.

17 Snatch Thief

Bag snatching is common in busy areas of Malaysia, so keep your bag close and avoid dangling it on one shoulder.

Use a cross-body bag, backpack, or money belt to secure valuables.

Beware of common scams in Malaysia’s tourism industry, like fake tours and overpriced transportation.

Use reputable operators, avoid fake online ticket sales, and be cautious of pickpocketing in busy areas.

Keep valuables secure and be cautious of strangers with unsolicited offers or requests.

19 Stay informed

Research local customs and laws, stay updated with travel advisories, and register with the embassy before visiting Malaysia.

This helps avoid risks, and they can provide assistance in emergencies or notify you of safety alerts.

20 Be cautious around over-friendly strangers

Stay alert when traveling in Malaysia, especially at night.

Avoid walking alone and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.

Trust your instincts, avoid giving out personal information, and stick to well-lit and crowded areas.

21 Avoid walking alone at night.

While Malaysia is generally a safe country to travel in, it’s still important to take precautions, especially at night.

Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in areas that are not well-lit or unfamiliar.

Instead, travel in a group or hire a reputable taxi or ride-hailing service.

If you must walk alone at night, stick to well-lit, busy streets and stay aware of your surroundings.

22 Be vigilant about your drinks and surroundings.

To ensure safety in Malaysia, it’s important to be vigilant about your drinks and surroundings, especially in popular nightlife areas.

Reports of drink spiking and theft have been made, so keep an eye on your drink and take it in sight.

Avoid accepting drinks from strangers or people you don’t know well.

Awareness of your surroundings, even in seemingly safe environments, is crucial.

Traveling in groups or with a trusted companion is recommended when exploring nightlife areas and reporting suspicious behavior to the authorities.

If you suspect your drink has been spiked, stop drinking immediately and seek medical attention.

23 Avoid hitchhiking as a woman.

Backpacking and hitchhiking are popular ways to explore Malaysia on a budget.

While backpacking is generally safe, hitchhiking alone, especially for women, is not recommended.

A reputable taxi or ride-hailing service or group travel is better.

Backpackers can enjoy Malaysia’s rich culture, diverse food, and natural beauty by visiting its cities, jungles, and beaches.

Just be sure to take necessary precautions and always prioritize your safety.

24 Using Reputable Companies

When engaging in water sports or utilizing transportation services in Malaysia, it’s essential to use reputable companies to ensure your safety and avoid scams.

Before booking activities, research the company and read reviews from previous travelers.

Moreover, ensure your travel insurance covers any activities you intend to participate in to avoid unexpected costs or issues.

25 Protests

Protests in Malaysia are typically non-violent, foreign nationals should refrain from participating as it is illegal, and authorities may use tear gas to disperse gatherings.

It’s advisable to steer clear of protest areas to ensure your safety.

Culture in Malaysia

Malaysia’s diverse population includes Malays, Chinese, and Indians, and its culture is influenced by religion, traditions, and customs.

Visitors should dress modestly if they plan to visit religious sites or public areas to respect local customs and avoid offending anyone.

It is also important to note that men and women must dress modestly.

Walking around bare-chested is generally unacceptable, especially in more conservative parts of the country.

Stay comfortable and respectful in Malaysia’s warm and diverse climate by dressing modestly and wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics.

26 Religion

When visiting Malaysia, it’s important to dress modestly and respect local customs and beliefs, especially when visiting religious sites.

Non-Muslims should be mindful that certain areas, like mosques or neighborhoods, may be off-limits or restricted.

Additionally, alcohol and public displays of affection may not be allowed.

27 Mini Shrines

Miniature shrines, known as “pantang” or “altars,” are commonly found in Malaysia, reflecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

Many Malaysians practice a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, often interwoven with elements of traditional animism.

These mini shrines can be found in homes, shops, and even on street corners, serving as a place for people to make offerings, prayers, and seek blessings.

While visiting Malaysia, it’s essential to respect these cultural practices and the sacred spaces of others.

Muslims adhere to halal dietary restrictions, so pork is prohibited in many areas.

Travelers should seek out halal-certified food options to avoid cultural or religious misunderstandings.

However, it is important to note that not all Malaysians are Muslims, and some may consume pork.

It is always advisable to respect the dietary restrictions of those around you and seek appropriate food options.

In Malaysia, cows are highly regarded by the Hindu community, who consider them sacred animals.

Therefore, consuming beef is prohibited and disrespectful to their religious beliefs.

As a traveler, it’s essential to be aware of these cultural practices and show respect towards them.

Opt for non-beef options when dining out, and avoid discussing or promoting beef consumption to avoid offending locals.

30 Know the Laws in Kelantan

Kelantan has been described as a “laboratory for Sharia law,” so it’s important to research the local laws and customs before visiting this state.

Be aware of any restrictions on behavior or dress, particularly if you’re a woman.

31 Homosexuality

For the sake of safety in Malaysia, it’s crucial to be aware of the country’s stance on homosexuality.

Same-sex acts are illegal, and it’s important to respect local attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community.

Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners, and exercise discretion in public places, especially in more conservative areas.

Weather in Malaysia

Malaysia’s tropical climate is characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall throughout the year, making it unpredictable.

Preparing for weather conditions before traveling to Malaysia is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

32 Thunderstorms

Malaysia experiences tropical storms and monsoons between October and February, which can cause flooding in certain areas.

It’s essential to stay updated with the weather forecast and be prepared for emergencies by having an emergency kit with basic supplies.

If you’re traveling during this period, it’s advisable to check with the local authorities and accommodation providers about the risk of storms and follow any safety instructions provide

Tropical thunderstorms in Malaysia can cause flooding. Stay alert and avoid traveling in affected areas during heavy rainfall, even in the city.

33 Tsunamis

Tsunamis can occur in Malaysia and hit almost any coastline.

It’s important to be prepared and know what to do in case of a tsunami, such as finding higher ground immediately and following any evacuation orders.

Stay informed about any warnings or alerts, and keep a battery-powered radio with you for updates.

Malaysia experiences a monsoon season from November to March, which can result in severe floods in certain regions like Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Visitors must stay informed about weather conditions and avoid low-lying areas during this time.

In case of an emergency, contact the local authorities for assistance.

Staying Healthy in Malaysia

Regarding safety in Malaysia, protecting oneself from mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria is crucial due to the country’s tropical climate.

It’s also important to be cautious about drinking bottled water and avoiding street food that may not have been prepared hygienically to prevent foodborne illnesses.

35 Dengue Fever

Mosquitoes in Malaysia carry dengue fever, causing severe illness.

Protect yourself by wearing long clothes, using repellent, and avoiding peak mosquito hours.

It’s also a good idea to use mosquito nets while sleeping and to eliminate any standing water around your living areas, as this is where mosquitoes breed.

Additionally, if you experience any symptoms of dengue fever, such as a fever or severe headache, seek medical attention immediately.

Malaria is present in Malaysia, especially in rural and forested areas.

Travelers should take preventive measures, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and sleeping in mosquito nets.

Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling to Malaysia to determine if antimalarial medication is necessary.

37 Bottled Water

Drinking bottled water in Malaysia is recommended to avoid getting sick from waterborne diseases.

Always ensure that the seal on the bottle is intact before drinking, and avoid adding ice to your drinks unless it is made from purified water.

Bottled water is widely available and affordable in Malaysia.

If you have a sensitive stomach, consider bringing your bottled water and avoid ice cubes.

38 Streetfood Safety

Street food is a popular attraction in Malaysia, but it’s important to take necessary precautions for safety.

Look for vendors with clean and hygienic food preparation practices.

Avoid raw or undercooked food and stick to freshly cooked dishes.

Pay attention to the quality and freshness of ingredients.

Animals Safety in Malaysia

Malaysia has diverse wildlife, from monkeys and birds to tigers and elephants.

While encountering these animals can be an exciting experience, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and safety measures to ensure a safe and responsible interaction.

In this context, we’ll explore some essential tips for staying safe when encountering wildlife in Malaysia.

39 Stray Dogs & Cats

Rabies is a concern in parts of Malaysia, such as Sabah, Sarawak, and Penang.

It’s crucial to be cautious around stray dogs and cats, as they can carry the disease.

While homeless animals may seem friendly, avoid touching or feeding them.

Seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched.

Supporting animal welfare organizations or practicing responsible pet ownership can help reduce the number of strays.

Be cautious of stray cats in Malaysia as they may carry diseases. Don’t feed them and approach with caution to stay safe.

40 Monkeys & Wildlife

Encountering monkeys and wildlife in Malaysia can be an exciting experience, but it’s crucial to remember that these animals are wild and unpredictable.

Monkeys are common in national parks and nature reserves but can be aggressive if provoked or threatened.

It’s important to keep a safe distance, avoid feeding them, and secure your belongings, as they are known to snatch food and items.

Encountering animals in their natural habitat requires caution.

Essential tips for staying safe include avoiding sudden movements, never feeding them, and protecting yourself from diseases they may carry.

Stay safe and keep a safe distance from monkeys in Malaysia’s national parks and nature reserves. Remember, they are wild animals and can be aggressive if provoked or feel threatened.

Emergency contacts and resources

In case of an emergency, it’s essential to have the right contacts and resources on hand. The following are some essential numbers to keep in mind 1. Police: 999 2. Ambulance and Fire: 999 3. Tourist Police: +603-2149 6590 4. Embassy or Consulate: Check your country’s embassy or consulate for contact details and assistance.

Malaysia is a beautiful country with friendly people and a rich cultural heritage.

However, like any other destination, travelers must be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.

Following the tips mentioned above, you can have an enjoyable and safe trip to Malaysia.

Safety always comes first, so take care and have a wonderful trip!

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Trending Topics

Follow our news, recent searches, calls grow in malaysia for qr code clearance at johor land checkpoints, paving way for passport-free travel, advertisement.

Singapore’s QR code rollout has cut travel time for commuters, who want Malaysia to do the same ahead of the completion of the Rapid Transit System Link and planned Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. 

File photo of the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (BSI CIQ) in Johor Bahru. (Photo: CNA/Zamzahuri Abas)

This audio is AI-generated.

JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysian IT analyst Sarguneshwara Subramaniam, who commutes between Johor Bahru and Singapore thrice a week, has endured congestion at the land checkpoints for more than a decade.  

Traffic at the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link is particularly heavy at this time of the year, as people mark the Qing Ming festival by visiting their ancestors’ graves as well as celebrate Hari Raya Puasa, he said.

In recent weeks, however, the 44-year-old has been pleasantly surprised.

“With the QR code now (implemented) on the Singapore side, travelling has been way smoother than I expected,” said Mr Subramaniam, who works in Singapore and heads north thrice a week to visit his family.

“There’s no handing over (of) any passports – just scan the QR code and wait for the officers to verify your name and identity."

Since Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) rolled out its QR code initiative on Mar 19 for drivers on its side of the land border, Mr Subramaniam’s average travel time for a one-way trip has shortened to 90 minutes, from around two hours.

It now takes him and his wife less than 40 seconds to drive through Woodlands Checkpoint, instead of around 90 seconds previously.

“We actually monitored the time taken and were quite pleased,” he said.

Another frequent commuter, Singaporean Murphy Lip, has seen his journey times cut from 90 minutes to just an hour these days. 

“I notice that it’s particularly good for big groups of people travelling in large cars. With the QR code scanners, it takes between 45 and 50 seconds to clear these groups as the officer does not need to flip through the pages of each passport to verify identity,” added the 41-year-old senior cloud engineer, who lives in Malaysia and travels to Singapore for work every alternate day.

Calls for Malaysia to also implement QR code clearance at its land checkpoints with Singapore have grown louder in the wake of positive user feedback to Singapore’s rollout.

Both countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Jan 11 to develop a framework for a legally binding agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). A key part of the MOU was exploring passport-free clearance on both sides of the border, and Singapore unilaterally introduced its system last month.

QR code immigration clearance: What you need to know about ICA's new initiative

Johor-Singapore SEZ: Passport-free travel hailed as ‘game-changer’ but observers debate size, scope of proposed zone

Malaysia’s federal government has not made any announcement on passport-free clearance at land checkpoints since, but Johor’s state government and businesses are keen to move things forward.

Johor works, transport, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli said that he would be meeting the relevant agencies in Singapore after Hari Raya to look at the QR code initiative, news outlet The Star reported on Tuesday (Apr 9).

“We want to see whether the implementation has been successful or not,” Mr Fazli reportedly said. 

“I will compile all the related information and have a discussion with our Immigration director-general after that,” he added.

CNA has asked the Johor immigration department if there are plans to develop passport-free immigration clearance in the short term, ahead of further discussions for the planned SEZ. 

“IT MUST BE DONE NOW”

Mr Andrew Chen, Johor state assemblyman for the Stulang constituency – an area adjacent to the Johor Bahru immigration complex – told CNA it is imperative that Malaysia begins to implement a passport-free clearance system as soon as possible. This would signal the Malaysian government's commitment to the terms of the SEZ, he said.

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) politician explained that Malaysia may not necessarily implement a QR code system like Singapore's, but should consider options such as facial recognition biometric clearance or other methods that would allow passport-free travel when the SEZ comes to fruition. 

DAP is part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition and unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

“It is very important that these systems are put in place soon. The agreement to one day implement passport-free travel is there, and Malaysia will honour it,” said Mr Chen, who led a state task force between 2018 and 2020 to ease congestion at the Causeway.

“Smooth traffic flow of people is especially important for the SEZ to be fruitful and for the Malaysian economy to benefit from this bilateral initiative. But it must be done now, ahead of further discussions in regards to the SEZ,” he added.

The authorities should also look at a system – similar to the one to be implemented for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link – where travellers only need to clear immigration once, suggested Mr Chen.

The RTS Link is slated to be completed by end-2026. And while no date has been set for the SEZ, Mr Samuel Tan, executive director of KGV International Property Consultants in Johor, expects the project to boost the number of travellers passing through the land checkpoints to more than half a million a day, up from over 400,000 currently.

The Malaysian government should make QR code clearance a “top priority” to avoid a “bottleneck for commuters”, said Mr Tan.

IS MALAYSIA READY?

But Ms Christina Karl, global immigration leader at Deloitte, noted that Malaysia may be at a different stage from Singapore in the process.

“When considering the implementation of initiatives such as QR code clearance at land and/or air checkpoints, it is crucial to acknowledge and respect the sovereignty of each nation and understand that they may have different priorities, resources and levels of technological readiness,” she said.

“Adopting new technologies can vary significantly based on infrastructure, investment priorities, regulatory frameworks and political considerations, and the number of neighbouring countries which these changes may impact,” said Ms Karl.

That said, she agreed QR code clearance has increased convenience for travellers at Singapore’s land checkpoints. “Removing the human element from the process also allows for increased accuracy and an additional security layer which comes hand in hand with this technology,” she said.

Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link passes 65% construction milestone on both sides; connecting span complete

Malaysia economy ministry to coordinate meetings on Johor-Singapore SEZ: PM Anwar

Globally, border control is becoming more seamless, Ms Karl noted.

Travellers have been free to move between 26 countries in the Schengen area in Europe without the need for passport checks at the borders since 1995. This includes nations like Germany, Belgium, France, as well as non-European Union countries Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 

The United Arab Emirates is also set to implement facial recognition at its borders and remove the need to produce a passport at the port of entry. 

“The global landscape is evolving rapidly and advancements in technology and societies’ expectations are driving transformations in border control,” said Ms Karl.

Mr Teh Kee Sin, advisor to the South Johor Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Association, acknowledged the Malaysian government will have to put in place infrastructure such as QR code scanners and a centralised app, as well as train immigration officers.

This would take time, he said, but would pay off in reducing congestion and commute times.

“Imagine a time in the near future where we do not need to carry our passports in hand to cross the border into Singapore,” said Mr Teh. 

For Mr Subramaniam, precious minutes shaved off per trip add up to countless hours saved by users of the Causeway and Second Link each day.

“When you multiply this by hundreds of thousands a day, it makes a difference,” he said. 

IN FOCUS: Johor’s abuzz over a proposed T-shaped integrated transport network that could boost its SEZ with Singapore

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Malaysia’s airport fee hikes leave bad taste in travellers’ mouths

The Malaysian Aviation Commission says increases are needed to support the aviation sector’s post-pandemic recovery.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Entrepreneur Jehan Abu Bakar is fuming that she will soon have to pay more in airport fees whenever she flies from her home in Malaysia to other countries in Southeast Asia.

Abu Bakar, the founder of the organic soap company LeStarry Natural, said any increases should be commensurate with the facilities provided but Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)’s services, from the WiFi to the immigration procedures, are lacking.

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“Baggage clearance that takes forever is also an issue. More immigration counters should be opened to reduce long waits in queue – this is also part of the services,” Abu Bakar told Al Jazeera.

“Let’s not talk about the absence of the train – that is a big one,” she added, referring to the suspended Aerotrain that connects the airport’s first terminal, KLIA 1, to a satellite building.

The ageing Aerotrain has been offline since last year to undergo upgrades and is scheduled to commence operations either by the end of this year or, at latest, March 2025, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

“When can we see some improvement? Hike [fees] and remain the same? Such a shame,”Abu Bakar said.

Lawyer Lim Wei Jiet agrees.

“If the service at our airports has been reliable and good so far, I don’t think many Malaysians would mind. However, it’s clear this is not the case,” Lim told Al Jazeera.

“One obvious disappointment being the breakdown of the (Aerotrain) train at KLIA I, which has not been repaired to date even after many months.

“This is frankly an embarrassment to Malaysia, which proclaims itself as a tourism hub. I think Malaysians deserve to ask why there is a need to increase the service charge when the service provided thus far is sub-par,” Lim added.

Lim said that while KLIA 1 could claim to rank among the best airports out there a decade ago, it is now showing signs of wear and tear.

“I dislike comparing with Singapore on every issue but it does sting as a Malaysian to see Singapore’s Changi Airport… which is objectively much better functionally and aesthetically compared to KLIA 1,” Lim said.

From June 1, passengers departing from the KLIA 1 will have to pay 73 ringgit ($15.5) to travel to any of the nine other countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), up from 35 ringgit ($7.41) currently.

Travel outside of ASEAN will remain at the current rate of 73 ringgit ($15.5).

Travel to ASEAN countries from KLIA 2, where the budget carrier Air Asia operates, will rise from 35 ringgit ($7.41) to 50 ringgit ($10.60).

However, travel beyond ASEAN from KLIA 2 will get cheaper, with the service fee reduced from 73 ringgit ($15.5) to 50 ringgit ($10.6).

The Malaysian Aviation Commission said the fee increases were necessary to “support the aviation sector’s recovery and adaptability in the post-Covid-19 pandemic environment”.

Not everyone takes issue with the revised fees.

Carmelo Ferlito, an Italian economist who travels frequently from his home in Kuala Lumpur to Asia and Europe, believes the price hikes and the facilities at KLIA 1 are still acceptable.

“It seems to me the increases remain very much within a tolerable range,” Ferlito, who mostly travels to Milan and his wife’s home city of Jakarta, told Al Jazeera.

“Despite not having restored the Aerotrain service, KLIA 1 remains a pretty good airport when compared to its regional peers. It is much more comfortable than Bangkok and Manila for sure,” Ferlito said.

“I think that travelling frequently gives a better perspective and if you have been to Manila, Bangkok, Dhaka, Colombo, Lahore, etc… well, then you start really thinking that it is great to be at KLIA 1,” he added.

KLIA 1 opened in 1998 and was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the brains behind Kansai Airport, the world’s first floating airport, in Japan’s Osaka.

KLIA 2, the low-cost carrier terminal, began operations in 2014.

Despite the price hikes, Malaysia’s airport charges are still lower than some regional peers, including Thailand.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) is set to increase passenger service charges at six international airports by 30 baht ($0.82), to 730 baht ($20.2), per person from April 1 to cover the costs of a new common operating system for airlines.

Jacqueline Fong, who shuttles between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Sarawak, on an almost weekly basis and makes about half a dozen international trips a year, also does not see a problem with the hikes.

“For me, if flight tickets are still dynamically priced, I should still be able to purchase flight tickets within my travel budget and that’s inclusive of the airport passenger charges,” Fong, the founder of homegrown handicrafts brand Tanoti Crafts, told Al Jazeera.

“I feel these charges… although [they will] increase the overall cost of travel, will not affect me much if I have the flexibility of travel times/dates and I am able to purchase cheaper flight tickets.”

Ibrahim Sani, the CEO of Peneraju Foundation and a frequent traveller domestically and overseas, said the fee increases are welcome given the need for the government to widen its tax base.

“The ⁠increase will help fund the airports’ upkeep and growth,” Ibrahim told Al Jazeera.

Accountant Mikhail Hafiz said he was not thrilled about the increase, which he believes will be especially resisted by those travelling with children and other family members.

“But I will bite the bullet and accept it, so to speak, if it helps the airline industry’s post-pandemic recovery,” Mikhail told Al Jazeera.

• Solar Eclipse 2024

Helpful Tips for Planning Your Solar Eclipse Trip

T here are few natural phenomena that can evoke the same emotion of a solar eclipse . Around the world, myths and legends have developed to explain the rare event, which happens when the shadow of the moon blocks the light from the sun, causing a period of temporary darkness in the middle of the day. In ancient China, eclipses were said to signal that the sun was being devoured by a dragon, while in South America, subjects of the Inca Empire believed it signaled the sun god’s anger at the world.

On April 8, 2024, those in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico will have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse for themselves. TIME spoke to veteran solar eclipse travelers for tips, so that anyone planning a solar eclipse trip can get the most out of the experience.

What to consider before you embark on a solar eclipse trip  

Travel to the path of totality.

Most places on the eclipse path will only be able to experience a partial solar eclipse, where the sun is not completely covered by the moon. Many people assume that might be enough, but to really experience what a solar eclipse feels like, you should travel to the path of totality, where the sun is 100% covered. “A partial eclipse is not an eclipse. It really does not come close. You need to be in the path of totality to really experience it,” Paul Bryans, a project scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, tells TIME.

To check if a location is in the line of totality, you can use this map . Places within the line of totality are shaded in the darkest shade of red.

Read More: How Cities Around the U.S. Are Celebrating the Eclipse

Weather conditions

Another thing to think about when considering where to travel for a solar eclipse is the weather conditions in different places along the line of totality. You might not get the full experience if it is cloudy outside. When there are clouds blocking the sun and the moon, the eclipse effects are much less dramatic. 

One way to avoid this problem is to choose a place along the line of totality with a high chance of sunny weather. For the eclipse in 2024, many of the places with the highest expected chances of sunny weather are in Mexico. If you would rather stay in the U.S. for the duration of the eclipse, many places in Texas are also expected to have good weather conditions. As a general rule for the 2024 eclipse, the further south along the eclipse line you go, the better your chances of good weather. “When you get to the northern parts, you have a much higher possibility of being disappointed,” Brian McGee, founder of Astro Trails , a company that leads solar eclipse tours, tells TIME.

Book accommodations and tickets in advance

Every expert TIME spoke with warned about how quickly accommodations and travel tickets sell out in places where the eclipse will happen. You can expect Airbnbs and hotel prices to go up dramatically for dates close to or during the eclipse. Transportation may also take way longer than usual. Traffic jams caused by tourists flocking into cities to catch the solar eclipse might make your travel time significantly longer so you should plan accordingly. During the 2017 solar eclipse, major traffic jams were recorded in Wyoming and Kentucky . The streets did not return to normal until approximately nine hours after the eclipse ended.

Whatever you do, make sure to arrive at your destination several hours before the eclipse starts. “It's going to be crazy on the day of the eclipse. So my advice to people is if they're going to travel, either by car or by airplane, do it early. Don't leave it until Monday, April 8,” John Gianforte, director of the observatory at the University of New Hampshire, tells TIME.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

What to consider during your solar eclipse trip

Protect your eyes.

During the build up towards the solar eclipse, many people like to observe the sun to watch as the moon slowly covers more and more of it. However, if you want to view this period of partial eclipse, it is critical to use proper eye protection. “The fact that there is an eclipse doesn't make it any more dangerous to look at the sun, but it makes people want to look at the sun,” says Gianforte. 

Regular sunglasses do not provide enough protection for observing the eclipse, but the American Astronomical Society has a list of eclipse eye protection suppliers that meet the international safety standards. If you already wear eyeglasses, make sure the solar filter is placed on the outside of your glasses. Similarly, if you are viewing the partial eclipse through a camera, you need to make sure there is a certified solar filter on top of your camera lens. These filters are designed to protect your camera and your eyes from the dangerous portions of the sun's radiation. Whatever lens you view the eclipse through, “the closest thing to the sun has to be the filter,” says Gianforte.

During totality, remove eye protection

A common misconception about solar eclipses is that you must keep your solar protection glasses on at all times. However, if you are in the path of totality and the sun is 100% covered by the moon, you can look directly at the eclipse without eye protection. The eclipse veterans TIME spoke with strongly recommended removing solar protection from both your eyes and camera equipment during the period of totality to truly take in the experience. “Once there's totality then you should absolutely take your glasses off and look directly at the sun,” says Bryans. “If you don’t do that you’ll miss a lot of the most interesting parts of it.” 

However, it is important to remember that for the 2024 eclipse, the period of totality will last for a maximum of four and a half minutes according to NASA . Make sure to check the exact timing of totality in the place where you are viewing the eclipse from, and immediately resume using solar filters right before the period of totality ends.

Read More : These Are All the Different Types of Eclipses

Observe your surroundings

One of the most fascinating things to observe during an eclipse is not just the eclipse itself, but also the way the environment around you changes. During the period of totality, you’ll be able to feel the temperature drop by about 10°F. Animals such as birds, cats, and dogs, may start to act differently as they grapple with the confusion of the sun suddenly disappearing in the middle of the day. You may even be able to see some brighter stars and planets when you look at the sky once the sun is covered up. 

What to consider after your solar eclipse trip

Journal about your experience.

After the eclipse, you may want to journal about your thoughts and feelings to help remember the experience and take in the beauty of what you just witnessed. Seeing an eclipse can sometimes cause people to feel overwhelmed with emotion, and journaling can be a good way to process those feelings. “It’s one of the most emotion-evoking natural events that you can see,” says Gianforte. “It’s like if you go to the Grand Canyon or Mount Everest… it's just hard to explain it. Everyone should, at least once in their life, see a total solar eclipse.”

Wait until the next day to travel back, if possible

Just as you may anticipate traffic jams on the way there, you should also expect similar delays on the way back. It’s a good idea to hang around an extra day since it could help you avoid congestion on the roads. 

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How and when to watch today’s total solar eclipse

The path of totality for Monday’s eclipse will sweep across 15 states, from Texas to Maine from 1.30pm CT and ending at about 3.35pm ET

• If you missed the total solar eclipse just wait … until 2044
• Millions witness rare total solar eclipse
• Total solar eclipse 2024 – in pictures

The total solar eclipse that will traverse a large chunk of the continental US on Monday, along with parts of Mexico and Canada, will be one of the most spectacular celestial events in recent memory. Here’s what you need to know:

What is a total solar eclipse?

The phenomenon occurs when the moon moves in front of the sun, and blocks its face completely, causing the bright sky to darken to twilight in just seconds. The track of the moon’s shadow is called the path of totality , which for Monday’s eclipse will be about 115 miles wide and sweep across 15 states in the US in a north-east direction, from Texas to Maine, for roughly an hour, beginning at 1.30pm CT and ending at about 3.35pm ET.

How rare is it?

The most recent total solar eclipse in the US was in 2017 , but an interval of only seven years is unusual. The previous one before that took place in 1979, and the next one visible in the contiguous US will not be until August 2044. Only 16 other total solar eclipses have occurred over at least a part of the lower 48 states in the last 155 years.

Didn’t we just have a solar eclipse?

Last October’s stunning “ring of fire” show was what’s called an annular solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon moves directly in front of the sun, but is at or near its farthest point from Earth, so is not large enough to entirely cover the sun’s face. You can find Nasa’s guide to the various types of eclipses here .

Why is this one special?

An estimated 31.6 million people, almost three times as many as in 2017, live in the path of totality – which is longer, and also wider than almost every other total eclipse before it, because the moon is closer to Earth and casts a broader shadow. The time of totality in any given location is also longer. Seven years ago, the longest duration anywhere was two minutes and 42 seconds. On Monday, it will be four minutes and 28 seconds in Torreón, Mexico, while almost every place along the path can expect between three and a half to four minutes of totality.

How can I watch it?

If you live anywhere in the path of totality, or can travel to it, congratulations, you have a front-row seat. Just remember you need eclipse glasses (more on that in a minute) to look up at all times other than the few minutes of full eclipse. But everyone in North America outside the path should be able to see at least a partial eclipse of varying percentages, and Nasa will be livestreaming the entire event here . Here’s the caveat: longer-range weather forecasts call for rain and clouds in many areas of the southern and central US on Monday, so the best viewing could be in the east.

And here is Nasa’s Eclipse Explorer , where you can enter any US address or zip code to find out what will be visible from that location.

What can I expect to see?

You can find Nasa’s guide to the stages of a total solar eclipse here . First contact is when the moon’s outer edge first appears to touch the sun, creating the beginnings of a partial eclipse and a crescent sun reducing in size until totality (second contact). In the moments before totality, look for (in order) shadow bands, Baily’s Beads and a diamond ring, three of the most memorable stages of a total eclipse.

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Shadow bands, says Nasa , are rapidly moving, long, dark bands separated by white spaces that can be seen on the sides of buildings or the ground just before totality; Baily’s Beads are short-lived light rays from the sun streaming through the valleys along the moon’s horizon, and give way to the diamond ring effect, the final, single spot of bright light immediately before the end of any direct sunlight.

The sun’s corona , the outermost part of its atmosphere, can only be seen during the total part of the eclipse, then, following totality, the same effects come in reverse. For most locations, the partial eclipse phase lasts from 70-80 minutes, according to Nasa.

How do I watch safely?

To look at the eclipse directly, you must have special eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses, frosted or darkened glass, or any other method lacking the necessary eye protection just won’t cut it. Nasa’s must-read eclipse safety guide on the subject says: “Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.” Don’t do what Donald Trump did in 2017.

Many stores, businesses, schools and libraries are still offering glasses free or at low cost (Google is your friend here), but you need to make sure they are safety rated. The American Astronomical Society warned last month that unsafe fakes and counterfeits were circulating, and has published a handy list of suppliers of safe solar viewers and filters (certified ISO 12312-2 compliant).

Experts advise against taking photographs of the eclipse with a mobile phone (unless it’s protected by a solar filter) because it could damage the camera. Nasa has thoughts here .

What if I don’t have eclipse glasses?

You can make a box pinhole projector following the steps in this video , courtesy of Nasa’s Goddard space flight center. An even simpler method is using anything with a small hole, such as a kitchen colander, to project an image on to the ground. And remember that many places across the entire country, such as science centers and zoos, will be hosting special eclipse events so you can watch the action safely.

• Solar eclipses

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting highlights: Crescent seen in Kerala, Ladakh, J&K. Eid in rest of India on April 11

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting highlights: Muslims throughout India, Pakistan, Australia, Singapore, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries geared up to sight the new crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, April 09, 2024 corresponding to Ramadan 29, 1445 Hijri, that would mark the end of Ramadan and the onset of the month of Shawwal with Eid-ul-Fitr as its first day. Since the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted by Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, USA, United Kingdom and other countries in the Middle East and West on April 8 evening, they continued to fast today and will mark chand raat on Tuesday evening while Muslims in South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Australia, Singapore, Bangladesh etc looked for the Shawwal crescent after breaking the fast this evening and maghrib prayers.

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, after the sighting of the new moon or crescent moon. It is a major Islamic festival where "Eid" means "celebration" and "Fitr" means "breaking of the fast" and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide but the exact date of the festival varies each year, as Islam follows a lunar calendar that is based on the sighting of the new moon and this year, Ramadan in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, Singapore etc is expected to get over on either Tuesday, April 09 or Wednesday, April 10, 2024 as the crescent was sighted in different regions while is was not visible in a majority of states in India.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting highlights: The crescent moon of Shawwal was sighted tonight in two states in India and some cities in Pakistan while the Muslims in rest of our country to continue fasting along with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries as Eid-ul-Fitr will now be celebrated on Thursday, April 11, except in Kerala, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, where the crescent was sighted tonight hence, they will celebrate together with the Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, USA, United Kingdom and other countries in the Middle East and West. Chand raat in Kerala, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan will be tonight i.e. on Wednesday, April 09 while Eid-ul-Fitr for rest of India will be celebrated on Thursday, April 11, 2024, indicating that Muslims here will observe a 30-day fast like their brethren in Middle East and West this Ramadan, instead of 29 days of fasting.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in Jammu and Kashmir: Shawwal crescent moon sighted, Eid on April 10

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in Bangladesh: Shawwal crescent moon NOT sighted, Eid on April 11

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in India's Ladakh: Shawwal crescent moon sighted, Eid on April 10

Shawal moon crescent has been sighted in Ladakh/Kargil hence, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 10, 2024

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in India's New Delhi: Shawwal crescent moon NOT sighted in the national capital, Eid on April 11

Imams of Delhi's Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri mosque announce that the Shawwal crescent moon was not not sighted tonight hence, Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in India's Karnataka: Shawwal crescent moon NOT sighted, Eid on April 11

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in Pakistan: Shawwal crescent moon sighted in Karachi, Eid on April 10

Pakistan prepares for chand raat as Shawwal crescent moon has been sighted; Muslims to celebrate Eid together with Saudi Arabia, USA, UK, Qatar and other countries in Middle East and West on April 10.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in India's Hyderabad: Shawwal crescent moon NOT sighted, Eid on April 11

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Sadar Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Deccan, also known as the Moon sighting committee in Hyderabad announces Eid-ul-Fitr to be on Thursday as the crescent moon has not been sighted tonight. The holy month of Ramadan will end tomorrow.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in India's Kerala: Shawwal crescent moon sighted, Eid on April 10 in Kozhikode and other cities of Kerala

Kerala Hilal (KNM) Committee Chairman M Muhammad Madani announces Eid-ul-Fitr to be on April 10 as the new moon of Shawwal was sighted in Ponnani. While Kozhikode's Qazi Sayyid Muhammad Koya Jamalullail said that the new moon has been sighted and Kozhikode Chief Acting Qazi Safir Sakhafi informed that tomorrow will be Eid-ul-Fitr, Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal too announced that tomorrow will be Eid al-Fitr due to the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in Malaysia: Shawwal crescent moon sighted, Eid on April 10

The Malaysian Housing Ministry announced on its official accounts that Hari Raya Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting in Philippines: Shawwal crescent moon sighted, Eid on April 10

Filipino Muslims to mark Eid-ul-Fitr on Wednesday, April 10 as the Bangsamoro mufti announced that the Shawwal crescent moon was sighted during moonsighting conducted across designated areas in Philippines.

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Eid-ul-Fitr moon was not sighted in Lucknow tonight hence, Muslims to continue fasting on Wednesday while Eid will be celebrated on April 11th, as Markazi Chand Committee Eidgah, Lucknow announced. Idgah Imam Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali announced that the Shawwal crescent was not sighted today. Due to moon not being visible, Eid will now be celebrated on April 11.

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Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Australia

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As the world gets ready to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, click here to discover some of the most beautiful mosques in the world.

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting date: Click here to know when is chand raat and Ramadan Eid in Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Pakistan, US, UK and other countries this year

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