Is Malaysia Secure for Vacationers? (2023)

Malaysia embodies range in each side. See skyscrapers standing shoulder to shoulder with minarets and historical temples. Mingle with the great individuals who come from all walks of life. Style the wealthy delicacies and expertise the incredible tradition that’s distinctive to this thrilling nation.

There’s a lot to do and see right here that you simply’ll be spoilt for selection. Earlier than you go to, brush up on some Malaysia journey tip necessities so you will get essentially the most out of this magical vacation spot.

When visiting a brand new nation, many individuals surprise about their security. Relaxation assured, you’re not alone. This information will erase your doubts and persuade you that Malaysia ought to be in your bucket record.

Why Go to Malaysia

Malaysia is a gem within the treasure chest that’s Asia. From historical temples and ruins to trendy skywalks and structure, this nation offers you the perfect of each worlds.

The nationwide parks and seashores showcase the magnificent panorama of this luscious nation. The verdant Cameron highlands are sufficient to make even a Scot weak to his Kilt-covered knees.

On high of the fantastic landscapes, Malaysia’s structure speaks to the colonial, Islamic, and indigenous historical past of this multifaceted land.

Leisure is massive in Malaysia. Malaysians love their theme parks, so anticipate finding them dotted all around the nation.

There’s a lot to expertise, you’ll be planning your subsequent journey again earlier than you even depart.

Is Malaysia Harmful

Malaysia is splendidly secure and is among the most visited nations in Asia. Wherever you go on the planet can have its personal set of drawbacks, and Malaysia’s enchantment greater than makes up for its few issues.

Violent crimes are hardly ever geared toward vacationers, and the final crime charge is low. The federal government can also be constantly working to enhance its security and crack down on crime.

Being a Muslim nation, it has sure customs in place that condemn dangerous conduct and improve the security stage for ladies particularly. It additionally discourages alcohol and drug consumption and is hard on drug-related crime.

Harmful Areas in Malaysia

Islands off of the Japanese Sabah coast

Sabah is residence to so many great issues. Malaysia’s second-largest state hosts the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. Come right here to trek Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest level.

Diving is one in all Sabah’s greatest pulls. A world-class web site, Sipadan Island, presents divers an unforgettable expertise.

The attractive individuals of Sabah come from 30 indigenous tribes, every with distinctive customs and cuisines. 

Sadly, the jap a part of this state, in addition to the islands off its coast, have been warped by piracy, terrorism, and kidnapping. The federal government has designated it a safety zone, enforced curfews, and elevated army presence to fight these threats.

Petaling Jaya

Initially a township that grew right into a metropolis, Petaling Jaya, fondly generally known as PJ, is a client’s delight. Filled with malls, theme parks, and evening markets, there’s all the time one thing for everybody right here.

Its excellent landmark, Kota Darul Ehsan, is a marble arch marking the Kuala Lumpur- Selangor border. This Moorish-inspired monument is Malaysia’s greatest arch, guarding the doorway to this beautiful metropolis.

Current excessive crime charges, violence, and profuse gang exercise have diminished components of this metropolis. Anticipate an elevated police presence, and remember to be alert as you navigate PJ. We advise getting a information who can present you this metropolis’s highlights safely.

Is it Secure to Stay in Malaysia?

It will depend on the place you need to reside. Whereas Malaysia, on the whole, is secure for expats and nomads, the extent of security varies in keeping with the place you propose to reside.

The capital is among the finest locations to reside in Malaysia and is great by way of security, work availability, and lifestyle.

Sure cities have increased crime charges than others, and also you’ll need to keep away from areas with a prevalence of gangs.

We advise contemplating the climate, points of interest, and lifestyle when selecting the place to reside, however we do know that wherever you find yourself, you’ll adore it.

Secure Areas/Cities in Malaysia

Malacca

The unofficial historic capital of Malaysia, Malacca, is bursting with structure, historical past, and tradition that may mesmerize you.

The multicultural layers of this riverside metropolis are enchanting. Temples, mosques, and church buildings share the area and amplify the wonder and variety of this UNESCO World Heritage web site.

This metropolis options excellent seashores with pure white sand and aquamarine waters. You’ll journey by means of time visiting historical ruins, palaces, and holy websites that attest to this metropolis’s attract.

Whereas it’s fully secure, we nonetheless advocate taking a tour of Malacca, simply so you may see the whole lot there’s on provide.

Penang Island

This small but in style island is a melting pot of nature, artwork, historical past, and, after all, meals. There’s a lot to do right here, you’ll discover it not possible to get bored. Plus, it’s so secure the one factor you’ll fear about is your to-do record.

Penang Nationwide Park, the world’s smallest nationwide park, is a lush jungle sanctuary for a lot of indigenous species.

Georgetown’s historic homes, colourful streets, and avenue artwork can have you treasure-hunting for extra throughout this UNESCO World Heritage web site.

Penang has among the finest avenue meals on the continent. The infinitely delectable dishes will make your tastebuds dance.

Kuala Lumpur

The capital metropolis is the right mixture of recent sophistication and old-world surprise. Kuala Lumpur is synonymous with the long-lasting Petronas towers dominating the town’s stunning skyline.

The colourful Batu caves are a staggering 272-step climb to absolute glory. The statues, caves, temples, and shrines all whisper the historical past of this historical web site.

Go to the majestic Masjid Negara, Malaysia’s nationwide mosque, or the Islamic Arts Museum to understand Malaysia’s Islamic roots.

Don’t miss a stroll by means of the evening markets and indulge within the many crafts and cuisines which might be the delight of this secure and thrilling metropolis.

Warnings & Risks in Malaysia

Malaysia has very low crime charge rankings and isn’t a typical middle for violent crime. That’s to not say it’s hassle-free. Petty crime is prevalent, particularly within the riskier areas and in crowded areas.

Organized crime poses an issue on this nation, however so long as you avoid gangs and their enterprises, you’ll be positive.

Having a tropical local weather exposes you to tropical ailments in addition to tropical climate hazards. There’s additionally the chance of earthquakes and tsunamis, however they aren’t too frequent.

There are instances of vector-borne ailments due to mosquitoes and the rabid canines dwelling in some components.

Total Journey Threat (4/10)

Whereas Malaysia is completely secure for vacationers, it, like the remainder of the planet, has its issues. They aren’t catastrophic, nonetheless, and shouldn’t deter you from an thrilling journey.

The climate might be unpredictable, and in the course of the monsoon season, it may be actually moist and unsightly. Hold an umbrella with you once you’re out, and keep watch over forecasts.

The local weather additionally encourages pests like mosquitoes that may make you sick. So long as you will have your vaccines and take precautions, Mom Nature will probably be your pal.

Crime exists, however Malaysia isn’t about to be a prison paradise both. So long as you journey sensible and plan your day, essentially the most you’ll have to fret about is selecting whether or not you favor beef or hen satay.

Petty crime

Like all nation on the planet, vacationers are a goal for pickpockets,  bag snatchers, and charlatans. Their lack of awareness in regards to the space they’re in makes them simpler targets than locals who’re smart to their methods.

Anticipate con artists making an attempt to get cash out of you. Pretend monks, law enforcement officials, and supposed victims of crime will all have some purpose why it is best to give them your cash. Keep away from them just like the plague and by no means give them something.

Being looking out when in public areas and guarding your baggage and jewellery (don’t put on any should you may also help it) will forestall thieves from concentrating on you.

Organized crime

Gang exercise is rife in some areas of Malaysia. These prison entities push medication, run prostitution rings, and deal in playing, extortion, and weapons.

With the massive variety of gangs at play, gang wars typically escape, leading to violence and doable hurt to individuals round.

Avoid areas which might be frequented by gangs. Don’t stroll round late at evening by yourself, you’re extra prone to be focused. In the event you occur to be within the neighborhood of bother, transfer away as rapidly as you may and comply with the directions of authorities to maintain your self out of it.

Highway security

Malaysia’s street security is trigger for concern. Highway accidents are the main reason for unintentional and little one loss of life right here. To make issues worse, this statistic ranks as third highest within the Western Pacific, in keeping with the World Well being Group.

These are scary statistics, and so they actually ought to inspire you to be cautious on the roads. Dashing, poor street circumstances, and the best way drivers behave all contribute to the variety of accidents on Malaysia’s roads.

The federal government is making an attempt to make it higher, although. They’ve taken on the World Well being Group’s world plan to raised street security and have undertaken to enhance street circumstances and car security, in addition to passing legal guidelines to form street use.

Vector-borne ailments

Malaysia’s local weather creates a haven for mosquitoes. The danger of catching Malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika virus, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis may be very actual.

Be sure your vaccines are updated earlier than you journey, and communicate to your docs for strategies on what different measures you may take. Be sure to use mosquito repellent all through the day in addition to nets at evening to forestall getting feasted on by these annoying buggers.

Malaysia additionally has an issue with rabies in some areas, like Penang and Sabah. Avoid stray canines, and don’t pet or feed them.

Suggestions for Staying Secure in Malaysia

Whereas staying secure in Malaysia shouldn’t be exhausting, listed here are our high 5 ideas that can assist you alongside:

• Hold it easy. Don’t stroll round in flashy gear, and hold your baggage shut and away from the street. We additionally recommend an anti-theft journey bag to maintain your valuables away from sticky fingers.
• Be respectful of the nation you’re visiting. Malaysia is a Muslim nation however can also be residence to Buddhists, Taoists, and Hindus. Be aware of the customs and canopy up when visiting locations of worship.
• Hold your eye on the climate. Malaysia is vulnerable to flooding and landslides in the course of the two monsoon seasons, the Southwest Monsoon (April-September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October-March). Be sure to know what the security procedures are.
• Use respected corporations for transport and actions to maintain from getting scammed or injured.
• Go on a tour. Particularly in additional sketchy areas, you’ll really feel safer exploring with somebody who is aware of the lay of the land.

Is Malaysia Secure? | Incessantly Requested Questions

Is Malaysia secure for solo vacationers?

Sure, Malaysia may be very secure for solo journey. With low crime charges and pleasant locals, even solo feminine vacationers can discover with ease.

That being mentioned, if you’re by yourself, plan your journey and be sensible. Be sure somebody is aware of the place you might be, guard your belongings, and be looking out when out at evening or in quiet areas. Understanding keep secure when touring alone is necessary to maintain your self out of hurt’s method.

Is Malaysia LGBTQ-friendly?

Briefly, no. Malaysia is a Muslim nation, and as such, homosexuality is prohibited there. Persons are below menace of jail time and presumably a public lashing if discovered to be participating in LGBTQ occasions or acts.

We advise you to chorus from public shows of affection, and if you’re touring with a associate, be discreet.

When is the perfect time to go to Malaysia?

The most effective time to go to relies upon drastically on the place you need to go and what you need to do. The jap aspect is driest between March and October, whereas the west is finest between December and February.

Many of the festivals are in January and February, providing you with an opportunity to dive into Malaysian tradition. In the event you plan on trekking, diving, or seeing the jungles, plan your go to across the wet seasons.

What’s public transport like in Malaysia?

Public transport is mostly low cost and dependable right here. You could have the choice of trains, buses, or taxis. Buses are the most cost effective option to get round, and the networks are intensive and dependable. The one factor to be careful for is overcrowding.

Taxis are metered and secure. Be sure the motive force makes use of the meter or agrees on a payment earlier than you journey. There is no such thing as a Uber in Malaysia, however its native counterpart, Seize, is simply nearly as good and pretty priced.