Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Malaysia...
Terrorism
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Malaysia because of the risk of terrorist attack.
There is a risk of terrorist attack in Malaysia including in commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, marketplaces, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
Eastern Sabah: We strongly advise you not to travel to coastal resorts and other centres on and islands and dive sites off the east coast of Sabah because of the high threat of kidnapping by terrorists. Terrorists have, in the past, kidnapped foreigners from the eastern coast of mainland Sabah, and from the islands and sea off its east coast. If you are in these areas you should consider leaving.
Other parts of Sabah: We cannot rule out the possibility of kidnappings from other coastal areas of Sabah, including urban centres, and islands off the coast.
In April 2000, foreign and local hostages were taken from the island of Sipadan, off the south-eastern coast of Sabah near the border between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Further kidnappings took place in September 2000 from Pandanan Island, in October 2003 near Lahad Datu on the eastern Sabah mainland, and in April 2004 at sea off Sabah's east coast. In March 2005 there was a further kidnapping incident near Mataking Island. Malaysian authorities are patrolling these areas but there is still a risk of further kidnappings.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
If you are intending to travel overland from Malaysia to Thailand you should be aware of the travel advice for Thailand which recommends that travellers reconsider their need to travel at this time to the far southern Thai provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, including overland travel from and to the Malaysian border through these provinces.
Crime
Petty crime is common. 'Snatch and grab' attacks against pedestrians by passing motorcyclists, often resulting in injury to the victim, occur frequently.
Drink spiking occurs. Victims lose consciousness and have been assaulted and robbed.
Scams involving gambling are common.
Credit card fraud occurs extensively throughout Malaysia. Credit cards are frequently copied, for later illegal use, in places ranging from small shops to large department stores and hotels.
Local Travel
Piracy in south east Asian waters is an ongoing problem, particularly in the Straits of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its web site.
You should also read our travel advice on shipping and ports.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking.
Homosexual acts between males are illegal and penalties include corporal punishment and long prison sentences. Homosexual acts between women may be considered an 'act of gross indecency with another' and penalties include imprisonment.
Corporal punishment is mandatory for some offences.
Some sectors of Malaysian society have conservative standards of dress and behaviour and you should take care not to offend.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Malaysia for the most up to date information.
Malaysian immigration authorities may deny entry and deport people arriving in Malaysia with less than six months validity remaining on their passport, even if the person intends staying just a few days.
The arrival/departure card is required when departing Malaysia. If you lose it, the card can only be replaced at exit ports or the Immigration Department Headquarters.
Health Issues
Outbreaks of avian influenza amongst birds, including chickens and ducks, have been reported in Malaysia. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Malaysia for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. Medical advice should be sought before antiviral medicines are commenced. Australians intending to travel to Malaysia for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Malaysia should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Malaysia should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
In September 2005 the Australian Government decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at its high commission in Malaysia. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas and it is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.
There is smoke haze across some parts of Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, usually during the July to October period. This haze can cause health problems for some people. Keep up to date with advice of local authorities and seek medical advice on appropriate precautions. Regular air quality reports are available from the Malaysian Department of the Environment.
There are usually outbreaks of dengue fever in the wet season. Doctors and travel clinics can provide advice about anti-mosquito precautions.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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