Malaysia |
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| Still current at: 28 February 2013
Updated: 22 February 2013 |
| No restrictions in this travel advice | Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all but essential travel to whole country | Avoid all travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all travel to whole country |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with editorial amendments. The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Malaysia.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
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There is a general threat from terrorism. Foreign nationals have
been kidnapped in East Malaysia and this threat remains, particularly
in the islands off eastern Sabah. See Terrorism
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Malaysia is a multicultural, but mostly Muslim country. See Local Laws and Customs.
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Around 435,500 British nationals visit Malaysia each year. Most visits are trouble free. See Consular assistance statistics.
- Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel .
Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.There is a threat from kidnapping in East Malaysia. Boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are possible targets. If you visit resorts islands and remote areas of Sabah from Kudat eastwards to Tawau, you should take care.
Register your itinerary with the local police or your hotel/tour operator before you set off.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
Crime
Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from petty crime. Avoid carrying valuables and take particular care of your passport whilst walking, in aircraft, cafes, airport and railway terminals, and hotel rooms. Don’t open your hotel room door to strangers, especially late at night. This applies particularly to women travelling alone. Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread. Take great care when using your card.
Incidents of bag snatching are common, including by thieves on motorbikes. Bags with shoulder straps should either be carried with the bag towards the pavement rather than the road, or tucked under the arm. Don’t wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder and do not try to hold on to your bag. People have been injured or killed by being pulled to the ground by their bag straps.
There have been reports of taxi drivers dropping off passengers at the airport and then driving off with their luggage while the passenger is getting a trolley. Unload all of your belongings from taxis as soon as you get out.
Taxi coupon systems are in place at airports and the larger shopping centres. In other areas taxis should use a meter.
Be careful if you’re offered a drink by a stranger, even in a reputable bar or restaurant. These approaches can involve spiked drinks, and have resulted in cases of robbery and assault. Be aware of scams involving gambling.
If you are a victim of crime, inform the local police and get a police report.
Road Travel
You can drive using a UK licence for up to 3 months. If you intend to stay in Malaysia for longer than 3 months you should get a Malaysian driving licence or an International Driving Permit.
If you hire a car or motorcycle, make sure you’re insured.
Road conditions in Peninsular Malaysia are generally good, but less so in East Malaysia. Vehicles (particularly motorcycles) don’t always stop at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. If you are involved in a road accident you are obliged by law to stay at the scene until the police have arrived. If a crowd gathers, it may be safer to leave the scene and report to the nearest police station.
There have been a number of fatal bus crashes, particularly on overnight journeys. Choose a reputable operator for your journey.
If you rent a motorbike you should take at least the same safety precautions as in the UK. Malaysian law states that helmets must be worn.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and the traffic police regularly carry out breath tests. Anyone over the legal limit can face a heavy fine or a jail sentence.
Sea and river travel
Piracy in South East Asian waters is an ongoing problem. There have been a number of attacks against ships in and around Malaysian waters, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines Be vigilant and take appropriate precautions. Reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas on board and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.
Some passenger boats have sunk due to overloading and/or poor maintenance. Take care at all times when travelling by passenger ferry or speedboat and avoid travelling on vessels that are clearly overloaded or in poor condition. Make sure life jackets are available.
Water sports and scuba diving
If you rent jet skis or any other type of water sports equipment, make sure adequate safety precautions are in place. Only use reputable licensed operators, insist on training before use and make sure you’re insured.
Check dive operators’ credentials carefully and make sure you’re insured. Check that safety equipment is available on the boat, including oxygen. Ask about contingency plans, which should include the ability to call for help while at sea and to evacuate divers to the nearest hyperbaric chamber if necessary.
The sites of HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, which lie in international waters off Kuantan, have been declared ‘protected places’ under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. You should only dive there on a ‘look not touch’ basis. Don’t attempt to penetrate the wrecks, which lie in deep water. You should also take great care. One British diver died in November 2011 while diving on HMS Repulse.
Political Situation
Police have sometimes used tear gas and water cannons to control public protests. Monitor local and international media and avoid all demonstrations.
Malaysia is a multicultural but mainly Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
You should also dress modestly, particularly in conservative and rural areas and when visiting places of worship.
If you are a Muslim you may be subject to local Shari'a law.
There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Trafficking incurs a mandatory death penalty. Possession incurs a custodial sentence and possible whipping. This includes Amphetamine-type stimulants.
You could be asked to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia if you are suspected of having used drugs before your visit. If the test is positive, you could be referred for rehabilitation treatment or deported.
Importing unlicensed firearms and ammunition into Malaysia is prohibited and can carry the death penalty.
Homosexual acts are illegal.
Visas
British nationals don’t need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will
normally be given permission to stay for 3 months on arrival. Visas for
longer stays or for non-tourist purposes must be obtained from the
nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before travel.The Malaysian authorities are running a vigorous campaign against illegal immigration Don’t overstay your visa, or violate the terms of entry. Even if you overstay for just a few days, you can be fined, detained and deported.
If you are travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (sometimes known as Malaysian Borneo and comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak) you will need to carry your passport
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Malaysia.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDS) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Malaysia.
Dual nationals
Malaysia does not recognise dual nationality. Technically you can be refused entry if you are found to be holding two passports of different nationality.
Exchange control rules
You can import or export up to 10,000 Malaysian Ringgit without prior approval. There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency you can import or export, but you must declare any amount in excess of US$ 10,000. Penalties include a fine of up to RM 1 million and up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.
Government and private hospitals charge for all services. Private care is expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 or 112 from a mobile and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Malaysia is affected by seasonal storms between October and February, which occasionally result in heavy flooding.
Consular assistance statistics
Around 315,000 British nationals visited the Malaysia between 1 January and 30 September 2012 (source: Malaysia Ministry of Immigration). Three hundred and three British nationals needed consular assistance in Malaysia in the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012, including for 23 deaths; 19 hospitalisations and 15 arrests.
