Malaysia

Malaysiahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysiaMalaysiahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/crimes-and-scamsMalaysia is generally a safe country to travel through but that doesn't mean you totally let your guard down. Find out what crime and scams to look out for to stay safe.2019-01-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/crimes-and-scamshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#petty">Petty crime</a></li> <li><a href="#scams">Scams in Malaysia</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="petty">Petty crime</h2> <h3>Bag snatching</h3> <p>Bag snatching is a common crime in Malaysia, travellers should be especially careful in busy areas such as Johor Bahru. If a motorbike drives past you and attempts to grab your bag - let them have it. Many travellers have been injured and killed when bags have been held on to or wrapped around bodies while being dragged under motorbikes.</p> <p>By only carrying small amounts of money and keeping your passport in your hotel safe or hostel reception, losing a bag shouldn't be such a devastating thing.</p> <h3>Credit card fraud</h3> <p>Credit cards are a popular method for travelers to pay for things. However, credit card fraud is common throughout Malaysia, affecting small businesses right up to major hotels and retailers. Always keep your card in sight when paying for services or goods and always get a transaction receipt. Try to sort your accommodation before traveling and keep cash on you for small payments.</p> <h3>ATM fraud</h3> <p>Unfortunately, ATM fraud is also common in Malaysia so travelers need to take precautions when using ATM machines. Try and avoid using ATM's on the street, particularly at night. Instead, opt to use an ATM inside a bank or hotel. Always get a receipt of your last balance and keep a track of your purchases. This also applies to credit card transactions. Don't forget to tell your bank when you are traveling to/from so you don't get cut off from your funds and you can also keep a track of things particuarly when you get home should suspicious transactions appear in your account.</p> <h2 id="card-game-scams-in-malaysia">Card game scams in Malaysia</h2> <p>Crooks in Malaysia aren't that original. Travellers should be able to smell a scam a mile away. A good rule of thumb, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.</p> <p>There is a very common and standard card game scam played on tourists in Malaysia. The tourist will be shown a foolproof system to win a game of blackjack or poker after being invited to a locals house for dinner.</p> <p>Once the traveller is continuously "winning" under the hosts guidance, a rich friend of the host just happens to show up. (Sense where this is heading?)</p> <p>Once the rich guy loses a few hands, the traveller increases the bet, even making confident trips to the ATM until the host and his mates uncover their foolproof win system, resulting in one poor traveller.</p> <p>It's surprising travellers fall for this old trick, but locals are smooth talkers so take any games played as a bit of holiday fun only.</p> <h2 id="take-your-common-sense-to-malaysia">Use common sense to Malaysia</h2> <p>Take care of your personal belongings and leave any valuables in your accommodation if they provide a safe either in your room or at reception. A scan of your passport kept on your phone or in your email is a good idea, no matter where you are travelling.</p> <p>Also, take a minute to remember some basic advice:</p> <ul> <li>Don't keep your wallet in your back pocket</li> <li>Don't open the door to strangers</li> <li>Buy your own padlocks rather than use the hostel/chalet provided ones</li> <li>Keep your bag on the inside of the kerb while walking down the street</li> <li>Don't accept drinks you haven't witnessed being poured</li> <li>Don't walk down dark alleys with locals, no matter how badly you want to buy that packet of cigarettes or find the closest ATM.</li> </ul>Getty Images/Inti St Clair 1503847689 Getty Images Chinese lanterns at Kek Lok Si temple, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/monkey-business-travellers-bewareWhile traveling through Malaysia you will probably encounter the local monkeys. Here's how to see them safely from afar.2018-04-16T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/monkey-business-travellers-bewarehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Like many other destinations throughout Asia, Malaysia has monkeys. They are cute and cheeky, but they are carriers of disease and accomplished thieves. Find out how to see them safely with these tips.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#photographing-monkeys-in-malaysia">Photographing monkeys in Malaysia</a></li> <li><a href="#keep-your-distance">Keep your distance</a></li> <li><a href="#feeding">Should you feed the monkeys?</a></li> <li><a href="#belongings">Keeping your belongings safe</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="photographing-monkeys-in-malaysia">Photographing monkeys in Malaysia</h2> <p>Even if you aren't at all interested in photographing the monkeys on your trip, one will likely feature in your photos at some point. Monkeys roam around some of the most popular attractions in Malaysia such as temples, Penang Park, Batu Caves and the Botanical Gardens. It's difficult not to get a snap of them. They are cute, friendly-looking mischievous mammals that put on routine productions for travelers, whether they intend to or not. </p> <p>Keep in mind when getting snap happy around your favourite park or bowl of soup that monkeys have been know to snatch unattended cameras. They can also become aggressive if your flash is too close to their young. If you are an DSLR user, their reflection in the lens makes the monkeys feel as if they are being attacked, thinking their own grin is something of a threat to them.</p> <h2 id="keep-your-distance">Keep your distance from monkeys</h2> <p>Macaques are the most common breed of monkey in Malaysia and are carriers of many viruses and bacteria including the Herpes B virus and rabies. These viruses are harmless to the macaques, but not to humans if you're bitten!</p> <p>Their mouths are teeming with bacteria, making even the smallest bite something to be investigated. Make sure you have the appropriate vaccinations before travelling and seek medical advice from the nearest hospital as soon as possible if bitten or scratched.</p> <p>As cool as that selfie with the monkey may be for your holiday photo collection, it's best to give it a miss.</p> <h2 id="feeding">Should you feed the monkeys?</h2> <p>Long story short, no. Never feed wildlife – ever. These little guys look starving, although it is possible the 500 + travelers the hour before you have already stocked them up with fruit and nuts, and anything else they had in their backpacks at the time (whether it was given up voluntarily or not!). Don't be tempted to approach them with food in hand or sight.</p> <h2 id="belongings">Keeping your belongings safe</h2> <p>Some travelers report theft of valuables by the monkeys, to the extent of opening zippers on backpacks, camera bags and drink bottles (interestingly they're attracted by light reflecting in the water!).</p> <p>To protect your valuables from theft put cable ties or a small padlock on your backpack zips. Better still avoid carrying a backpack at all as most places will discourage it.</p> <p>Leave the bling behind at the accommodation. Monkeys are attracted to shiny and dangly things.</p> <p>The key to monkey survival? If they do get a hold of your belongings don't fight them, drop anything they are trying to grab from you even if you do enjoy a game of tug of war, the monkeys will win and probably be disinterested in what you were fighting over anyway.</p> <p>It's unlikely that you will have an unpleasant experience with the monkeys while in Malaysia, you're more likely to burn your tongue while slurping Assam Laksa in Penang Park. Saying that, you do always hear of that friend of a friend who's camera was snatched by a macaque.</p>iStock/alex_cherepenin 0881459786 iStock Monkeys in Malaysia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/how-to-travel-malaysia-safelyMalaysia has a tropical monsoonal climate which plays host to a number of health issues which can give any traveler trouble. Find out to protect yourself and stay healthy with these tips.2019-01-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/how-to-travel-malaysia-safelyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#vaccine">Vaccinations for Malaysia</a></li> <li><a href="#medical">Medical Treatment in Malaysia</a></li> <li><a href="#mosquito">Mosquito-Borne Diseases</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Food and Water Borne Diseases</a></li> <li><a href="#air">Air Pollution</a></li> <li><a href="#other">Other Health Concerns</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="vaccine">Vaccinations for Malaysia</h2> <p>Travelers are recommended to get the following vaccinations prior to traveling to Malaysia:</p> <ul> <li>Hepatitis A</li> <li>Typhoid</li> </ul> <p>Don't forget to check if your routine vaccinations are up to date too.<br /><br />For those spending extended travel time in rural locations or trekking, you may also want to get:</p> <ul> <li>Japanese Encephalitis</li> <li>Rabies</li> </ul> <h2 id="medical">Medical treatment in Malaysia</h2> <p>Medical treatment in Malaysia is generally of a good standard, particularly in the major cities and towns. Government facilities offer cheap, good-quality care however like in any country, they can be busy. Private clinics and hospitals are also available however payment is required upfront and can be costly. If you need emergency medical treatment, call 999.</p> <h2 id="mosquito">Mosquito-borne diseases</h2> <p>Malaysia is hot and humid all year around which plays a role in the prevalence of several mosquito borne diseases. Travelers who are heading to Malaysia from a yellow fever-endemic country must have a proof of vaccination card with them upon arrival. As many mosquito-borne diseases exhibit similar symptoms, it's vital that you seek medical treatment as soon as you feel unwell. This ensures you get treated promptly and for the right condition.</p> <h3>Malaria</h3> <p>Malaria is present in several parts of the country. Transmitted via mosquito bite, it's vital travelers take precautions to avoid contracting this disease. There is an ongoing debate about taking antimalarials while traveling. Everyone reacts differently and there are a variety of side effects. If you choose to take them, chat with your travel doctor first to see which ones are best for the destination you are traveling to.<br /><br />The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) reports that malaria is present up to 5577ft (1700m) in altitude. In Sabah and Sarawak, the risk is largely contained to rural locations and mountainous regions of Malaysia. The urban and coastal areas of Malaysia are risk-free. January and December are the highest-risk months for travelers.</p> <h3>Dengue fever</h3> <p><a href="travel-safety/worldwide/what-you-need-to-know-about-dengue-fever">Dengue fever</a> is endemic to Malaysia, with increased risk in urban centers and their outskirts. Peak transmission time occurs later in the monsoonal season (Oct - Feb in eastern peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak and Jul - Aug for western peninsular Malaysia). This disease is transmitted by mosquitos between dawn and dusk, thriving in locations where water is present and poor sanitation.<br /><br />Travelers must <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">protect themselves</a> from being bitten to avoid contracting this disease. Should you start to feel unwell, seek medical help immediately as left untreated, dengue fever can evolve into dengue hemorrhagic fever which is a life-threatening condition.</p> <h3>Zika virus</h3> <p>There is a continued risk of zika virus in Malaysia, transmitted by mosquitos during the daytime. Travelers need to take measures to <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">prevent bites</a> as there is no vaccination available. Pregnant women are strongly advised not to travel to Malaysia due to the risk the virus presents to an unborn child such as physical and mental development issues, plus neurological complications.</p> <h3>Chikungunya</h3> <p>This disease is related to Ross River Fever and spread by the two mosquito species which also spread dengue fever. Those infected experience joint pain, fever, skin rash, headache and fatigue.</p> <p>So if you get some unusually sore joints - you may want to check it out.</p> <h3>Japanese encephalitis</h3> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/new-vaccine-and-advice-japanese-encephalitis">Japanese encephalitis</a> is prevalent in southeast Asia, with random cases being reported annually in Malaysia. However, the disease is endemic in Sarawak, with the high-risk period peaking during the rainy season. Vaccinations are available in some countries and taking <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">bite-prevention</a> measures will also help you lower the risk of contracting it.</p> <h2 id="food">Food and waterborne diseases</h2> <p>Travel diarrhea, Hepatitis A and typhoid are all present in Malaysia and there are some easy ways you can try and avoid these conditions:</p> <ul> <li>Visit cafes, restaurants and street vendors who are busy, have a high turnover and look clean</li> <li>Making sure food is cooked thoroughly before eating</li> <li>Eating fruits and vegetables you can wash and peel yourself</li> <li>Avoiding ice cubes and icy drinks especially if traveling in areas outside the main tourist hubs. The ice cubes in a cylinder shape are safe to consume</li> <li>Avoid drinking the local tap water unless it's been declared safe</li> <li>Always practise good hygiene while traveling.</li> </ul> <h2 id="air">Air pollution</h2> <p>Haze can drift to Malaysia from neighboring Sumatra (Indonesia) during the burning season (May to August) which blankets the country. Travelers with respiratory conditions will need to be prepared with the necessary medications or travel at an alternative time.</p> <h2 id="other">Other health concerns</h2> <h3>Leeches</h3> <p>If you plan to do a bit of jungle trekking you will need to protect yourself from those slipperly little suckers, leeches. They love warm, dark spots on the body but can latch onto you anywhere. Most of the time you don't know they are there until you see a blood stain appearing on your clothing, as their bite injects an anti-coagulant.<br /><br />Wear long-sleeved clothing, tuck your pants into your socks, stick to well-worn trails where possible and apply a strong insect repellent (if you have a spray type, spray your socks and shoes). When you get back from your trek, don't forget to check yourself over. <br /><br />Should you find a leech on your body, don't rip it off. If you have a lighter with you, put the flame near the leech which should cause it to drop off. Otherwise, whip out the deet repellent or some antiseptic from your first aid kit to put on it. Salt and alcohol also work.</p> <h3>Hepatitis B, C and E</h3> <p>Hepatitis B and C are prevalent throughout Malaysia and can be contracted via unsterilized tattooing/body piercing equipment or unsafe sex. Always practice safe sex and check out the tattoo parlor before jumping under the gun. Is the place clean and hygienic? As with Hepatitis A, you can get a 3-shot series of vaccination for Hepatitis B which gives you immunity for life. For Hepatitis C, there is no vaccination available.<br />There is a high risk of Hepatitis E in Malaysia and it's contracted via food and water contaminated with fecal matter. The virus will cause a nasty liver inflammation condition along with fatigue, fever, pain, jaundice and loss of appetite. As you would to avoid traveler's diarrhea, typhoid and other gastro bugs, always observe good personal hygiene and take caution when eating out.</p> <h3>Schistosomiasis</h3> <p>A common infection in tropical destinations, the disease is spread by flukes (parasitic flatworms) that are carried by a species of freshwater snail, which then sheds them into slow-moving or still water.</p> <p>These parasites then penetrate human skin during swimming and then migrate to the bladder or bowel. They are excreted via stool or urine and could contaminate fresh water, where the cycle starts again.</p> <p>Try to avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or slow-running rivers</p> <h3>Rabies</h3> <p>Rabies outbreaks do occur throughout the year in Malaysia. The virus is transmitted from the saliva of a rabid animal (e.g dog, cat, bat) to humans via biting, scratching or even licking an open wound.</p> <p>It's recommended to get a rabies vaccination if you are planning outdoor activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put you at risk for animal bites. Vaccination gives you more time to reach medical help, and to start the course of injections needed to treat rabies; if you are somewhere remote in the country, this could be a lifesaver.</p> <p>If you are bitten by a rabid dog or animal, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Then apply an alcohol solution followed by an iodine-based solution (Betadine).</p> <p>Seek medical treatment immediately. If left untreated, rabies is 100% fatal. Call your travel insurance provider's emergency assistance number immediately, and they will arrange care in the fastest possible time and medical evacuation if required.</p>Getty Images/Nora Carol Photography 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/pirates-and-kidnapping-in-malaysiaTerrorism has made its mark in recent years in Malaysia, with some incidents involving foreign nationals. Find out what you need to know to stay safe.2019-01-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/malaysia/pirates-and-kidnapping-in-malaysiahttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Terrorism in Malaysia</h2> <p>There is a real risk of terrorism in Malaysia. Stay up to date with local news reports if there has been civil unrest leading up to your visit. There is no need to be paranoid, but some government advisories suggest travelers exercise a high degree of caution.</p> <h2>Kidnapping risk</h2> <p>There is a kidnapping risk in the <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/philippines/areas-to-avoid-in-the-philippines">southern region of the Philippines</a>, which meets with Malaysia near the coastal areas of Sabah, but in particular the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago or in the Sulu Sea.</p> <p>Avoid the area, but chances are you will not be on any charter boats to these islands. Don't try to be adventurous and explore the region near the southern Philippines – it just isn't safe.</p> <h2>Piracy in Malaysia</h2> <h3>Strait of Malacca</h3> <p>This 500mi (805km) stretch of water between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra has been known for piracy. Piracy and kidnapping in this area is something travelers should be aware of. Since 2003 the number of kidnappings has dropped more than half, thanks to increased patrols in this area.</p> <h3>Lahad Datu</h3> <p>Lahad Datu is located on the island of Borneo. There are still some reports of speed boats in these waters armed with machine guns, so the best advice would be to stick to the land if traveling in a small group or alone. Lahad is flooded with tourist resorts – making it a target. Don‘t visit deserted ATMs on the waterfront at night if you don‘t want to chance being a pirate's treasure.</p> <h3>Sabah </h3> <p>As of January 2024, the Canadian and UK advise travelers to avoid non-essential travel to the east coast of Sabah State due to the threat of kidnapping. The US State Department recommends exercising increased caution.</p> <h2>What to do if you run into pirates in Malaysia</h2> <p>If you do run into some unlucky trouble, keep the following in mind:</p> <ul> <li>Do not make any violent threats – they might have weapons, you definitely don't.</li> <li>Remember that each kidnapping situation is different, so what you‘ve seen on TV may not apply to you.</li> <li>Attempt to relate to the kidnappers by speaking their language (if you can), this may help build some kind of rapport.</li> <li>Keep track of time. You may be held for a considerable amount of time, so its best not to become confused about the time of day.</li> <li>Maintain your dignity.</li> <li>Build a rapport with anyone who is captive with you. They may be useful for an escape and so that's a friend you want to keep.</li> <li>Attempt to maintain your physical condition. It's important to keep your legs moving.</li> <li>Attempt to maintain your mental health. Daydreaming, running through daily routines – these activities will help you keep hold of your grip on reality.</li> <li>Take notes on your captors and where they are holding you. This information may be valuable when you have been rescued or are able to signal for help.</li> </ul>Getty Images/Nora Carol Photography 1545331166 Getty Images Sabah on the island of Borneo, Malaysia