Malaysia is considered low risk when it comes to scams on tourists, although petty crime is common. Find out what crime and scams to look out for to stay safe.
Photo © Getty Images/Inti St Clair
Petty crime
Bag snatching
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.
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.
Credit card fraud
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.
ATM fraud
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.
Card game scams in Malaysia
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.
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.
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?)
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.
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.
Use common sense to Malaysia
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.
Also, take a minute to remember some basic advice:
- Don't keep your wallet in your back pocket
- Don't open the door to strangers
- Buy your own padlocks rather than use the hostel/chalet provided ones
- Keep your bag on the inside of the kerb while walking down the street
- Don't accept drinks you haven't witnessed being poured
- 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.
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