Malaysia🇲🇾
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. This country is flanked by Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, and it shares maritime borders with Vietnam and the Philippines. The relation with neighboring countries is generally peaceful, notwithstanding occasional territorial disputes. Malaysia is known for its diverse culture, vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and stunning beaches. Notable attractions include the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the UNESCO-listed George Town in Penang, and the Borneo's wildlife-rich national parks. The traditions in Malaysia, influenced by the native Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, culminate in a myriad of colorful festivals, captivating dance and music performances, and culinary delights. A journey to Malaysia would be incomplete without tasting its street food, exploring its nature trails, and diving into its rich history.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid flashing valuables in public places and be cautious against pickpocketing in crowded areas.
- Avoid criticizing the Malaysian royalty and government, which can lead to legal repercussions.
- Avoid visiting rural areas during the monsoon season, as these areas are prone to floods and landslides.
- Avoid consuming street food that doesn't look fresh or isn't well-cooked.
- Avoid reckless driving and adhere to local driving laws.
- Avoid public displays of affection if you belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Homosexuality is still not widely accepted.
- Avoid disregarding local customs and religious sensitivity. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Avoid using tap water in rural areas as it might not be adequately treated.
- Avoid entering into arguments or altercations with locals. Keep calm and contact local authorities if necessary.
- Avoid unprotected sex to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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While Malaysia's crime rate is moderate compared to other countries, pockets of high crime remain, particularly in urban areas and known tourist spots such as Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Petty crime like pickpocketing and purse snatching are common, especially in crowded places. In recent years, there also have been cases of ATM and credit card fraud. Malaysia has made significant efforts to tackle crime, leading to a decrease in the crime rate over the past few years.
Terrorism 💣
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Malaysia has a low incidence of terrorist attacks, owing to its efficient security forces and robust legal framework against terrorism. However, the risk can never be completely ruled out. Notably, in 2016, a grenade attack on a night club in Puchong, near Kuala Lumpur, which ISIS claimed responsibility for, injured eight people. The incident underscored the potential threat of extremism in the country. However, no major incidents of terrorism have been reported in recent years.
War ⚔️
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Malaysia is considered to be a peaceful country with no ongoing wars or major conflicts. The last significant military conflict involving Malaysia was the Confrontation with Indonesia, which ended in 1966. Malaysia's tensions with neighboring countries tend to revolve around territorial and maritime disputes, but these rarely escalate to serious conflicts.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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The most common natural disasters in Malaysia are flooding and landslides, a result of the country’s tropical climate riddled with annual monsoons and high humidity. The East Coast states of Peninsular Malaysia are particularly prone to floods during the monsoon season from November to February. Notably, in 2014, Malaysia experienced severe flooding which affected over half a million people. That being said, Malaysia is safe from major seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.
Medical Care 🏥
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Malaysia has a robust healthcare system providing high-standard medical services. However, the quality can vary between rural and urban areas. The cities have world-class hospitals and clinics, equipped with advanced technology and staffed with English-speaking professionals. Although medical care in rural areas is improving, facilities may lack the sophistication of their urban counterparts.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water is generally safe for consumption in many parts of Malaysia, particularly in urban areas. However, due to inconsistent quality, especially in rural areas, it's recommended to drink bottled or boiled water. Additionally, travelers are advised to use filtered water for brushing teeth and avoid ice unless it's from a trusted source.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Malaysia has an efficient healthcare system, but several infectious diseases are endemic in the country. This includes dengue fever, which has seen an increase in reported cases over recent years, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Thankfully, good hygiene standards and vector control practices reduced the risk of other diseases.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption remains a significant concern in Malaysia. The most notable incident was the 1MDB scandal, which erupted in 2015, where billions of dollars were alleged to be embezzled by public officials, including the then Prime Minister, Najib Razak. Nevertheless, the country has made progressive strides in recent years to counter corruption, as evidenced by its improved ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Malaysia is generally safe for women, but like anywhere, they should take precautions, particularly when traveling alone. Instances of verbal harassment and staring can occur. It's recommended to respect local customs and dress modestly, particularly in rural and conservative areas.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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LGBTQ+ rights are not fully recognized in Malaysia. Homosexuality is still technically illegal, and society is generally conservative due to strong Islamic values. The queer community may face discrimination, particularly in rural areas. Travelers are advised to avoid public displays of affection and be respectful of the local culture.
Censorship 📺
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Censorship in Malaysia has always been a controversial topic. The media and the internet are tightly regulated by the government. The Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998, often criticized for its vague clauses, grants the government broad powers to censor content deemed inappropriate. Additionally, defamation and sedition laws have been used to prosecute critics of the government.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Malaysia is fairly reliable and safe to use. Kuala Lumpur, along with other major cities, boasts a modern transportation infrastructure, including the MRT, LRT, KTM trains, monorail, and extensive bus networks. However, safety standards can vary in rural areas, and road accidents are a concern, especially during festive seasons.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Overall, Malaysia is relatively safe for travelers. Crime rates are moderate, and terrorism risk is low. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in urban and tourist-filled areas. During the monsoon season, the risk of flooding and landslides increases, particularly in rural areas and on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It's recommended to stay informed about local weather updates and plan your travel accordingly. Lastly, respect for local customs and traditions goes a long way towards ensuring a trouble-free and enjoyable visit.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Most countries have embassies or consulates in Malaysia, typically located in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. This includes the embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many European, Asian, and African countries. These embassies offer a variety of services to their citizens, including emergency assistance, notarial services, passport services, and more.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling to Malaysia, ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and polio. Vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid which you can get through contaminated food or water, are recommended. Depending on where you are going, you may also need to get vaccinated against hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis. If you are going to areas with malaria, you may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Malaysia is home to a variety of wildlife, some of which can pose dangers to humans. This includes the Malayan pit viper, King cobra, saltwater crocodiles, and the clouded leopard. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis are also a concern. Visitors are advised to take precautions, especially when traversing through dense forests or jungles, and use insect repellents to protect against mosquito bites.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and all EU countries. However, citizens of some countries must apply for a visa before traveling. It's recommended to check with the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate, or the Immigration Department of Malaysia's website for the latest information.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). Money can be easily exchanged at banks, hotels, and currency exchange counters available in shopping malls and airports. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Malaysia, especially in urban areas, shopping malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants. However, some small retailers or street vendors may only accept cash. Hence, it's wise to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Malaysia is a viable choice for work and travel, particularly in fields like information technology, education (especially English teaching), and tourism. The cost of living is relatively low compared to Western countries, and Malaysia is known for its good work-life balance. However, to work legally in Malaysia, foreign nationals must obtain a work permit, which typically involves securing a job offer from a Malaysian company first.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Malaysia offers good value for money compared to many other Asian destinations. Accommodation, food, transport, and attractions are reasonably priced. Luxury options are also available at a fraction of what they would cost in many Western countries. However, import items and alcoholic beverages can be quite expensive due to high tax rates.