Malaysia
Country Specific Information
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June 16, 2010

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected federal parliamentary government. The country is comprised of 13 states, 11 on the Malay Peninsula and two, Sabah and Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. There is also a federally administered set of territories: the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the administrative center of Putrajaya, and the island of Labuan. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country of 27 million people. Malays form the predominant ethnic group. The two other large ethnic groups are Chinese and Indians. Islam is the official religion and is practiced by some 60 percent of the population. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, although English is widely spoken. Travelers to Malaysia may access information on areas of interest through the Malaysian government’s website and Tourism Malaysia’s website. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Malaysia for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or travel to Malaysia, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy
376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur.
The local mailing address is P.O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur.
Telephone: (60-3) 2168-5000 is available 24 hours a day for emergencies such as arrests, serious illness/injury, or death of U.S. citizens (after business hours, please press 1 at the recording).
The American Citizen Services Unit’s telephone number: (60-3) 2168-4997/4979
Consular section’s fax number: (60-3) 2148-5801.
General fax number: (60-3) 2142-2207.
You may also contact the Consular section by email. There is also an email address for issues specifically related to U.S. citizens.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To enter Malaysia, your passport must be valid for at least six months. You do not need a visa to enter Malaysia if you are coming for business or tourism for short-term stays of 90 days or less. When you arrive, immigration officials will place an entry stamp in your passport to specify the number of days you can stay. Though immigration officials generally give 90 days, it’s not a guarantee, so you should check the stamp in your passport after you enter. Generally, these entry stamps are known as social visit passes (visas) and can be extended for two months. While in Malaysia, you should carry your passport with you at all times. More information on the time you will be allowed to stay in Malaysia can be found on the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.

If you travel into the eastern Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak (on the island of Borneo) from peninsular Malaysia, or between the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak, you will be required to show your passport to immigration authorities to enter these parts of Malaysia. These states have their own immigration authorities who will determine if you can enter and for how long. You should pay attention to the amount of time you’re allowed to stay and be careful not to exceed it. Entry stamps issued by Sabah and Sarawak immigration officials are also valid for other parts of Malaysia.

If you have Israeli entry or exit stamps in your U.S. passport, you should not encounter difficulty at Malaysian Immigration. However, U.S.-Israeli dual nationals have been denied entry after presenting their Israeli passports to show exit stamps from their last destination. Therefore, it is important that U.S.-Israeli dual nationals use their U.S. passports to depart the last country on their itinerary prior to arriving in Malaysia.

For more information on the latest entry procedures and requirements, contact the Embassy of Malaysia, 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone: (202) 572-9700. You can also contact the Embassy via email. Or, you may want to contact the Malaysian Consulate in New York, telephone: (212) 490-2722; or the consulate in Los Angeles, telephone: (213) 892-1238; or visit the Malaysian government’s website, which has information on Malaysian embassies and consulates abroad.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Malaysia.

Visa Overstays: Malaysian immigration authorities routinely detain foreigners who overstay their social visit passes (visas). In light of the arrests of several U.S. citizens in connection with immigration sweeps conducted by Malaysian police and immigration authorities, you should carry your passport (containing the Malaysian entry stamp) with you at all times. Depending upon the nature of the violation, detentions may last from a few hours to several weeks, pending a formal hearing. You should check your visa status periodically while in Malaysia and strictly follow immigration laws and regulations.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens in Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in the region have demonstrated the capability to carry out attacks in locations where Westerners congregate, and these groups do not distinguish between civilian and official targets. The U.S. Government has designated two such groups, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. JI, which has a known presence in Malaysia, is linked to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups and has cells operating throughout Southeast Asia.

You should be especially alert to the risks of travel to the eastern islands and coastal regions of the state of Sabah due to the threat of violence posed by criminal and terrorist groups, and you should carefully evaluate the risks before traveling to the area. Of particular concern are the resorts (and transportation to and from them) in isolated areas, including Semporna and the islands of Mabul and Sipadan. If you visit these areas you should exercise extreme caution, remain alert to your surroundings, and use good personal security measures.

The Abu Sayyaf Group, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah in the past and retains the capability to conduct operations in the region. Other criminal elements have recently committed acts of kidnapping and armed robbery against foreigners in the region. The Government of Malaysia and other regional authorities have increased their ability to detect, deter and prevent attacks, but the size and remoteness of the region makes their efforts exceedingly difficult and their success uncertain.

If you travel overland from Malaysia to Thailand you should be aware of the Department of State's safety and security information for Thailand, particularly the several Thai provinces bordering Malaysia. U.S. citizens planning to travel to Malaysia are encouraged to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Stay up to date on security information by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

There is no one better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before you travel to improve your personal security - things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: Violent crime involving tourists and expatriates in Malaysia is relatively rare. Petty theft, particularly purse snatching and pick-pocketing, and residential burglaries are the most common crimes committed against foreigners. Other types of non-violent criminal activity include credit card fraud and automobile theft. In tourist areas such as Bukit Bintang, Petaling Street (Chinatown) and Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, and the main square in Malacca, the police have established small "Tourist Police” stations familiar with helping visitors to Malaysia.

  • Purse-Snatchings: In most incidents, two thieves on a motorcycle speed up from behind a victim, and the passenger on the back snatches a purse, handbag, or cellular phone. Thieves have also conducted snatch-thefts while leaning out of the passenger side of moving vehicles. These thefts can occur at all hours and often in front of large groups of witnesses, even in upscale neighborhoods frequented by expatriates. Women walking by themselves or with small children are the most common targets, but men walking or jogging alone have also been targeted. Victims have been injured and even killed after falling and being dragged by thieves in cars or on motorcycles. More recently, some thieves carrying knives have slashed and cut the victim in order to shock the victim into immediately releasing valuable items.

To avoid becoming the victim of a purse snatching, be alert and aware of your surroundings. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic and keep a close eye on all vehicular traffic, particularly motorcycles. If possible, try to walk on the sidewalk away from the curb. Avoid poorly lit streets, shortcuts, and narrow alleys, but be aware that attacks may still occur anywhere. Purses or shoulder bags should be closed and tucked under the arm. Do not wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder. People have been injured or killed by being pulled to the ground by their purse straps as the thieves sped off. If your purse or bag is snatched, report the incident as soon as possible to the police.

  • Smash-and-Grab Robberies: The targets in these crimes, which are on the rise, are motorists who are stuck in traffic or stopped at a light. The usual scenario is that a pair of thieves on a motorcycle identifies a car with a lone passenger (male or female) and with valuables (e.g., purse, bag) visible. The thieves use a hammer or crowbar to smash the window of the car, grab the bag, and speed off. If the motorist’s windows are already open, the motorcyclists simply reach in and take bags off the seat of the car. You can prevent these crimes by keeping valuables like purses and laptops out of sight while driving or removing them from the car (including the trunk) when parked.
  • Scams: An increasing number of U.S. citizens are victims of scams originating in Malaysia. Scammers and confidence artists contact U.S. citizens through the internet, including dating websites. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have unexpectedly experienced a medical, legal, financial or other type of “emergency” in Malaysia and who ask the U.S. citizen in the United States to send money quickly to Malaysia. Co-conspirators pose as Malaysian “lawyers” or medical professionals to verify the story and the supposed urgent need for cash. We strongly urge U.S. citizens in the United States to be very cautious about sending money to people you don't know personally and who claim to be U.S. citizens in trouble in Malaysia. For additional information on these types of scams, see the Department of State's publication, International Financial Scams.
  • Credit Card Fraud: While traveling in Malaysia you should avoid using credit cards, except at reputable establishments, and you should closely safeguard your credit card numbers at all times. Credit card fraud continues to be a serious problem in Malaysia, although enhanced technology has somewhat reduced reported instances of fraud. Unauthorized charges may not show on a credit card account for several months but can unexpectedly appear in amounts of $5,000 or more. One of the more common methods is for retailers to swipe the credit card under the counter where a machine containing a mobile phone SIM card receives the card’s information and transmits it to a criminal organization for reproduction. You should watch retailers closely and any “under the table” transactions should be reported to the local police. In some cases, sophisticated criminal organizations have tapped into data lines emanating from retail establishments. Credit card information is then stolen while it is being transmitted to financial institutions. If you must use a credit card in Malaysia, you should check your account information frequently for fraudulent charges. ATM cards are safer as long as the machines where they are used are associated with reputable Malaysian banks. Also, keep in mind that personal identification numbers (PINs) in Malaysia are 6 digits long. Some travelers have reported having difficulty retrieving cash from ATMs using 4-digit PINs.

Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may also be breaking local law if you buy them. If you bring them back to the United States you may have to forfeit them and/or pay fines.

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know is the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen, the embassy can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, the embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain to your family/friends how they can transfer money to you if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of a crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Malaysia is “999”. An alternate number is the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur, 03-2115-9999 or 03-2262-6555.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own and you may not have the same protections available to individuals under U.S. law. For example, in Malaysia, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not in the country you’ll be traveling to. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography.

If you violate the law, even unknowingly, you may be fined, expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Malaysia strictly enforces its drug laws. If you possess, use or traffic in illegal drugs in Malaysia, you will be sentenced to significantly longer prison sentences and much heavier fines than in the United States. Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. If you are arrested in possession of 15 grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or 200 grams (seven ounces) of marijuana, you will be presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs.

The Malaysian criminal code includes a provision for a sentence of caning for certain white-collar crimes, including criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and cheating. If you collect and/or remove local flora and fauna without authorization from the Malaysian Government, you may be prosecuted criminally and may be sentenced to heavy fines, expulsion, and/or imprisonment.

Distribution of religious leaflets or books of another faith to Malaysian Muslims is illegal; if you do so, you may be arrested and imprisoned. Occasionally, special religious authorities coordinate with local police to conduct raids on popular nightspots and hotels to deter activities among local Muslims that contravene religious customs, including drinking alcohol and having premarital sex.

Although access to prisoners is permitted, the U.S. Embassy may not learn of the arrest of U.S. citizens in smaller, more remote areas until several days after the incident. Prison conditions are harsh. You should carry a copy of your U.S. passport and current social visit pass (visa) with you at all times, so that if you are questioned by local officials, you will have proof of your identity, U.S. citizenship, and legal status in Malaysia readily available.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Currency: Currency exchange is readily available; international bank-to-bank transfers may take several days and require adequate identification. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country, but you should be aware of the risk of fraud by criminal syndicates. ATMs can be a safer means of obtaining Malaysian Ringgit. You should note that personal identification numbers (PINs) in Malaysia are 6 digits long, and that some travelers have reported having difficulty retrieving cash from ATMs using 4-digit PINs. Western Union money transfers are available through various Malaysian banks and the post office. See Western Union’s website to find a Western Union location and address in Malaysia.

Customs: Malaysia’s customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary importation into or export from Malaysia of items such as firearms, narcotics, medication, business equipment, currency and books, other printed material, and video and audio recordings which might be considered obscene or in any way harmful to public interest and cultural property. You should contact the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of Malaysia’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs’ requirements. Please see our information on customs regulations.

Dual Nationality: Malaysia does not recognize or permit dual nationality. If Malaysian authorities learn that you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of Malaysia, they may require you to immediately renounce U.S. citizenship or forfeit Malaysian citizenship. If you are a dual U.S.-Malaysian citizen you should consider this issue seriously before traveling to Malaysia. See our dual nationality flyer for more information.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities and services are adequate in the larger cities, where you can find Western-trained doctors. The U.S. Embassy can provide a list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals upon request. Psychological and psychiatric medical and counseling services are limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services although major credit cards are acceptable at some hospitals in larger cities.

Malaysian ambulance attendants do not have training equivalent to U.S. standards. Callers to Malaysia's "999" emergency number (equivalent to dialing 911 in the United States) are connected to the Red Crescent (a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies), and patients are directed to whichever hospital the dispatcher chooses. If you are staying in Malaysia for a long time, and you have known health problems, you should investigate private ambulance services in the area and provide family and close contacts with the direct telephone number(s) of the service you prefer.

Air quality in Malaysia is acceptable most of the time. However, when Malaysia and nearby countries burn vegetation, especially from March through June and during September and October, air quality can range from “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy.”

For information on avian influenza (bird flu), please refer to our Avian Influenza Fact Sheet. Information on H1N1 influenza (commonly referred to as swine flu) can be found at the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website.

You can find information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You should ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctor and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another policy for your trip that would cover you. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Malaysia is for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Many car rental agencies in Malaysia are willing to rent vehicles for a short term to U.S. citizens with valid U.S. driver’s licenses. H however, if you plan on driving in Malaysia, we strongly urge you to obtain an international driving permit (IDP) before leaving the United States. More information on how to obtain an IDP is available on the Road Safety Overseas section of the Department of State website. If you plan to stay in Malaysia for a longer period of time, you must obtain a local driver’s permit through the Road Transport Department of Malaysia.

Traffic in Malaysia moves on the left side of the road, and most vehicles are right-hand drive. Motorcyclists attempt to circumvent traffic blockage by weaving in and out of traffic, temporarily using vacant oncoming traffic lanes, and running through red lights. This poses a hazard for both drivers and pedestrians unfamiliar with such traffic patterns. If you drive, you should use your turn signals well in advance of turning to alert motorcycles of your intent to turn. You must use your seat belts in Malaysia and must not use your cell phone while driving. Turning left at a red light is not legal unless otherwise marked.

Traffic is heavy during the morning and afternoon rush hours and slows down considerably when it rains; monsoon rains can quickly flood roads located in low-lying areas. Bottlenecks are common in major cities because infrastructure development has not kept pace with the proliferation of motorized vehicles. Multi-lane highways often merge into narrow two-lane roads in the center of town and cause added congestion. Many streets are narrow and winding.

Reports of late-night road rage incidents, especially after midnight, are rising. If you drive, avoid confrontational behavior if you are involved in an accident, especially with a motorcyclist. If you are threatened, leave the scene and file a report with the local police within 24 hours.

Taxis are metered, but many drivers refuse to use the meter and instead charge a much higher rate, particularly during peak hours, when it is raining, or when the passenger’s destination is to or through a heavily-congested area. Metered fares increase by 50 percent between midnight and 6 am; meters are programmed to display the higher fee automatically during these hours.

Sobriety Checkpoints: Please note that laws against drinking and driving are strictly enforced and carry serious penalties. Police operate sobriety checkpoints in many entertainment districts frequented by expatriates. At these checkpoints, all drivers must submit to alcohol breath tests. If you failing a breath test, you will be arrested.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. If you would like more information about Malaysian or international drivers' licenses, you can contact the Automobile Association of Malaysia, the country’s national tourist office, and the national authority responsible for road safety.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Malaysia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Malaysia dated February 24, 2010 to update sections on Safety and Security and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

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Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

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