Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel can continue to Malaysia after a security brief avoiding certain areas:

 

 We advise against all but essential travel to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including (but not limited to) Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking.

 

There is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping and criminality on the eastern coast of Sabah and in particular the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.

 

Recent incidents involving tourists include:

 

On 14 May 2015, armed men entered the Ocean King seafood restaurant on the Sandakan seafront and abducted the Malaysian restaurant manager and another Malaysian national.

 

On 12 July 2014, gunmen killed a member of the police and kidnapped another at the Mabul Water Bungalows Resort on the island of Mabul, off Semporna.

 

On 2 April 2014, armed men abducted 2 women, a Chinese tourist, and a Philippine hotel worker, from Singamata Reef Resort. Singamata Island is situated off the coastal town of Semporna in eastern Sabah.

 

On 15 November 2013, 2 Taiwanese tourists were attacked in their room at the Sipadan Pom Pom Resort, off the coast of eastern Sabah. A male tourist was killed and his wife kidnapped.

 

You should take great care in the town of Sandakan and along the coastal area south to Tawau. You should also take great care in areas east of Lahad Datu and around Semporna following the confrontation in March 2013 between insurgents and Malaysian security forces. Keep up to date with developments, and follow the advice of your tour operator and the local authorities

 

Local travel - Sabah

 

In February 2013, around 100 armed men from the Sulu archipelago landed on the eastern coast of Sabah and occupied the small village of Kampung Tanduo approximately 100 km east of Lahad Datu. On 1 March 2013 there was an exchange of fire and a number of fatalities. On 3 March 2013 there were reports of further incidents on the coast between Lahad Datu and Semporna. Additional Malaysian security forces were sent to the area on 4 March 2013 and on 5 March 2013 airstrikes and other military action was reported against locations held by the armed group from Sulu around Kampung Tanduo.

 

Some areas of eastern Sabah have been designated by the Malaysian authorities as coming under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM). The Malaysian security forces have strengthened their presence in this area and introduced measures to reduce the risk to the civilian population.  Engagements with those involved in the insurgency have been mainly limited to the area in the immediate vicinity of Kampung Tandao, some 120km to the east of Lahad Datu.  Major towns and transit points have been unaffected.

 

Crime

 

In the early hours of 9 October, a hand grenade was thrown in front of a nightclub at the Sun Complex, off Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur. One person was killed and 13 people were injured in the blast. Take extra care in the area.

 

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.

 

In August 2014, 2 British nationals were killed in an incident in Kuching while returning to their hostel. Take care, especially at night.

 

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.

 

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 EU. 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 foreign 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.

 

Local laws and customs

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.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

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; this includes amphetamine-type stimulants. Trafficking incurs a mandatory death penalty. Possession incurs a custodial sentence and possible whipping.

 

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.

 

Health

Following flooding in the states of Kelantan, Perak, Terengganu and Pahang there has been an increase in suspected cases of leptospirosis. You should take precautions to protect yourself if you’re travelling in these areas.

 

Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever occur all year round. There has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever, including in Kuala Lumpur. You should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

 

From June to August, Malaysia can experience air pollution from forest fires in Indonesia. Current recorded pollution readings in a number of states are higher than usual for this time of year. This is due to land and forest fires in a number of Malaysian states. The persistent hot and dry weather conditions also causes dust to remain suspended in the air and accumulate, causing the haze. Monitor the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) updates and health advisories issued by the Malaysian Department of Environment and NaTHNaC.

 

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.

 

Natural disasters

Malaysia is affected by seasonal storms between October and February, which occasionally result in heavy flooding.

 

Visas

 

EU 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 you 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’re 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.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for exit from Malaysia. If you plan to use an ETD to enter or transit through Malaysia, check entry requirements with the nearest Malaysian Embassy or High Commission before you travel.

 

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.