Australian High Commission
Malaysia

Safety & Security

Safety & Security

Personal Safety Tips for Australian Visitors to Malaysia

Malaysia, with its ethnically mixed population and rich cultural heritage, offers a stimulating combination of influences to visitors, including artistic styles, architecture, social attitudes, dress and food. Kuala Lumpur is a bustling, vibrant city, and becoming more sophisticated. However, similar to most cities in developing nations, it is not without its problems and these are increasing with Kuala Lumpur's rapid pace of growth.

The Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur, has prepared this information to help you to plan for your visit to Malaysia, to assist you to maximise enjoyment of your time and to help you to deal with any difficulties you might encounter.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication. However, neither the Australian High Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade nor the Australian Government can guarantee the accuracy of information, or that it will not be out of date by the time you need it.

Travellers should check personally to ensure that information of particular importance to them is correct. The Australian High Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Government are not liable for decisions taken by travellers based on this information.

Arrest

When you travel overseas you are required to obey the local laws and regulations. Being Australian does not exempt you from local laws, whether they relate to drugs or other matters.

If you are detained or arrested by the Police in Malaysia, you have a right to request that a Consular Officer at the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur be notified that you are being held in custody. There are limits to the services that Australian Consuls can provide and what assistance they can give you. Consuls will visit you in Police detention or jail and, if you so request, and arrange for your family to be informed, if you wish. Consuls can also provide you with a list of lawyers practising in Malaysia, but they cannot represent you at legal proceedings or give legal advice.

Points to keep in mind are:

  • Obey local law in Malaysia at all times

  • If you are detained or arrested, contact the Australian High Commission or nearest Consulate or request that the Police do this on your behalf.

Bag Snatching/Robbery

Tourists are vulnerable to this type of crime and there are well-organised groups, proficient at targeting the unwary. Pickpockets operate in shopping centres, hotels, sporting venues and on public transport. Bag snatching by passing motorcyclists is a common occurrence.

Points to keep in mind are:

  • Don't keep all your money and travel documents in one wallet or bag. Separate cash, traveller's cheques, credit cards and other valuable documents.

  • Keep a separate record of all your traveller's cheques, travel documents, credit cards, licences, etc. If you do lose your bag or wallet, this will greatly simplify reporting, cancellation and replacement. If you have access to a photocopier, make copies.

  • Don't carry large sums of cash in public places.

  • Keep handbags closed and money belts zipped shut.

  • Be aware of who is around you when shopping.

  • Never open your bag or wallet if people are loitering nearby.

  • In cafes and restaurants, don't hang bags on the backs of chairs. Keep them on your shoulder or lap or between your feet on the ground.

  • On roads or footpaths, be aware of any movement behind you and, where possible walk towards traffic.

  • When walking around, keep bags close to the body, with no loose straps, and the opening flap against the body and on the side away from the road.

  • Never have both hands full of parcels when walking the streets.

  • Don't leave bags/briefcases etc unattended, even for a moment.

  • People have been threatened and forced to hand over credit/ATM cards and reveal PIN numbers. Only carry these cards when absolutely necessary.

  • Armed robberies have occurred, particularly at jewellery/goldsmith shops which are generally located in busy shopping areas. In the event of being caught up in an armed robbery, no attempt should be made to play heroics.

  • If you do lose or have your bag stolen, try to remember all particulars of the incident and make a report to the nearest Police Station.

  • If you lose your Australian Passport, contact the Australian High Commission or nearest Consulate to arrange for its replacement.

Common Assault/Harassment

Physical assaults and/or harassment have been known to occur.

Points to keep in mind are:

  • Be aware of potential cultural sensitivities. Intemperate comments could form the basis for harassment.

  • Try to ignore offensive remarks.

  • Try to defuse the situation.

  • If this is unsuccessful, try to attract attention by making as much noise as possible.

  • Try to remember all particulars of the assailant and the place of the incident and report it to the nearest Police Station.

  • If you require further assistance, contact the Australian High Commission or nearest Consulate.

Drugs

The trafficking or use of illegal drugs is a serious offence in Malaysia and the penalty for such an offence is death.

Gambling Scams

Gambling scams have been reported and have generally resulted in tourists losing substantial sums of money. Individuals who specialise in this activity are extremely personable and plausible. They approach foreigners in the street or at outdoor cafes and engage them in conversation about topical issues in their home countries. In the case of Australians these typically are education opportunities for overseas students. The encounter usually culminates in the foreigner being invited to a local home to meet family members and share a meal. Once at the house, the foreigner is induced into participating in a seemingly harmless card game in which the stakes dramatically increase and the foreigner, inevitably, loses heavily. The group then pressures the foreigner to withdraw cash or purchase gold on credit cards to cover the debt.

Points to keep in mind are:

  • Gambling in Malaysia, apart from in authorised venues such as casinos, is illegal.

  • Be wary of approaches from strangers at all times.

  • Don't accept invitations to the homes of strangers.

  • Don't divulge personal information, such as telephone number/address, to acquaintances you make on holidays.

  • If you do become involved in a scam, try to remember all particulars of the incident and individuals and make a report to the nearest Police Station. However, be aware there may be little the Police can do to assist you as the groups are difficult to track down.

General Vehicle Travel

Travel by public transport is generally considered quite safe in Kuala Lumpur but commonsense and normal precautions should be observed.

In taxis, always request the meter be turned on or agree a fare at the commencement of a trip. If a taxi driver refuses to comply with this arrangement, take down particulars of the cab displayed on the dashboard before you leave the vehicle. Unprofessional behaviour by taxi drivers should be reported to the Road Transport Department (RIMB), telephone: (603) 423 6599 or to Federal Organisation of the Malaysian Consumer's Association (FOMCA), telephone: (603) 728 2555.

There have been reports of armed robberies of vehicles stopped at traffic lights.

Points to keep in mind are:

  • Always lock car doors when driving around the city.

  • Always have an accurate and current road/street directory in your vehicle.

  • Have a good quality cassette player in the car as the traffic delays can be lengthy.

  • It is advisable to keep a reasonable amount of petrol in the car.

  • If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you are obliged to report it to the Police Station within 24 hours.

Road Rage

Traffic systems in Kuala Lumpur often become congested and driver frustration at delays is common.

Points to keep in mind are:

  • Remain in the vehicle and lock all doors. If possible, drive away.

  • If threatened, draw attention to the incident by sounding the horn nonstop.

  • Record the number and details of the other vehicle.

  • Try to remain calm.

  • Try to remember all particulars of the incident and report it to the nearest Police Station.

  • If you require further assistance, contact the Australian High Commission or nearest Consulate.

Sexual Assault

Crimes of this nature have become more widespread in recent years. Females in particular should exercise commonsense and take precautions to minimise exposure to attack.

Points to keep in mind are:

  • Avoid suspect situations such as invitations to unknown places from acquaintances.

  • Avoid poorly lit locations, lift wells and underground car parks, especially at night.

  • Be aware of cultural sensitivities and dress appropriately.

  • Try to defuse any potentially threatening situation.

  • If this is unsuccessful, try to attract attention by making as much noise as possible.

  • Consider purchasing a "Shrill Alarm" or similar protective device.

  • Try to remember all particulars of the assailant and the place of the incident and report it to the nearest Police Station. Do not destroy any evidence before Police attendance.