Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

Terrorism in Malaysia  

Terrorist attacks in Malaysia cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Potential targets include:

• bars and restaurants
• hotels
• markets
• shopping malls
• tourist attractions
• places of worship
• airports

You should be especially vigilant and maintain a high level of security awareness in crowded places and at large gatherings.

Terrorist kidnap

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government policy is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

In Malaysia, there is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping in coastal areas of eastern Sabah from terrorist and criminal groups. The threat is particularly high between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau and on islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), based in the Philippines, has previously kidnapped foreigners from the east coast of mainland Sabah, the islands and the surrounding waters. The group has murdered several hostages. Some groups operating in the southern Philippines, including factions of ASG, have pledged allegiance to Daesh and are likely to regard Westerners as legitimate targets.

Political situation

In response to the current situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, there have been peaceful demonstrations in some Malaysian cities, including outside some Western embassies.  

Monitor local and international media and avoid all demonstrations. Police can use tear gas and water cannons to control public protests.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Take precautions to protect yourself from petty crime. Avoid carrying valuables and take particular care of your passport while:

• walking
• in cafes
• on aircraft
• in airport and railway terminals
• in hotel rooms

Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread. Take care when using your card.

Bag-snatching is common, particularly in major cities. Thieves on motorbikes can target tourists. They can cut straps or pull off bags carried on the shoulder closest to the road. They have sometimes pulled people to the ground and killed or injured them if they try to hold onto their bags.

Personal security

There have been cases of assaults and robbery, particularly around bars and nightlife areas. Do not open your hotel room door to strangers, especially late at night. This applies particularly to women travelling alone.

Drink spiking

There have been cases of strangers offering tourists a spiked drink, even in reputable bars or restaurants, and then robbing or assaulting them.

Using taxis

Taxi coupon systems are in place at airports. In other areas, taxis should use a meter.

Police reports

If you’re a victim of crime, inform the local police and get a police report.

Laws and cultural differences

Malaysia is a multicultural, majority Muslim country. Respect local laws, cultures, traditions and religions.

Dress modestly, particularly in conservative and rural areas. You may be refused entry to places of worship or government offices if you do not have your shoulders and knees covered or are not wearing closed shoes. Check the signs displayed at the entrance.

If you’re a Muslim, you may be subject to local Sharia law.

Personal ID

Always carry your passport. 

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Ramadan will take place between March and April in Malaysia in 2024.

During this time, you should:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware of the risks of dehydration and that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for all drug offences, including for amphetamine-type stimulants. If you are detained following a raid on a bar or nightclub, you could have to take a urine test to check for drug use.

Possessing drugs, even in very small quantities, carries severe penalties, including:  

• arrest and detention
• a long jail sentence if charged and convicted
• a possible whipping
• if drug trafficking is indicated, a possible death sentence by hanging

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Malaysia under federal law. The Malaysian authorities sometimes carry out raids on LGBT+ spaces and events. Shows of affection in public could attract negative responses from other members of the public. Openly LGBT+ safe spaces and support groups exist.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

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 licensed operators, insist on training before use and make sure you’re covered by your insurance.

Diving school standards are not always as high as in the UK. You should:

• check a dive operator’s credentials
• make sure safety equipment is available on the boat, particularly oxygen
• ask about safety precautions, including the ability to transfer divers to a hyperbaric chamber

If you have not had any previous diving experience:

• ask your dive instructor to explain what cover they offer before signing up
• check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea

The diving 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. Only dive there on a ‘look not touch’ basis. Make sure any boat operator you use holds a licence for diving at the wreck site.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Malaysia, see information on driving abroad.

You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and a UK driving licence to drive in Malaysia for up to a year. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You will need to buy a new IDP for each additional year you plan to drive in Malaysia.

Drivers (particularly motorbike drivers) do not always stop at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. If you’re involved in a road accident, it’s illegal to leave the scene before the police have arrived. If a crowd gathers, it may be safer to go directly to the nearest police station instead.

There have been several fatal bus crashes, particularly on overnight journeys. Choose a reputable operator for your journey.

If you rent a motorbike, it’s illegal not to wear a helmet.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and the traffic police regularly carry out breath tests. If you are found driving over the legal limit, you may get:

• a heavy fine
• a jail sentence
• deported

Road conditions in East Malaysia and not as good as those in Peninsular Malaysia.

Sea and river travel

Some passenger boats have sunk due to overloading and poor maintenance. Take care when travelling by passenger ferry or speedboat. Avoid travelling on vessels that are clearly overloaded or in poor condition. Make sure life jackets are available.

Piracy in South East Asian waters is an ongoing problem. There have been 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.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Malaysia is affected by seasonal storms. The timing of these storms depends on location in the country. Flooding and landslides are common and can cause significant damage to infrastructure. Essential services can be interrupted. Check Malaysian meteorological information on local weather.  

Earthquakes can happen in Malaysia, but are rare.