Some people get offended if asked whether their country is safe for tourists. I — on the other hand — think it’s a valid question to ask, especially if you’re a solo female traveler.
True, danger is everywhere and we must never let our guard down, but if I were to visit a new place, I’d want to know if there’s any danger or annoyance specific to that place that I should be aware of. And it’s definitely not something you should gloss over.
In this article, I wish to give you an honest insight into the safety situation in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur. I’m writing as someone who has lived here for more than 30 years, and who has also traveled abroad extensively, therefore has an idea of how Malaysia compares to other countries.
Petty crimes in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a modern city with a population of about 2 million people. In Kuala Lumpur, violent crimes against tourists are very uncommon. But just like in many big cities, petty crimes are prevalent.
In crowded places and on public transports, beware of pickpockets (although they are probably not as skillful or as organized as the ones in Europe).
Kuala Lumpur is not a city where you can leave your bag in a public area, go to the washroom, and expect to find your stuff still there when you come back.
Snatch theft is a more prominent problem than pickpocketing. Have I had it happen to me? Never (touch wood). Have I seen it happen in front of my eyes? Also never. But I know it does happen and unfortunately, quite a few cases have resulted in serious injuries and even deaths.
What to do
- Don’t dangle your bag on the side of the road while walking.
- Hold your phone securely, especially near roads.
- Use a crossbody bag or a money belt in crowded areas like Bukit Bintang or Petaling Street in KL.
- If you’re carrying a backpack, it’s safer to carry it on your front. Make sure your bags are zipped.
- Do not put any valuables in your back pockets.
Never leave your personal belongings unattended. When dining alfresco, do not put your phone or purse on the table or within easy reach of passers-by. The same rule applies when walking, riding a bicycle, or riding a motorbike: keep your valuables out of sight.
Tourist scams in Malaysia
I personally have never been a scam victim in my own city, so I can’t really speak from experience. And compared to some other countries in the region, Malaysia isn’t known for tourist scams. You won’t get aggressively hassled on the street like in some places. But there are certain things you should be aware of. I’ve written a full article of common scams in Malaysia and how to outsmart them.
What to do
- Use Grab or other e-hailing apps instead of taxis.
- Buy bus tickets at the ticket counters or machines, not from ticket touts loitering outside the bus terminal. Alternatively, buy online from reputable websites like RedBus, Easybook and 12Go.
- On the same note, exercise caution when buying tour packages. Confirm tour prices and inclusions clearly in advance.
- When shopping at a local market, have an idea of what things should cost, and then haggle like a pro!
Sexual harassment in Malaysia
Statistically speaking, in Malaysia, you are more likely to be sexually assaulted by a family member or someone close to you than by a stranger. Although rare, sexual harassment does happen, especially in crowded places — which is why you might see special train coaches for ladies.
Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and therefore requires a certain dress code. There are some places in the city where you can wear anything you like and not feel out of place (e.g. Bukit Bintang).
In other areas especially in more rural parts of the country, it is best to keep your legs and shoulders covered. Not that you will get into serious trouble for not doing so, but you might attract unwanted attention.
Staring
Staring is a common complaint I hear from tourists visiting Malaysia. In most cases though, people stare out of curiosity, rather than bad intentions.
Some locals, especially those who are not exposed to Western culture (my own elderly parents included), are not aware that staring is rude. I personally had to tell my mom to stop staring at a Caucasian tourist, and she was totally confused as to why she was not allowed to look and admire her style.
Please note that I’m not condoning this behavior, nor am I making excuses for the offenders. I hate the idea that women have to dress a certain way to be treated with respect. But I hope this might shed some new light on the issue — that sometimes it’s just a matter of cultural differences.
What to do
- Take the ladies coach when riding the train/metro during peak hours.
- Dress modestly in rural areas or religious sites.
- Avoid isolated places after dark, like parks or beaches.
Road safety
In 2019, Malaysia has the third highest fatality rate from road traffic accidents in Asia and Southeast Asia, behind Thailand and Vietnam. So, you might want to consider that before taking long-distance bus rides especially at night. For interstate travel, I personally prefer taking trains or flights.
Road conditions are excellent in most parts of Malaysia. However, you can’t say the same about the drivers.
What to do
- When crossing a street, always look both ways and make sure it’s safe before you cross — even if you’re using the zebra crossing, even if the traffic lights say you can cross, and even if you’re crossing a one-way street.
- Wear the seat belt.
- If driving, drive defensively, and don’t expect everyone to follow rules. Read my post on driving in Malaysia for foreigners.
- Don’t rent a scooter if you’re not confident with your skill.
- Get a travel insurance.
Cleanliness
In terms of cleanliness, Malaysia doesn’t fare too badly compared to neighboring countries, but it’s not the cleanest either. There are still people who litter everywhere, some rivers are the color of teh tarik, and some of the public toilets make you want to hold your pee till you get back to your hotel.
But things are slowly changing. If there’s anything positive that came out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s that people are more conscious about hygiene.
When it comes to food, premises inside shopping malls can be considered safe, as they have to undergo frequent checks to ensure that they adhere to the strictest cleanliness standards. You might want to be a little wary of street stalls and night markets, but this shouldn’t stop you from trying street food. Just practice a little extra care.
What to do
- Do not drink unfiltered tap water without boiling it first.
- If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to reputable restaurants or shopping mall food courts.
Is it safe for Muslims? Non-Muslims? LGBTQ+ people?
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, but it’s also multicultural. Non-Muslims are free to practice their religion and dress as they like (though modesty is appreciated in religious spaces).
For Muslim travelers, Malaysia is a dream. Halal food is easy to find, prayer facilities are everywhere, and many hotels are Muslim-friendly.
The LGBTQ+ situation is more complicated. Same-sex activity is technically criminalized, but enforcement is rare and generally limited to local citizens. LGBTQ+ tourists usually face no issues, especially in big cities, but open displays of affection (even for straight couples) are best kept private.
Final thoughts
Malaysia is a fairly safe country to visit.
There are no wars, riots, or political unrest beyond the usual bickering among politicians. There are also no natural disasters apart from the yearly monsoon season in some parts of the country sometimes causing floods and landslides.
Plus, violent crimes against tourists are very uncommon. Possession of guns is illegal without a license, which is extremely difficult to obtain.
However, just like anywhere else, you should always be vigilant and use common sense. Take good care of your belongings, don’t trust people too easily, and avoid walking alone at night in dodgy areas. Drink responsibly, and dress modestly (optional).
Have you visited Malaysia? Did you feel safe? Share your experience in the comments below.
You may also like:
Pingback:10 Things You Must NOT Do When Visiting Malaysia – Ummi Around Malaysia
Pingback:Kuala Lumpur Shopping Safety: What to Know