Listeners planning to travel to Malaysia as of September 2025 should know that Malaysia remains a popular and generally safe destination, but there are several key safety and travel precautions they should keep in mind. The U.S. Department of State currently recommends exercising normal precautions for travel to Malaysia overall. However, specific areas do carry increased risks and warrant additional caution, especially the eastern regions of Sabah on Borneo’s coast. Both Canadian and U.S. travel advisories advise avoiding non-essential travel to eastern Sabah, particularly the districts of Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, and Beluran, due to recent incidents of kidnapping and violence linked to cross-border criminal groups.
Criminality and terrorism are identified as risks in some parts of the country. Travelers are urged to exercise a high degree of caution while in Malaysia, as there is a continued threat of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams, particularly in bustling urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Violent crimes against foreigners remain rare. Listeners should take sensible measures, such as securing belongings, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and staying vigilant in crowded places.
A recent health advisory in 2025 from the U.S. Embassy notes a global rise in measles cases. Anyone traveling to Malaysia should ensure their vaccinations are up to date before departure and seek out advice from a healthcare provider, especially if they plan to spend time in busy areas like public transportation terminals, major tourist sites, or airports.
Road safety is a notable concern in Malaysia. In 2023, the nation reported approximately 600,000 traffic accidents and more than 6,400 road fatalities, with the majority involving motorcyclists. Traffic laws are strictly enforced—seat belts are required in both the front and back seats and cell phone use while driving must be hands-free. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly during monsoon rains, causing flooding and dangerous driving conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. Heavy traffic congestion is common in major cities, and motorcycle drivers often disregard basic safety rules. Those unfamiliar with local driving customs should consider hiring a licensed local driver and only use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services. It is recommended to avoid driving outside urban areas at night due to poor lighting and potential hazards.
All foreign visitors must complete and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days before their arrival in the country. Arrivals from, or transiting through, countries with yellow fever risk must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, or face possible quarantine.
Women traveling alone may experience some forms of harassment or verbal abuse, so taking basic precautions and staying aware of surroundings is advised. Travelers are also warned against leaving food or drinks unattended, as there have been occasional reports of food or beverages being spiked.
When planning a trip to Malaysia, comprehensive medical and travel insurance remains highly recommended. Insurance should cover potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of personal property. Listeners should secure their travel documents, follow local laws, and consider enrolling in embassy travel registration programs for prompt updates and access to consular support during unforeseen events.
Recent local news from Malaysia Airlines urges travelers to arrive early at Kuala Lumpur International Airport during peak travel periods for a smoother check-in experience, especially in the week surrounding the September holidays.
In summary, Malaysia welcomes international visitors, but travelers should stay informed about current advisories, remain vigilant regarding health and safety, particularly in specified high-risk areas, and take practical precautions for a secure and enjoyable visit.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Criminality and terrorism are identified as risks in some parts of the country. Travelers are urged to exercise a high degree of caution while in Malaysia, as there is a continued threat of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams, particularly in bustling urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Violent crimes against foreigners remain rare. Listeners should take sensible measures, such as securing belongings, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and staying vigilant in crowded places.
A recent health advisory in 2025 from the U.S. Embassy notes a global rise in measles cases. Anyone traveling to Malaysia should ensure their vaccinations are up to date before departure and seek out advice from a healthcare provider, especially if they plan to spend time in busy areas like public transportation terminals, major tourist sites, or airports.
Road safety is a notable concern in Malaysia. In 2023, the nation reported approximately 600,000 traffic accidents and more than 6,400 road fatalities, with the majority involving motorcyclists. Traffic laws are strictly enforced—seat belts are required in both the front and back seats and cell phone use while driving must be hands-free. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly during monsoon rains, causing flooding and dangerous driving conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. Heavy traffic congestion is common in major cities, and motorcycle drivers often disregard basic safety rules. Those unfamiliar with local driving customs should consider hiring a licensed local driver and only use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services. It is recommended to avoid driving outside urban areas at night due to poor lighting and potential hazards.
All foreign visitors must complete and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days before their arrival in the country. Arrivals from, or transiting through, countries with yellow fever risk must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, or face possible quarantine.
Women traveling alone may experience some forms of harassment or verbal abuse, so taking basic precautions and staying aware of surroundings is advised. Travelers are also warned against leaving food or drinks unattended, as there have been occasional reports of food or beverages being spiked.
When planning a trip to Malaysia, comprehensive medical and travel insurance remains highly recommended. Insurance should cover potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of personal property. Listeners should secure their travel documents, follow local laws, and consider enrolling in embassy travel registration programs for prompt updates and access to consular support during unforeseen events.
Recent local news from Malaysia Airlines urges travelers to arrive early at Kuala Lumpur International Airport during peak travel periods for a smoother check-in experience, especially in the week surrounding the September holidays.
In summary, Malaysia welcomes international visitors, but travelers should stay informed about current advisories, remain vigilant regarding health and safety, particularly in specified high-risk areas, and take practical precautions for a secure and enjoyable visit.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners planning to travel to Malaysia as of September twenty
twenty five should know that Malaysia remains a popular and
generally safe destination, but there are several key safety and
travel precautions they should keep in mind. The U S
Department of State currently recommends exercising normal precautions for travel
to Malaysia overall. However, specific areas do carry increased risks
(00:24):
and warrant additional caution, especially the eastern regions of Sabah
on Borneo's coast. Both Canadian and US travel advisories advise
avoiding non essential travel to eastern Sabah, particularly the districts
of Lahaddatu, Kunak, Simporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Beluran, due to
recent incidents of kidnapping and violence linked to cross border
(00:46):
criminal groups. Criminality and terrorism are identified as risks in
some parts of the country. Travelers are urged to exercise
a high degree of caution while in Malaysia, as there
is a continued threat of petty crime such as pickpocketing
and scams, particularly in bustling urban centers like Kuala Lumpur
and Penang. Violent crimes against foreigners remain rare. Listeners should
(01:10):
take sensible measures, such as securing belongings, avoiding isolated areas
after dark, and staying vigilant in crowded places. A recent
health advisory in twenty twenty five from the US Fire
Embassy notes a global rise in measles cases. Anyone traveling
to Malaysia should ensure their vaccinations are up to date
before departure and seek out advice from a health care provider,
(01:33):
especially if they plan to spend time in busy areas
like public transportation terminals, major tourist sites, or airports. Road
safety is a notable concern in Malaysia. In twenty twenty three,
the nation reported approximately six hundred thousand traffic accidents and
more than six thousand, four hundred road fatalities, with the
(01:53):
majority involving motorcyclists. Traffic laws are strictly enforced, seat belts
are required in both the front and back seats, and
cell phone use while driving must be hands free. Road
conditions can deteriorate quickly during monsoon rains, causing flooding and
dangerous driving conditions, particularly in low lying areas. Heavy traffic
(02:16):
congestion is common in major cities and motorcycle drivers often
disregard basic safety rules. Those unfamiliar with local driving customs
should consider hiring a licensed local driver and only use
official taxis or reputable ride hailing services. It is recommended
to avoid driving outside urban areas at night due to
(02:36):
poor lighting and potential hazards. All foreign visitors must complete
and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days
before their arrival in the country. Arrivals from or transiting
through countries with yellow fever risk must present a yellow
fever vaccination certificate or face possible quarantine. Women traveling alone
(02:58):
may experience some forms of haraz gassment or verbal abuse,
so taking basic precautions and staying aware of surroundings is advised.
Travelers are also warned against leaving food or drinks unattended,
as there have been occasional reports of food or beverages
being spiked. When planning a trip to Malaysia, comprehensive medical
and travel insurance remains highly recommended. Insurance should cover potential
(03:23):
medical emergencies, trip cancelations, and loss of personal property. Listeners
should secure their travel documents, follow local laws, and consider
enrolling in embassy travel registration programs for prompt updates and
access to consular support during unforeseen events. Recent local news
from Malaysia Airlines urges travelers to arrive early at Kuala
(03:46):
Lumpur International Airport during peak travel periods for a smoother
check in experience, especially in the week surrounding the September holidays.
In summary, Malaysia welcomes international visitors, but traveler should stay
informed about current advisories, remain vigilant regarding health and safety,
particularly in specified high risk areas, and take practical precautions
(04:10):
for a secure and enjoyable visit.
Listeners planning to travel to Malaysia as of September twenty
twenty five should know that Malaysia remains a popular and
generally safe destination, but there are several key safety and
travel precautions they should keep in mind. The U S
Department of State currently recommends exercising normal precautions for travel
to Malaysia overall. However, specific areas do carry increased risks
(00:24):
and warrant additional caution, especially the eastern regions of Sabah
on Borneo's coast. Both Canadian and US travel advisories advise
avoiding non essential travel to eastern Sabah, particularly the districts
of Lahaddatu, Kunak, Simporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Beluran, due to
recent incidents of kidnapping and violence linked to cross border
(00:46):
criminal groups. Criminality and terrorism are identified as risks in
some parts of the country. Travelers are urged to exercise
a high degree of caution while in Malaysia, as there
is a continued threat of petty crime such as pickpocketing
and scams, particularly in bustling urban centers like Kuala Lumpur
and Penang. Violent crimes against foreigners remain rare. Listeners should
(01:10):
take sensible measures, such as securing belongings, avoiding isolated areas
after dark, and staying vigilant in crowded places. A recent
health advisory in twenty twenty five from the US Fire
Embassy notes a global rise in measles cases. Anyone traveling
to Malaysia should ensure their vaccinations are up to date
before departure and seek out advice from a health care provider,
(01:33):
especially if they plan to spend time in busy areas
like public transportation terminals, major tourist sites, or airports. Road
safety is a notable concern in Malaysia. In twenty twenty three,
the nation reported approximately six hundred thousand traffic accidents and
more than six thousand, four hundred road fatalities, with the
(01:53):
majority involving motorcyclists. Traffic laws are strictly enforced, seat belts
are required in both the front and back seats, and
cell phone use while driving must be hands free. Road
conditions can deteriorate quickly during monsoon rains, causing flooding and
dangerous driving conditions, particularly in low lying areas. Heavy traffic
(02:16):
congestion is common in major cities and motorcycle drivers often
disregard basic safety rules. Those unfamiliar with local driving customs
should consider hiring a licensed local driver and only use
official taxis or reputable ride hailing services. It is recommended
to avoid driving outside urban areas at night due to
(02:36):
poor lighting and potential hazards. All foreign visitors must complete
and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days
before their arrival in the country. Arrivals from or transiting
through countries with yellow fever risk must present a yellow
fever vaccination certificate or face possible quarantine. Women traveling alone
(02:58):
may experience some forms of haraz gassment or verbal abuse,
so taking basic precautions and staying aware of surroundings is advised.
Travelers are also warned against leaving food or drinks unattended,
as there have been occasional reports of food or beverages
being spiked. When planning a trip to Malaysia, comprehensive medical
and travel insurance remains highly recommended. Insurance should cover potential
(03:23):
medical emergencies, trip cancelations, and loss of personal property. Listeners
should secure their travel documents, follow local laws, and consider
enrolling in embassy travel registration programs for prompt updates and
access to consular support during unforeseen events. Recent local news
from Malaysia Airlines urges travelers to arrive early at Kuala
(03:46):
Lumpur International Airport during peak travel periods for a smoother
check in experience, especially in the week surrounding the September holidays.
In summary, Malaysia welcomes international visitors, but traveler should stay
informed about current advisories, remain vigilant regarding health and safety,
particularly in specified high risk areas, and take practical precautions
(04:10):
for a secure and enjoyable visit.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.