Malaysia Travel Guide 2025: Essential Safety Tips for Smooth and Secure International Visits

Listeners considering travel to Malaysia in June 2025 will find that the country is generally welcoming and safe for international visitors, with most areas carrying a Level 1 travel advisory, meaning normal precautions are advised. However, it is important to stay aware of a few specific risks and requirements to ensure your journey goes smoothly.

The eastern part of Sabah State, which includes coastal and island resort destinations on Borneo, stands out as an exception, with a Level 2 travel advisory. This elevated alert is due to threats of kidnappings for ransom by terrorist and criminal groups who have targeted tourists in the past. The U.S. government, for instance, has limited ability to provide emergency assistance to its citizens in this region, and its employees require special authorization to travel there. Travelers are urged to exercise increased caution and consider avoiding isolated beaches, late-night excursions, and remote boat trips in eastern Sabah.

Road safety is another significant concern throughout Malaysia. According to the U.S. Department of State, nearly 600,000 traffic accidents occurred in 2023, resulting in over 6,400 fatalities. Motorcyclists and scooter operators were involved in the majority of these incidents, often disregarding traffic laws and safe driving practices. Traffic congestion is frequent in major cities and worsens during periods of heavy monsoonal rain, which can quickly lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Visitors are reminded that traffic moves on the left, steering wheels are on the right, and it is mandatory to wear seat belts in both front and back seats. Using a cell phone while driving is only allowed hands-free, and turning left at a red light is prohibited unless otherwise indicated. Night driving outside urban areas is discouraged due to poor road lighting and additional hazards. For greater safety, consider using official taxis, ride-hailing services, or hiring a licensed local driver, and be extra alert for motorcycles, especially when changing lanes or turning.

The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur recently issued a Health Alert highlighting a global rise in measles outbreaks, with risks especially high in busy settings such as airports, public transportation, and popular tourist attractions. Travelers are strongly encouraged to ensure all vaccinations are current—particularly for measles—prior to arriving in Malaysia and to consult healthcare professionals for tailored advice.

Another important update for 2025 is the requirement for all foreign visitors to complete and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days prior to arrival. This digital registration is mandatory and is checked upon entry. Additionally, always carry your passport or valid identification card, especially when driving or moving around the country.

Basic travel advice also includes securing your travel documents at all times, avoiding unsafe areas, and steering clear of risky situations. Following these guidelines, along with heightened awareness in certain regions and on the roads, will help you enjoy Malaysia’s vibrant culture and diverse attractions with confidence.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners considering travel to Malaysia in June twenty twenty five
will find that the country is generally welcoming and safe
for international visitors, with most areas carrying a Level one
travel advisory, meaning normal precautions are advised. However, it is
important to stay aware of a few specific risks and
requirements to ensure your journey goes smoothly. The eastern part

(00:24):
of Saba State, which includes coastal and island resort destinations
on Borneo, stands out as an exception with a Level
two travel advisory. This elevated alert is due to threats
of kidnappings for ransom by terrorists and criminal groups who
have targeted tourists in the past. The U s Government,
for instance, has limited ability to provide emergency assistance to

(00:46):
its citizens in this region, and its employees require special
authorization to travel there. Travelers are urged to exercise increased
caution and consider avoiding isolated beaches, late night excursions, and
remote boat trips in eastern Saba. Road safety is another
significant concern throughout Malaysia. According to the US Department of State,

(01:09):
nearly six hundred thousand traffic accidents occurred in twenty twenty three,
resulting in over six thousand, four hundred fatalities. Motorcyclists and
scooter operators were involved in the majority of these incidents,
often disregarding traffic laws and safe driving practices. Traffic congestion
is frequent in major cities and worsens during periods of

(01:30):
heavy monsoonal rain, which can quickly lead to flash flooding,
particularly in low lying areas. Visitors are reminded that traffic
moves on the left, steering wheels are on the right,
and it is mandatory to wear seat belts in both
front and back seats. Using a cell phone while driving
is only allowed hands free, and turning left at a

(01:51):
red light is prohibited unless otherwise indicated. Night driving outside
urban areas is discouraged due to poor road lighting and
nat additional hazards. For greater safety, consider using official taxis,
ride hailing services, or hiring a licensed local driver, and
be extra alert for motorcycles, especially when changing lanes or turning.

(02:13):
The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur recently issued a health
alert highlighting a global rise in measles outbreaks, with risks
especially high in busy settings such as airports, public transportation
and popular tourist attractions. Travelers are strongly encouraged to ensure
all vaccinations are current, particularly for measles, prior to arriving

(02:35):
in Malaysia, and to consult health care professionals for tailored advice.
Another important update for twenty twenty five is the requirement
for all foreign visitors to complete and submit the Malaysia
Digital Arrival Card within three days prior to arrival. This
digital registration is mandatory and is checked upon entry. Additionally,

(02:56):
always carry your passport or valid identification card, especially when
driving or moving around the country. Basic travel advice also
includes securing your travel documents at all times, avoiding unsafe areas,
and steering clear of risky situations. Following these guidelines, along
with heightened awareness in certain regions and on the roads,

(03:18):
will help you enjoy Malaysia's vibrant culture and diverse attractions
with confidence.