Malaysia Travel Safety 2025: Essential Tips for Tourists Navigating Risks in Sabah, Traffic Hazards, and Regional Challenges

Listeners planning to travel to Malaysia should be aware that, as of late May 2025, government sources such as the U.S. State Department and the Canadian and UK foreign offices advise travelers to exercise a high degree of caution throughout Malaysia due to threats of criminality and terrorism. While most of the country remains open to normal travel, there are areas with significantly higher risks, especially the eastern part of Sabah State on the island of Borneo. This region, including the districts of Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, and Beluran, has been repeatedly highlighted due to the ongoing threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from terrorist and criminal groups. These incidents can occur with little or no warning, targeting coastal resorts, island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to and from these locations. The U.S. government, for instance, limits travel by its personnel in this region and urges Americans to exercise increased caution or avoid non-essential travel there.

Road safety is a critical issue in Malaysia. In 2023, the country experienced about 600,000 traffic accidents, resulting in over 6,400 deaths—a figure that places Malaysia among the most dangerous countries for drivers globally. Motorcyclists are involved in the majority of these fatalities, often due to undisciplined and aggressive driving behaviors. Listeners are advised to use extra caution if renting cars or motorbikes, to strictly follow local traffic rules—which include driving on the left side and prohibiting turning left on red lights unless indicated—and to always wear seat belts and helmets. Traffic congestion, especially during rush hours and the rainy season, can be severe and may quickly turn hazardous with flooding in low-lying areas.

Public transport and maritime travel also present unique risks. Bus crashes, especially on overnight routes, have been reported, so it is important to choose reputable tour companies and avoid overnight travel where possible. Boat safety is another concern, as accidents have occurred due to overloaded or poorly maintained vessels. Listeners considering ferry or island-hopping excursions should board only vessels that appear seaworthy and ensure that life jackets are available. Piracy and armed robbery remain ongoing threats in Malaysian waters, especially in the Strait of Malacca and between Sabah and the southern Philippines.

For anyone driving in Malaysia, it is important to have the required documentation, such as an international driving permit if coming from outside the country. In the event of a road accident, it is illegal to leave the scene before police arrive, but if a crowd gathers and safety is a concern, proceed directly to the nearest police station. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

General travel tips include securing travel documents at all times, avoiding unsafe or remote areas, and staying aware of the local security situation. The Malaysian government emphasizes the importance of caution and adherence to local laws and cultural norms, warning against being entangled in dangerous situations or participating in illegal activities, including the possession or use of drugs, which carries severe penalties.

Overall, Malaysia continues to be a popular destination, but listeners should stay informed about regional risks, monitor official travel advisories regularly, and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.

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

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners planning to travel to Malaysia should be aware that
as of late May twenty twenty five, government sources such
as the U S State Department and the Canadian and
UK Foreign Offices advise travelers to exercise a high degree
of caution throughout Malaysia due to threats of criminality and terrorism.
While most of the country remains open to normal travel,

(00:22):
there are areas with significantly higher risks, especially the eastern
part of Saba State on the island of Borneo. This region,
including the districts of Lahadatu, Kunak, Simporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, and Bluran,
has been repeatedly highlighted due to the ongoing threat of
kidnappings for ransom from terrorists and criminal groups. These incidents

(00:44):
can occur with little or no warning, targeting coastal resorts,
island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to and from these locations.
The US government, for instance, limits travel by its personnel
in this region and urges Americans to exercise increased caution
or avoid non essential travel there. Road safety is a

(01:04):
critical issue in Malaysia. In twenty twenty three, the country
experienced about six hundred thousand traffic accidents resulting in over
six thousan four hundred deaths, a figure that places Malaysia
among the most dangerous countries for drivers globally. Motorcyclists are
involved in the majority of these fatalities, often due to

(01:25):
undisciplined and aggressive driving behaviors. Listeners are advised to use
extra caution if renting cars or motorbikes, to strictly follow
local traffic rules, which include driving on the left side
and prohibiting turning left on red lights unless indicated, and
to always wear seat belts and helmets. Traffic congestion, especially

(01:46):
during rush hours and the rainy season, can be severe
and may quickly turn hazardous with flooding in low lying areas.
Public transport and maritime travel also present unique risks. Bus crashes,
especially on overnight routes, have been reported, so it is
important to choose reputable tour companies and avoid overnight travel
where possible. Boat safety is another concern, as accidents have

(02:10):
occurred due to overloaded or poorly maintained vessels. Listeners considering
ferry or island hopping excursions should board only vessels that
appear seaworthy and ensure that life jackets are available. Piracy
and armed robbery remain ongoing threats in Malaysian waters, especially
in the Strait of Malacca and between Sabbah and the

(02:32):
Southern Philippines. For anyone driving in Malaysia, it is important
to have the required documentation, such as an international driving
permit if coming from outside the country. In the event
of a road accident, it is illegal to leave the
scene before police arrive, but if a crowd gathers and
safety is a concern, proceed directly to the nearest police station.

(02:55):
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense
that can lead to heavy fines, in prison or deportation.
General travel tips include securing travel documents at all times,
avoiding unsafe or remote areas, and staying aware of the
local security situation. The Malaysian government emphasizes the importance of
caution and adherents to local laws and cultural norms, warning

(03:18):
against being entangled in dangerous situations or participating in illegal activities,
including the possession or use of drugs, which carries severe penalties. Overall,
Malaysia continues to be a popular destination, but listeners should
stay informed about regional risks, monitor official travel advisories regularly,

(03:39):
and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.