3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon. Petty crime is prevalent, especially in tourist areas and at the airport. Snatch and grab incidents against tourists occur. Thieves on motorcycles frequently grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, often resulting in injury. Women walking alone or with children are common targets. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not leave valuables unattended in vehicles. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. There have been cases of drugging. Demonstrations should be avoided.
Male travellers, usually alone, have been approached in public places with invitations to participate in card games offering attractive opportunities for winning large amounts of money. Victims have lost thousands of dollars before realizing they were being scammed.
Several Canadians have reported serious problems as a result of responding to offers to do volunteer work with the Utan Bara Adventure Team (UBAT). The work was advertised on UBAT's Web site at www.ubat.com.my. Persons interested in doing volunteer work with UBAT should contact Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa (ask for the Malaysian Desk Officer in Consular Case Management) or the High Commission of Canada in Kuala Lumpur (see below).Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships in Southeast Asia occur, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah and southern Philippines. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce. Foreign vessels travelling in the waters off Sabah are subject to Malaysian law and must use routes designated by Malaysian authorities. Vessels must also fly a Malaysian flag and the flag of their home country.
BACK TO TOP
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are good. Seat belts are mandatory. The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
BACK TO TOP
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Unrestricted burning in neighbouring Indonesia periodically causes atmospheric pollution to rise to unhealthy levels. Levels change quickly and should be closely monitored. Travellers with respiratory problems should take this into account and consult with their physician prior to travelling. Such unrestricted burning may also lead to travel disruptions in affected areas.
The monsoon season extends from April to October in the southwest and October to February in the northeast, causing flooding and landslides, especially in remote locations. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
See our Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons.
BACK TO TOP
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
The penalty for many drug offences is death. In keeping with Islamic laws and customs, some states, particularly Kelantan and Trengganu, have strict controls on the purchase and consumption of alcohol by Muslims.
Dual nationality is not recognized. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.
Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
Homosexuality is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences and fines. Laws against drinking and driving are strictly enforced.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in certain parts of the country, particularly Kelantan and Trengganu. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.
BACK TO TOP
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Malaysian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 21, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for Malaysia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Malaysia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Travellers destined for Indonesia, Thailand, or the Philippines via Singapore or Hong Kong will not be permitted to board their connecting flights if their passport does not meet the six-month validity period requirement.
Tourist visas are not required for stays up to three months. For stays over three months, visitors must apply for an extension at any Malaysian Immigration office. The head office is located at Pusat Bandar Damansara, Level 1, Block 1, Kuala Lumpur (tel.: 03-6201-6088). Overstaying a visa is a criminal offence. People overstaying their visa will be subject to fines, jail sentences, and/or deportation.
Visitors should carry passports at all times as a form of identification. The Malaysian government is attempting to halt illegal immigration, particularly among foreigners who are working without an Employment Pass. Before you apply for an Employment Pass (at the Immigration Office or a Malaysian High Commission overseas), your prospective employer must apply for approval (from the Standing Committee for Malaysianisation, JKT, or the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority, MIDA) to fill the position with an expatriate. While waiting for the approval, your employer can apply to bring you into the country on a Social Visit Pass (i.e. Temporary Employment). We strongly recommend against this last step: Canadians should obtain their Employment Pass before arrival since it is very difficult to change visa status once inside Malaysia. Foreigners are limited to three visit pass extensions, after which they must leave the country or a fine will be imposed for overstaying.
Travellers must complete a Traveller's Declaration Form upon arrival and departure and have it signed by a customs officer. A special permit is required to bring in more than 1,000 ringgits in the form of cash or other negotiable items. Excess amounts are seized upon arrival. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in by visitors. Visitors may leave the country with only the amount of currency declared on the Traveller's Declaration Form on arrival. Exporters and importers should contact the Commercial Section of the High Commission of Canada in Kuala Lumpur for details affecting their transactions.
Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas. If you arrive from an infected area and do not have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, you will be quarantined upon arrival in Malaysia.
Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to three months)
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
An airport tax of MYR 40 is required on international flights. It is normally included in the price of the plane ticket. _____________________________________________
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
BACK TO TOP
9. MONEY
The currency is the ringgit (MYR). Traveller's cheques are accepted at banks, hotels, and large department stores. Credit cards should be safeguarded at all times. Malaysia has one of the highest rates of credit card fraud in the world. Credit card magnetic strips have been duplicated, even in international hotels. Swiping your own card may not always be possible. Users should pay careful attention when their cards are being handled by others during the payment processing. Some major hotels will not accept credit cards due to the extent of credit card fraud. ATMs are available in main cities.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
BACK TO TOP
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Malaysia (capital: Kuala Lumpur) is located in Southeast Asia, consisting of West Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula and East Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) on the north coast of the island of Borneo. The official language is Bahasa Malaysia. English is widely spoken. Tourist facilities and services are available in major areas.
BACK TO TOP
11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
BACK TO TOP
12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Travellers must carry a letter from their doctor authorizing the use of prescription medicine.
BACK TO TOP
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
BACK TO TOP
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
BACK TO TOP
15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
BACK TO TOP
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
BACK TO TOP
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
N/A
BACK TO TOP
18. ANNEX
N/A
BACK TO TOP
