Published: February 26, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Malaysia Travel Advisory and Malaysia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60-3-2168-5000
After-hours Emergencies: +60-3-2168-5000 (press 1 at the recording). Hours: Monday-Friday, 0745-1630.
OSAC Country Chapters
The Kuala Lumpur OSAC Country Chapter meets quarterly.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Malaysia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions when traveling to Malaysia. Exercise increased caution in the eastern area of Sabah State due to kidnapping.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kuala Lumpur as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Malaysia.
The crime emergency line in Malaysia is 999 (landline) and 112 (cell/mobile).
There is considerable risk from crime in Kuala Lumpur. This includes around-the-clock street crime that occurs primarily in densely populated urban centers and affects locals and foreigners alike. The most common crimes include petty theft (particularly purse snatching and pickpocketing), smash-and-grab thefts from vehicles, and residential burglaries. Violent and more serious crimes are less common. Other types of common non-violent criminal activity include credit card fraud, ATM-skimming, and cybercrime.
Most purse snatching incidents involve thieves on motorcycles who stalk victims from behind before grabbing their purse, phone, or other valuables. Pedestrians distracted by their children or their mobile phones are also more vulnerable. These types of thefts can occur at all hours, in front of large groups of witnesses, even in upscale neighborhoods frequented by expatriates. Hotel driveways and valet areas have become favorite sites for thieves, even in the early morning hours.
Keep zip purses and shoulder bags closed and tucked under your arm. Do not to wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder; victims have been injured and even killed after thieves on motorcycles grabbed their bag, causing them to fall, and dragging them along the pavement by their purse straps. Immediately give up possessions if confronted. More recently, thieves carrying knives have slashed at and cut the hands of victims in order to shock them into releasing valuables. Increasingly, large groups of thugs physically confront victims.
Smash-and-grab thieves most often target motorists stuck in traffic. Typically, a pair of thieves on a motorcycle identifies a lone passenger whose valuables are in plain sight. The thieves smash the window of the car with a crow bar, grab the bag, and speed off. Reduce your vulnerability by keeping valuables out of sight and remove them from the car when parked. Do not leave GPS devices on the windshield or dashboard.
Residential break-ins are common, and single-family homes are the most common targets. Thieves are generally non-confrontational, and most often target properties while tenants are away. While uncommon, the possibility of confrontation does not deter some burglars, who will detain residents and threaten them with violence. Gated high-rise apartment complexes with 24-hour guards and electronic access control systems have a much lower burglary rate than other types of housing. Major international hotels typically have adequate security and low rates of crime.
Debit and credit card fraud is prevalent. While it is generally safe to use credit cards in larger department stores or grocery chains, exercise caution when making purchases at smaller restaurants and with local merchants, where there is less employee accountability. Watch retailers closely and maintain positive control of credit cards. Monitor account transaction activity for fraudulent charges, as unauthorized charges may not appear for months.
ATM cash withdrawals are generally safe as long as the ATM is affiliated with reputable Malaysian or international banks in secure locations. Avoid ATMs at less secure locations, such as at gas stations or convenience stores. A police report is necessary for the Embassy to help follow up on incidents of crime.
Sophisticated internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Malaysia. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or less frequently, or by unsolicited emails, and letters, text messages, and messages on social media. Scammers almost always frequently pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include romance/online dating; money transfers; lucrative sales; gold purchase; contracts with promises of large commissions; inheritance notices; work permits/job offers; bank overpayments; and digital/cryptocurrency scams.
While most streets are safe to walk, downtown entertainment areas near bars and clubs see a higher volume of crime after midnight. This is particularly true of the alleys and side streets just off the main commercial zones. Prostitution is illegal but common in these same areas. There have been reports of foreigners drugged at nightclubs and targeted for robbery and/or sexual assault.
Taxi drivers in downtown Kuala Lumpur have been complicit in violent crimes perpetrated against foreign tourists and local residents. This is especially true in the early morning hours after nightclubs close. Use e-hailing services or book taxis in downtown shopping areas by phone or online, rather than hailing a taxi on the street, particularly after dark.
Exercise increased caution when traveling to eastern Sabah due to the threat of kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) and violence from terrorist and criminal groups, including the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). In addition to incursions into coastal or resort islands themselves, criminal or terrorist groups may attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists from the mainland to resort islands. Due to these safety concerns, U.S. government employees traveling to eastern Sabah east of the north-south line drawn from Kudat to Tawau, including all islands, must first obtain official written permission from the Embassy. RSO notes that in 2020 police clashed on several occasions with ASG-affiliated criminals located west of this established north-south line, representing a change from years past.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Malaysia, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
Consider the risks associated with travel to coastal eastern Sabah due to the threat of kidnapping, and violence from terrorist and criminal groups. The requirement for U.S. government employees to receive permission before traveling to these areas highlights significant safety concerns, and underscores the persistent threat of kidnapping and piracy operations in the region.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kuala Lumpur as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Malaysia.
Malaysia experienced its first ISIS-related terrorist attack in 2016, when a grenade attack at a nightclub near Kuala Lumpur injured eight people. Since 2013, Malaysian authorities have arrested more than 500 ISIS supporters, including many individuals who planned to travel to Syria and Iraq and participate in fighting.
The U.S. Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of more terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens in Malaysia. Regional extremist groups have demonstrated the capability and intent to carry out attacks in locations where Westerners congregate. Threat actors do not appear to distinguish between civilian and official targets. Unsophisticated attacks in public areas, tourist sites, and upscale shopping venues are of greatest concern.
The Malaysian government characterized an incursion into the state of Sabah in 2013 by several hundred gunmen from the southern Philippines asserting a territorial claim as terrorism. Dozens of suspects have been convicted of waging war and other national security offenses. KFR activity in the waters off the eastern coast of Sabah remains a key concern linked directly to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a U.S. Department of State-designated foreign terrorist organization based in the southern Philippines.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kuala Lumpur as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Malaysia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Public protests occur in Kuala Lumpur with some frequency, but local law prohibits non-Malaysians from participating. Most demonstrations are peaceful and well-organized, but some are hastily arranged via social media and conducted “illegally” (without a permit). Police are well-represented at most demonstrations.
Malaysia held a general election on November 19, 2022; Anwar Ibrahim of the People’s Justice Party (PKR) was sworn in as prime minister.
Protests & Demonstrations
Demonstrations may occur in response to political or economic issues, during international events, or on politically significant holidays.
Avoid demonstrations, and exercise caution near any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning. Monitor local media to remain updated on planned demonstrations and areas of concern.
The U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur has issued 18 alerts related to demonstrations since January 2024. Those alerts can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia webpage.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is no inherent anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment among Malaysians.
Law Enforcement
The Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) maintain internal security and report to the Home Affairs Ministry. RMP is a well-trained and equipped federal police force. RMP provides good law enforcement support to the U.S. Embassy, and has responded favorably to the needs of the U.S. private sector and to U.S. citizens in general. The RMP is sometimes limited in its effectiveness in investigations. Civilian authorities at times do not maintain effective control over security forces. There are reports that members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
State-level Islamic religious enforcement officers have authority to enforce some criminal aspects of sharia law.
Police Response
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the U.S. Malaysia actively enforces immigration regulations and may levy high fines or incarcerate foreigners with prolonged overstays. The court system is typically very slow and there are often lengthy delays in trials.
The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) does not routinely inform the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of private U.S. citizens. Detained or harassed U.S. citizens should contact the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Malaysia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Malaysia.
The law provided criminal penalties for corruption by officials; several sitting and former government officials were on trial for corruption, and there was a broadly held perception of widespread corruption and cronyism in government institutions. Media outlets reported numerous allegations of official corruption during the year.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission was responsible for investigating corruption in both private and public bodies but did not have prosecutorial authority. An auditor general was responsible, per the constitution, for auditing the accounts of the federal and state governments, government agencies, and other public authorities.
Cybersecurity
U.S. citizens and businesses continue to be the victims of scams originating in Malaysia. Scammers and con artists contact U.S. citizens through the telephone and internet, including through online dating sites. There have been cases of U.S. businesses defrauded by investment scams. Be very cautious about sending money to people you have not met in person, and who claim to be U.S. citizens in trouble in Malaysia.
Individuals who believe they have been the victim of a scam and wish to make a formal complaint can report it to the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate, which will accept the report (in person or via e-mail) and transmit to the Malaysian police for follow-up. You can also report the crime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Find resources in the Department of State's publication, International Financial Scams.
Import/Export Restrictions
Malaysian authorities strictly enforce regulations on the import and export of firearms, narcotics, medication, business equipment, currency, books, cultural property, or other materials which may be considered obscene or harmful to the public interest.
There are no restrictions on the import of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
