Malaysia 2019 Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Malaysia at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Exercise increased caution in the eastern area of Sabah State due to crime and terrorism. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit cannot recommend a particular individual or establishment, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of services provided. Review OSAC’s Malaysia page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Crime Threats 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 considerably 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. Zip purses and shoulder bags closed, and tuck them 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. 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. 1 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. 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. Residential break-ins are common, and single-family homes are the most commonly targeted. 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. Monitored 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. Cybersecurity Issues 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, at StopFraud.gov (a service of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force), and from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. 2 Other Areas of Concern Exercise caution when traveling to eastern Sabah due to the threat of kidnap-for-ransom and violence from terrorist and criminal groups, including the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group. 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. The Malaysian government has designated the entire eastern portion of Sabah as the Eastern Sabah Security Zone, and established the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to coordinate security. There is significant police and army presence in the area, and road checkpoints have increased. The government has also enhanced efforts to patrol its maritime border with the Philippines. Malaysian law enforcement has enacted land- and water-based curfews in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah. Travelers to eastern Sabah should monitor local media or ask local police for the most recent curfew information. Transportation-Safety Situation Road Safety and Road Conditions Road safety is a very serious safety concern. Malaysia averages approximately 19 traffic fatalities a day, placing it among the top 20 most dangerous countries in which to operate a vehicle worldwide. Undisciplined motorcycle and motor scooter operators are the principal cause of traffic accidents, and constitute nearly two-thirds (62%) of all traffic fatalities. Motorcyclists tend not to obey traffic laws and often travel without regard for their safety or that of other motorists. As such, use turn signals well in advance of turning to alert motorcycles. Malaysian driving norms can be difficult to understand. Local drivers can be aggressive and unyielding, but seldom use their horn or get upset over the actions of other drivers. The situation can change quickly, however, if another driver uses their horn or displays hostility. This is particularly true with motorcyclists. Reports of road rages are rising. Drivers who become involved in an accident with another vehicle should avoid becoming confrontational and, if threatened, should leave the scene and report the incident to the local police within 24 hours. By law, passengers must use front and back seat belts, and may not use cell phones while driving without hands-free capability engaged; however, authorities seldom enforce these two laws, and driver cell phone use is pervasive throughout the country, even by motorcyclists. Malaysia is a left-side drive country, and turning left at a red light is not legal unless marked. Police strictly enforce laws against drinking and driving, which carry serious penalties. Police operate sobriety checkpoints in many entertainment districts expatriates frequent. At these checkpoints, all drivers must submit to alcohol breath tests; police arrest those who fail. Commuter traffic is quite heavy in larger cities. Street flooding can occur quickly during the monsoon season due to issues with inadequate infrastructure and drainage issues. 3 Public Transportation Conditions There have been serious, sometimes fatal accidents involving long-distance tour buses, particularly at night and/or during inclement weather. Choose a reputable company and avoid overnight routes. Before entering a taxi, confirm that there is a license (with a photo) on the dashboard or seatback, and that the driver matches the photo. Taxis may not stop and pick up additional passengers. Some drivers, particularly in tourist areas, refuse to use the meter despite the legal requirement to do so. Single women travelers should book taxis in downtown shopping areas by phone, rather than hailing taxis from the street, particularly after dark. Immediately report any problems with taxis to the Land Public Transportation Commission (Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat, SPAD) via phone (+6180-088-7723), email, or the internet. Ride-share services like Uber and Grab are popular and are generally safe. Terrorism Threat Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns There is a moderate risk from terrorism in Malaysia. Malaysia experienced its first ISIS-related terrorist attack in 2016, when a grenade attack at a nightclub near Kuala Lumpur injured eight people.