Is Malaysia safe? The travel advice, and the numbers to call
What the UK and Canada advise, where travellers run into trouble, and the numbers to call.
By the Local SIM Malaysia team, checked October 2, 2026
The short answer
Canada's level is take normal security precautions, with a high degree of caution on the east coast of Sabah, while the UK advises against all but essential travel to the islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah because of the risk of kidnapping. In the cities, petty theft is common. Emergency: 999 for police and an ambulance, 994 for the fire service.
- Canada's level: take normal security precautions, with a high degree of caution on the east coast of Sabah between Kudat and Tawau.
- Regional warning: the UK advises against all but essential travel to the islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah, from Sandakan to Tawau, because of the risk of kidnapping; the Sabah mainland is not included.
- The common risk: petty theft is prevalent in tourist areas and at the airport, and thieves on motorbikes grab bags; keep yours on the side away from the road.
- Roads: fatal bus crashes have occurred, particularly on overnight journeys, and helmets are required on motorbikes.
- Natural hazards: seasonal storms bring flooding and landslides, and earthquakes can happen but are rare.
- Emergency: 999 for the police and an ambulance, 994 for the fire service, and 112 from a mobile.
Checked October 2, 2026
What the advice says
Petty crime
- The advice
- Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in tourist areas and at the airport; carry few valuables and keep bags away from the road side.
Cards and cash
- The advice
- Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread on the UK advice; use ATMs inside a bank or a busy place, cover the keypad and check your statements.
Roads
- The advice
- Bus crashes have occurred, particularly on overnight journeys; choose a reputable operator, and wear a helmet on a motorbike.
Water
- The advice
- Boat accidents occur and some vessels are overloaded or poorly maintained; avoid boats that look overloaded and check that life jackets are available.
Regional
- The advice
- The UK advises against all but essential travel to the eastern Sabah islands and dive sites; the mainland of Sabah is not covered by that warning.
Natural hazards
- The advice
- Seasonal storms cause flooding and landslides; earthquakes happen but are rare.
Where travellers run into trouble
Street theft
Bag-snatching is common in the major cities, and thieves on motorbikes can cut straps or pull bags from the shoulder closest to the road; keep bags facing away from traffic and hold your phone securely.
Nights out
Assaults and robberies have happened around bars and nightlife areas, and there are cases of strangers offering spiked drinks; keep your drink in sight and take care late at night.
Health
Dengue is a travel health notice on the Canadian advice, and good health care is available mainly in the major cities, with payment expected at the time of service; talk to a clinician before the trip.
Airport taxis
Touts at Kuala Lumpur's airport have overcharged and, in some cases, robbed travellers; take a registered airport taxi and buy the coupon at the counter in the terminal.
The bottom line
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Is Malaysia safe for travellers?
The official advice is to take normal care: Canada's level is take normal security precautions, with a high degree of caution on the east coast of Sabah, and the UK advises against all but essential travel to the eastern Sabah islands and dive sites. Petty theft is the everyday risk; keep bags and phones secure and save the emergency numbers.
Which parts of Malaysia should I avoid?
The UK advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, because of the threat of kidnapping; the mainland of Sabah is not included, and Canada's own caution covers the east coast between Kudat and Tawau.
Sources
Where the facts on this page come from.
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Malaysia travel advice (warnings and insurance)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Malaysia safety and security
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Malaysia getting help (emergency numbers)
- Government of Canada, Malaysia travel advice (crime, health and natural disasters)
- Malaysian Meteorological Department: weather phenomena (monsoon floods)
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