Malaysia 2007 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety Report

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The overall crime rate in Malaysia is MEDIUM. Violent crime against expatriates is relatively uncommon. Most criminal activity directed against foreigners is limited to non-violent crimes such as petty theft, purse snatching and credit card fraud. Residential break-ins occur and are becoming more frequent, but have not resulted in injuries to the occupants.

Purse snatching is a frequently reported crime against expatriates and Malaysian citizens. In most incidents, two men on a motorcycle speed up from behind a victim, coming close enough for the person on the back of the motorcycle to snatch a purse, handbag, or cellular telephone. Thieves have also conducted snatch­ thefts while leaning out of the passenger side of moving vehicles. These thefts occur at all hours and often in front of large groups of witnesses, and even in upscale neighborhoods frequented by expatriates. Women walking by themselves are the most common targets. Victims have been injured and even killed after falling and being dragged by thieves in cars or on motorcycles.

Credit card fraud continues to be a problem in Malaysia, although enhanced technology has somewhat reduced reported instances of fraud. Unauthorized charges may not appear on a credit card account for several months, but can unexpectedly appear in amounts of US $5,000 or more. One of the more common methods is for retailers to swipe the credit card under the counter where account information is received into a machine containing a mobile phone SIM card and is transmitted to a criminal organization for reproduction. Travelers should watch retailers closely and any "under the table" transactions should be reported to the local police.

In some cases sophisticated criminal organizations have tapped into data lines emanating from retail establishments. Credit card information is then stolen as it is being transmitted to financial institutions. If you must use a credit card in Malaysia, you are advised to check your account information frequently for fraudulent charges. ATM cards are safer as long as the machines where they are used are associated with reputable Malaysian banks.

Residential burglaries in Kuala Lumpur occur in neighborhoods with large expatriate communities. Detached single-family dwellings and residences adjacent to open fields are common targets. Some burglaries have occurred when occupants were home, and burglars have been known to threaten victims with knives. There have not been any reported injuries to expatriates as a result of a residential burglary. There have been instances where burglars entered residences by breaking through rooftops. Some burglaries are crimes of opportunity where thieves prey on soft targets with obvious vulnerabilities. Thefts from vehicles parked at residences and along city streets have also occurred on occasion.

Gated apartment or condominium complexes with 24-hour guards have a lower burglary rate than other residential units, and apartments in general are burglarized less often than single-family dwellings. Major international hotels in Kuala Lumpur have good security and crimes at these hotels are not commonly reported.

Traffic and Road Safety

Vehicles in Malaysia are right-hand drive and traffic moves on the left side of the road. Roads, especially highways, are generally well maintained, but monsoon rains can quickly flood roads located in low-lying areas. Traffic in Malaysia is heavy, especially in and around the capital. Motorbikes weave in and out of traffic, temporarily use vacant oncoming traffic lanes, and run through red lights. This poses a hazard for both drivers and pedestrians unfamiliar with such traffic patterns. Drivers should use their turn signals well in advance of turning to alert motorcycles of their intent to turn. There are occasional incidents involving road rage. Drivers are advised to avoid confrontational behavior if involved in an accident, especially with a motorcyclist. If threatened, drivers should leave the scene and file a report with the local police within 24 hours.

Police operate sobriety checkpoints in many entertainment districts frequented by expatriates. All drivers are required to submit to alcohol breath tests at these checkpoints. A failure of the breath test results in an arrest. Laws against drinking and driving are strictly enforced with serious penalties.

Many criminal penalties are severe in Malaysia, and are enforced uniformly. Firearms offenses carry strict penalties. There is a mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking.

Political Violence

Terrorism

There are currently no direct or specific threats of terrorism against any U.S. interests in Malaysia. The terrorist organization Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) has been linked to attacks in Indonesia, maintains a presence in the Southeast Asia region, and has suspected links to al Qa'ida. The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is based in the southern Philippines and has kidnapped tourists for ransom on off-shore islands along the eastern coast of the Malaysian province of Sabah.

Travelers contemplating a trip to Malaysia are advised to consult the Department's Consular Information Sheet for Malaysia, especially if travel to the coastal areas eastern Sabah or overland travel to southern Thailand are planned. Travelers should also be aware of the Department's periodic Worldwide Cautions re-emphasizing that U.S. citizens abroad may be targets of terrorist actions. The Public Announcement and periodic Worldwide Cautions are available on the Department website at http://travel.state.gov/.

Demonstrations

There have been a number of demonstrations at the Embassy during the past year. Most of these demonstrations have resulted from emotionally charged issues regarding U.S. policy in the Middle East. Demonstrations are generally peaceful, usually occur on Fridays following afternoon prayers, and have not involved other U.S. interests.

Post-Specific Concerns

Malaysia's location in Southeast Asia makes it less susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis than other countries in the region. 

The country's tropical monsoon season lasts from November through about mid-February. During this period, heavy rains and thunderstorms may occur every afternoon. Street flooding often results in urban areas with poor drainage. In less developed areas, landslides can cause road closures.

Police Response

The Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) is well trained and equipped. The national police emergency number is 999. An alternate number for the RMP Operations Center in Kuala Lumpur is 2115-9999. There are sometimes language difficulties, but a little patience will generally result in a response by an English-speaking officer. In tourist areas such as Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, and the main square in Malacca, the police have established small "Tourist Police" stations.

The RMP provide excellent protection to the embassy and have consistently responded constructively to the security needs of the U.S. private sector and of American citizens in general. If an incident of police detention or harassment of a U.S. citizen occurs, the U.S. Embassy should be contacted immediately.

Medical Emergencies

In terms of quality of care, Kuala Lumpur has modern medical facilities that are almost comparable to those in the U.S. In an emergency, it is recommended the victim be transported immediately to the hospital. The recommended hospital for the Kuala Lumpur area is Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre located on Jalan Ampang, 4257-1300.

Local emergency medical services are unreliable and the staff are not trained to the same standards as the U.S. However, if transport by ambulance is unavoidable, two recommended services are: 

Red Crescent Ambulance - 03-4257-8726

St. John Ambulance - 03-9285-5294 

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

To avoid becoming the victim of a purse snatching, women should be alert and aware of their surroundings. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic and keep a close eye on all vehicular traffic, particularly motorcycles. If possible, try and walk with a group of people. Avoid poorly lit streets, shortcuts, and narrow alleys. Keep a low profile and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. Do not carry large sums of cash or expensive, flashy jewelry. If possible, leave wallets or purses at home and just carry necessary cash and ID in a front pocket. Purses or shoulder bags should be closed and tucked under the arm. Do not wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder. People have been injured or killed by being pulled to the ground by their purse straps as the thieves speed off. If your purse or bag is snatched, immediately let go of it. Do not struggle with the attacker. Remain calm until the incident is over, and report the incident as soon as possible to the RMP.

Care should be taken in selecting a residence. Apartments are preferred over single-family residences, and all doors, windows, and other accessible points should have adequate locks and grills as necessary. Solid-core entrance doors and the creation of an emergency safehaven inside the residence are recommended. Doors, grills, locks, and gates should remain secured at all times to act as both a visual and physical deterrent. Single-family homes should be equipped with a monitored alarm system. Since domestic help often changes hands in Malaysia, key control is very important, and locks should always be changed prior to occupying a residence.

While most streets are safe to walk, downtown areas around bars and discos tend to become populated with less desirable individuals after midnight. While prostitution is illegal in Malaysia, it is prevalent. Foreigners have reported instances of being robbed and drugged after availing themselves of the services of prostitutes.

For Further Information

Routine public inquiries from American citizens about security and safety in Malaysia should be directed to the American Citizens Services Section of the U.S. Embassy by calling (60) (3) 2168-3300 during normal business hours. For emergencies outside of normal business hours, call (60) (3) 2168-5000 and listen for recorded instructions on how to contact an embassy officer.

Regional Security Office - 2168-5111
Embassy Operator - 2168-5000
Embassy Health Unit - 2168-2391
Consular Affairs Section - 2168-2393
Political Section - 2168-4843
Economics Section - 2168-4957
Post One - 2168-4959
Embassy Duty Officer - (6) 012-218-4691

OSAC Country Council 

The Kuala Lumpur Country Council is run primarily through the American Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (AMCHAM). The OSAC point of contact within AMCHAM, Ms. Nellie Yeoh, Assistant Manager, Events and Programs, may be reached at (60) (3) 2148-2407, or email Nellie@amcham.com.my.