Malaysia 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Malaysia 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

East Asia / Pacific - Malaysia
9 Apr 2008


Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The overall crime rate in Malaysia is medium and 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.

As stated above, purse snatching is a frequently reported crime against expatriates and Malaysian citizens. The usual modus operandi (MO) is one or two males on a motorbike approaching the target from the rear and snatching a purse, handbag, or cell phone. This type of snatch and run tactic has even been executed by occupants leaning out of automobiles. The most common targets are women walking alongside a thoroughfare. These robberies occur at all hours, in front of witnesses, and even in upscale neighborhoods. At times, victims have been injured or even killed after being dragged by robbers attempting to snatch the victims’ shoulder bags.

Credit card fraud continues to be a problem in Malaysia, although enhanced technology has somewhat reduced reported instances of fraud. Unauthorized charges may not show up on a credit card for several months, but can unexpectedly appear in amounts of $5,000 or more. One of the more common MOs is for retail employees to swipe the credit card in a legitimate transaction under the counter, where account information is “skimmed” into a machine that either transmits or stores the information for reproduction. In some cases, more sophisticated criminals have tapped into data lines of legitimate establishments to obtain account information. ATM cash withdrawals are safe, as long as the ATMs used are associated with reputable Malaysian or international banks.

Residential burglaries in Kuala Lumpur (KL) occur. Stand-alone residences in neighborhoods with large expatriate communities are common targets. Some burglars have entered when occupants were still at home, threatening the occupants with weapons, usually blades of some sort. The Regional Security Officer (RSO) has not received any reports to date of injuries to these victims. Vehicular burglaries also occur, targeting vehicles parked at residences or alongside city streets. As in most burglaries, criminals usually hit soft targets with obvious vulnerabilities and/or with valuables in plain view. Gated apartment complexes with 24-hour guards have a much lower burglary rate than other residential units, and apartments in general are burglarized less often than stand-alone residences. Major international hotels that maintain good security enjoy a low incidence of crimes.

Vehicles in Malaysia are driven on the right-hand side of the street, and traffic moves on the left-hand side of the road. Roads, especially highways, are generally maintained. Monsoon rains can quickly flood roads in low-lying areas, usually outside of KL. Traffic in Malaysia is very heavy, especially in and around KL. Motorbikes are numerous and weave in and out of traffic, cross into oncoming traffic lanes, and run red lights. This poses a major hazard for both drivers and pedestrians who are unfamiliar with Malaysian traffic patterns. Drivers should be vigilant for motorbikes at all times, but especially when turning or making a lane change. Road rage is known to occur on occasion. Drivers are advised to avoid confrontational behavior, especially when involved in vehicular collisions. If threatened, drivers should leave the area and report the incident to the police within 24 hours.

Police operate sobriety checkpoints in many entertainment districts frequented by foreigners. At these checkpoints, drivers are required to submit to alcohol breath tests and are subject to arrest if the police officer determines the breath sample to be over the limit. Malaysian drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced with serious penalties.


Political Violence and Terrorism

Since 1969, political violence in Malaysia has been almost non-existent; however, Malaysia is currently experiencing increased demonstrations over racial tensions, political divisions, and U.S. policies in the Middle East, with some rare associated outbursts of violence.

There are two main terrorist groups in the Southeast Asia region, Abu-Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which have suspected links with al-Qaeda. There have been numerous terrorist attacks in the region, but so far Malaysia has not had any significant terrorist activity.

There are currently no direct or specific threats of terrorism against U.S. interests in Malaysia. ASG is based in the southern Philippines and has kidnapped tourists for ransom on the off-shore islands along the eastern coasts of Sabah.


Post-Specific Concerns

Malaysia’s location makes it less susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis than other countries in Southeast Asia. A tropical monsoon season lasts from November to about mid-February in Malaysia. During this period, heavy rains and thunderstorms occur almost daily. Urban areas with poor drainage and other low-lying areas can suffer flooding. In less-developed rural areas, this flooding can cause landslides.

The ASG has kidnapped foreigners in Malaysia in recent years. Criminal elements are also responsible for kidnapping and piracy committed against foreigners. These acts of violence have occurred in the eastern islands and coastal areas of the state of Sabah, closest to the border with the Philippines. The most recent incident involving American citizens occurred in 2000. There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups continue to plan acts of violence against foreigners.


Police Response

The Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) is a national police force that is well trained and equipped. The RMP generally provides excellent law enforcement support to the U.S. Embassy and has consistently responded favorably to the needs of the U.S. private sector, and American citizens in general.

Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. People violating the law, even unknowingly, may be fined, expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Malaysia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Malaysia strictly enforces its drug laws. Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. Individuals arrested in possession of 15 grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or 200 grams (seven ounces) of marijuana are presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs. If an American citizen encounters an incident of police detention or harassment, the embassy should be notified immediately.

Victims of crimes should call the national emergency telephone number: 999, the Malaysian equivalent of 911 in the United States. In tourist areas, the RMP has established small “Tourist Police” stations.


Medical Emergencies

Kuala Lumpur has modern facilities that are almost comparable, in terms of quality of care, to those in the U.S. In an emergency, it is recommended the victim be transported immediately to a hospital. The two recommended hospitals in the KL are:

Prince Court Medical Center: 03-4255-2717, at the corner of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Kia Peng

Gleneagles Intan Medical Center: 2160-6000, 282 Jalan Ampang


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

St. John Ambulance: 03-4257-8726

Red Crescent Ambulance: 03-9285-5294


How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

To avoid becoming the victim of a purse snatching, be alert and aware of your surroundings. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic and keep a close eye on all vehicular traffic, particularly motorcycles. If possible, try to walk on the sidewalk away from the curb. Avoid poorly lit streets, shortcuts, and narrow alleys. Purses or shoulder bags should be closed and tucked under the arm. Do not wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder, as people have been injured or killed by being pulled to the ground by their purse straps as the robbers 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 police.

Travelers in Malaysia should avoid using credit cards if possible, and credit card numbers should be closely safeguarded at all times. Travelers should watch retailers closely and any “under the table” transactions should be reported to the local police. If you must use a credit card in Malaysia, you are advised to check your account information frequently for fraudulent charges.

While most streets are safe to walk, downtown areas around bars and discos tend to become less hospitable after midnight. Prostitution is illegal in Malaysia, but is still prevalent. There are reports of foreigners being drugged and robbed after availing themselves of a prostitute’s services.


How to Contact the Embassy

Routine public inquiries from American citizens about security and safety in Malaysia should be directed to the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the embassy during normal business hours. For emergencies outside of normal business hours, call the embassy main line and listen to the recorded instructions or call the embassy’s Duty Officer.


Contact Information

Regional Security Office: +60-3-2168-5111
Embassy main line: +60-3-2168-5000
Embassy health unit: +60-3-2168-2391
Consular Affairs: +60-3-2168-2393
ACS: +60-3-2168-3300
Political section: +60-3-2168-4843
Economics section: +60-3-2168-4957
Post One: +60-3-2168-4959
Embassy Duty Officer: +60-12-218-4691


OSAC Country Council

OSAC meetings are organized by the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). The OSAC point-of-contact within AMCHAM, Assistant Manager of Events and Programs, can be reached at: +60-3-2148-2407.