I want your stay in Malaysia to be a memorable and pleasant one.  As a Malaysian, I know lots of inside information about Malaysia (particularly Kuala Lumpur) that other webmasters may not know.  So allow me to share some precautionary measures with you to prevent any untoward incidents.

1.  Areas to avoid at night

In major cities, there are red light districts where pimps, prostitutes, drug addicts and illegal immigrants are mainly found.  Kuala Lumpur, being the biggest city in Malaysia, is no exception.  Therefore, it is important for tourists to avoid certain roads at night.

These are Jalan Alor, Jalan Chow Kit and their surrounding areas.  These areas are within the Golden Triangle vicinity where most tourists to Kuala Lumpur normally stay.  In addition, it is best to avoid smaller alleys especially those which are poorly lit or lonely areas of the city.

The telephone number to call in cases of emergencies is 999 (no area code needed).  It connects to the police.

2.  Avoiding theft

With the influx of illegal immigrants to major cities comes an increase in crimes.  To avoid snatch thieves or break-ins, do the following:

Store your traveler’s cheques, cash and other valuables in the hotel safe or safety deposit box.

If you have to take them with you, keep it in a secure bag with a strap and sling it across your shoulder rather than just over one shoulder.  The same goes for video or camera equipment.  This deters snatch thieves.

When walking along the pavement or footpaths, do not walk too close beside the road.  Sometimes, snatch thieves ride on motorcycles and come from behind to snatch your bag.  If you are a couple, always have the lady walk on the inside path and the man walk on the outside of her next to the road.

If you’re traveling in a car or taxi, keep the door locked and the window up.  This prevents theft at traffic lights.

Keep close watch on your purse or wallet when in crowded places like the night markets to avoid being pick-pocketed.

Be extra careful of your surroundings when withdrawing money from an ATM machine.  If you are a couple, one of you should withdraw while the other keeps an eye out for anyone suspicious nearby.

Do not leave anything that may look valuable (like your video or camera bag) inside your parked car.  If you have a laptop computer and wish to leave it in the car, remove its battery and keep the laptop in the boot (or trunk) of the car so that it’s out of sight.  Without its battery, thieves cannot detect it even with electronic tracking devices.

3.  Avoiding sickness and bites

Most tourists end up sick through the food or drinks they take.  That is because the level of hygiene may differ from country to country.  To avoid getting sick, drink plenty of water because of Malaysia’s hot weather.  Never drink water that is not properly boiled.  The level of chlorine in the tap water might be different from that in your country. 

Avoid eating food at roadside or hawker stalls, even if it may be cheaper.  Have some generic medicine with you for stomach discomfort, indigestion, diarrhea, fever etc.  If you have to buy some medicine, go to a qualified pharmacy.

If you are involved in some outdoor activity such as camping, bring along some insect repellent.  Malaysia’s hot and humid weather is ideal for mosquitoes especially in the jungles.  Sun block is also necessary under the sun or on the beach.

If you go jungle trekking, bring along some salt.  If you are bitten by a leech, the best way to get it off is by sprinkling some salt onto its body.  If salt is unavailable, use oil or a fire.  Never pull a leech off while it is biting you.  It’s almost impossible and furthermore, if you do get it off this way, the bleeding will not stop.

4.  General safety

Always follow the instructions of anyone in charge of whatever activity you may partake in (such as a lifeguard or guide).  In the event of unforeseen incidents, contact the person-in-charge, your hotel, the police or the ambulance.  Once again, the emergency number for the police is 999.  The number for the ambulance is 991.

Taking precautions is part and parcel of traveling.  With this information, you will enjoy your stay in Malaysia.