Health and Safety

As always, when you are abroad pay close attention to the food you eat and liquids you drink because travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related ailments.

Do not drink tap water or drink liquids with ice. It is probably your safest best to stick to canned drinks or mineral water. Also, try to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless you have washed them yourself.

In addition, though presently there are no known infectious outbreaks, it is always best to speak to your physician about possibly health concerns when traveling.

No vaccines are required to enter Malaysia, but here are a few recommendations:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Japanese encephalitis: For travellers staying in Malaysia longer than a month and are going to engage in outdoor activities (especially after dark).
Hepatitis B: this is recommended for travellers who may have intimate contact with the local residents.
Rabies
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Tetanus-diphtheria: Revaccination recommended every 10 years.

Like in most major cities, hold tight to your wallet and belongings in crowded areas, specifically in or near transportation hubs as pickpocketing is not uncommon. Also, be careful when buying items, especially if a salesperson says he will ”wrap’ the gift for you because you may find moments later that there is no gift in the nicely wrapped box! Be alert at all times and try not to look too obviously a tourist, that too a confused one.