For security reasons, the check the ‘Entry requirements’ area for Malaysia’s current entrance restrictions and requirements. These may change with small warning. Monitor this advice for your latest updates and stay in contact with your travel service provider.
Terrorists are likely to attempt to carry out attacks in Malaysia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, which includes in places visited simply by foreigners. Bars and dining places, hotels, markets, shopping malls hosting major international brand outlets, tourist attractions, places of worship and airports are all potential focuses on. You should be especially vigilant and keep a high level of security awareness in crowded places with large gatherings.
There is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping plus criminality on the eastern coastline of Sabah and in particular the hawaiian islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. There has been an increase in kidnapping by groups operating in the southern Philippines, some of whom have the ability to conduct kidnaps on the coast associated with Sabah. Commercial shipping companies have been advised to adopt increased vigilance when navigating the particular Sulu and Celebes Oceans. Most maritime incidents take place in the Sulu Sea in the region between Sabah (Malaysia) plus Mindanao, the Sulu Islands and Palawan (Philippines). The Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) advise most of ships to re-route from the area where possible. Around 360, 500 British nationals visit Malaysia each year. Most visits are usually trouble free, but incidents of petty crime, especially bag snatching, can affect visitors. Discover Crime In May 2017, the Philippines authorities reported that they had received unsubstantiated but credible information that this terrorist group Abu Sayyaf may be about to conduct kidnaps in the Sulu Sea, which includes around the islands of the Sulu archipelago (Philippines) and the seas/islands off the east coast of Sabah (Malaysia). Any vessels sailing in this area could be targeted. You should carefully consider vacation plans and be especially vigilant at this time. If you’re abroad and you need crisis help from the UK authorities, contact the nearest Uk embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is restricted in parts of Malaysia where the FCDO has existing help and advice against all travel and everything but essential travel (as set out above). Malaysia is a multicultural, majority Muslim country. See Local laws plus customs You can contact the emergency services by contacting 999 (police and ambulance) or 994 (fire). It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the guidance on foreign travel insurance. You should take great care in the town of Sandakan and along the coastal area south to Tawau, and in and around Lahad Datu and Semporna. In May 2015, 2 Malaysian nationals were abducted in Sandakan, one of whom was subsequently murdered. Keep track of local media and follow the advice of the local authorities. Find Terrorism and Local take a trip – Sabah If you plan to pass through another nation to return to the UK, look into the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
