{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"MY","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Malaysia","url-slug":"malaysia","friendly-date":"February 27, 2014 16:29 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"The Advisories tab was updated - coastal areas of southeastern Sabah.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Malaysia. Exercise normal security precautions.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to the coastal areas of southeastern Sabah, from the district of Beluran in the north to the town of Tawau in the south and all nearby islands, due to the risk of kidnapping and violence. These areas include, but are not limited to, the beaches of Sandakan, resorts along both the Kinabatangan River (district of Sukau) and the Sabahan River (district of Kunak), and the islands of Kapalai, Lankayan, Ligitan, Mabul, Mataking, Pom Pom, Selingan, and Sipadan. Consult the Security<\/a> tab for more information.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n Clashes between Philippine gunmen and Malaysian authorities occurred from February to March 2013, resulting in several deaths. This area was declared a Special Security Area by the Malaysian government. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.<\/p>\n Despite increased security in the region, the risk of kidnapping and violence perpetrated by Philippine militants remains, especially on resort islands and surrounding waters, including around Sipadan. On November 15, 2013, a foreign couple was attacked in a resort on the island of Pom Pom; one was murdered and the other was abducted. Foreigners were also kidnapped in 2000 and 2003.<\/p>\n Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon. Petty crime is prevalent, especially in tourist areas and at the airport. Snatch-and-grab incidents against tourists occur. Thieves on motorcycles frequently grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, often resulting in injury. Women walking alone or with children are common targets. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not leave valuables unattended in vehicles. Touts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, including the Low Cost Carrier Terminal, attempt to get travellers to take their \"taxi\" into town. Several incidents of robbery and\/or assault have occurred, as well as gross overcharges by such individuals. Take registered airport taxis only, after obtaining a coupon from the airport taxi stand near the door before exiting the customs and arrivals hall.<\/p>\n Large-scale demonstrations have increased. Police permission is required for any public gathering or demonstration. Offenders could face lengthy jail sentences. Passersby have become victims of acts of violence during demonstrations. Avoid all political demonstrations and stay away from areas where they might occur. Protests can turn violent quickly and without warning. Demonstrations are usually accompanied by a heightened police presence and traffic delays.<\/p>\n Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are good. Aggressive driving habits by motorcyclists may pose a risk to foreign drivers who may not be accustomed to these competitive driving techniques. A number of scam artists operate within Malaysia. Male travellers, usually alone, have been approached in public places with invitations to participate in card games offering attractive opportunities for winning large amounts of money. Victims have lost thousands of dollars before realizing they were being scammed.<\/p>\n There are reports of travellers encountering serious problems after responding to advertisements to do volunteer work with some adventure or environmental organizations. If you are interested in doing volunteer work abroad, conduct careful research before making a commitment.<\/p>\n Internet dating and financial scams are common. Foreigners, including Canadian expatriates, may be targeted. Consult our Overseas Fraud<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Credit cards should be safeguarded at all times. Malaysia has one of the highest rates of credit card fraud in the world. Credit card magnetic strips have been duplicated, even in international hotels. Swiping your own card may not always be possible. Pay careful attention when others are handling your card during payment processing. Scams involving debit cards also occur. Before using your card, carefully inspect the automated banking machine to ensure that it has not been tampered with.<\/p>\n Pirate attacks and armed robberies occur against ships in and around Malaysia, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report<\/a> published by the International Maritime Bureau.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Malaysian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for Malaysia<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Malaysia, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country.<\/p>\n Tourist visas are not required for stays of up to three months. For stays of over three months, you must apply for an extension (for up to an additional two months) at any Malaysian Immigration office<\/a>.<\/p>\n Before you apply for an Employment Pass (at the Immigration Office or a Malaysian High Commission overseas), your prospective employer must apply for approval from the Standing Committee for Malaysianisation or the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority to fill the position with an expatriate. While waiting for the approval, your employer can apply to bring you into the country on a Social Visit Pass (for example, Temporary Employment). We strongly recommend against this last step: you should obtain your Employment Pass before arrival since it is very difficult to change visa status once inside Malaysia. Foreigners are limited to three Visit Pass extensions, after which they must leave the country or a fine will be imposed for overstaying.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required (for stays of up to three months) Dual citizenship is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. You should travel using your Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. Consult our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>\n Foreigners are required to register their biometrics (fingerprints) at their port of entry. Children under 12 years of age and diplomats accredited to Malaysia are exempt from this screening.<\/p>\n Malaysian authorities have implemented screening measures at all international airports in response to the H1N1 flu virus outbreak. Travellers entering Malaysia from Canada may be subject to a body temperature check. In some cases, travellers may be isolated and treated.<\/p>\n An airport tax, which is usually included in the price of your ticket, is applied to all international flights.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tJapanese encephalitis<\/a> is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending time outdoors in rural areas) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>
<\/p>","security":"Coastal areas of southeastern Sabah (see Advisory<\/a>)<\/h3>\n
Crime<\/h3>\n
Be particularly cautious at bars or clubs. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.<\/p>\nAirport taxis<\/h3>\n
Demonstrations<\/h3>\n
Transportation<\/h3>\n
Review the Travel Advice for Thailand<\/a> if you are contemplating overland travel from Malaysia to Thailand.
Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\nScams<\/h3>\n
Credit card fraud<\/h3>\n
Piracy<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required<\/p>\nDual citizenship<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Biometrics<\/h3>\n
Screening measures<\/h3>\n
Airport tax<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Japanese encephalitis<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>