Immigration Matters

Overview

COVID-19 Guidelines and Travel Restrictions in Malaysia

Source: Malaysian Ministry of Health | World Health Organization (WHO)

As part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Malaysian government implemented the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), which was extended through March 31, 2021. These regulations are subject to further extensions based on public health evaluations.

Travel and Entry Restrictions for Foreign Nationals

Under the RMCO, foreign nationals are prohibited from entering Malaysia, except for those holding specific categories of:

Employment Passes (e.g. EP1, RP-T)
Long-Term Social Visit Passes
Residence Visas

For the latest updates on Entry and Exit Pass requirements, please visit the Expatriate Services Division of the Malaysian Immigration Department.

State-Specific Movement Control Order (MCO) Updates

On January 11, 2021, the Prime Minister of Malaysia announced stricter Movement Control Order (MCO) measures for several states, effective January 13–26, 2021. These include:

States affected: Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan, Melaka, Johor, and Sabah
Cross-district travel banned within a 10-kilometer radius of one’s residence
Police checkpoints established to monitor compliance

Key MCO Restrictions and SOPs

Only two people per vehicle are allowed
Two household members can leave the home to buy essentials
Work from home is mandatory for non-essential services
Restaurants and food stalls are limited to take-out and delivery only, operating between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Social activities are prohibited, including:
- Weddings
- Religious processions
- Seminars or in-person meetings
- Community or sports events

Essential Sectors Allowed to Operate

Only five critical economic sectors are permitted to operate during the MCO:

Manufacturing
Construction
Services
Trade and Distribution
Plantation and Commodities

Stay Informed

For real-time updates on COVID-19 guidelines and travel advisories in Malaysia, refer to:

The Malaysian Ministry of Health official website
Social media platforms and official media outlets
The World Health Organization (WHO)

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Local laws and Customs

Travel Advisory: Laws, Culture, and Safety Guidelines in Malaysia

When visiting Malaysia, it is essential to understand and comply with local laws and cultural norms. As a visitor, you are responsible for respecting the country’s rules, customs, and traditions. Certain behaviors, even if acceptable elsewhere, may be considered offensive or illegal in Malaysia.

Cultural Awareness and Local Etiquette

Malaysia is a multicultural nation with a significant Muslim majority. To avoid unintentional offense:

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites such as mosques or temples
Be respectful during the holy month of Ramadan; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
Remove your shoes when entering homes or places of worship
Public displays of affection should be avoided in public spaces

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Strict Laws and Prohibited Activities

Weapons and Explosives

Importing or possessing unlicensed firearms, explosives, or similar items is a serious offense and can be punishable by death.

LGBT Laws

Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia under national law. This applies to both residents and foreign visitors. Travelers should exercise discretion.

Drug Laws

Malaysia has one of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world:

Possession of even small amounts of illegal substances can result in imprisonment, fines, whipping, or capital punishment
Amphetamine-type stimulants are heavily penalized
Visitors suspected of prior drug use may be required to undergo urine testing upon entry

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Driving Regulations in Malaysia

If you plan to drive while visiting Malaysia, the following rules apply:

Carry your original driver’s license and valid insurance documents at all times
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and subject to heavy fines or imprisonment
Police routinely conduct roadside breathalyzer tests
Exercise caution with motorcyclists, who may not always observe traffic signals and often overtake on the inside, especially at junctions or left turns

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Car Rental Tips and Safety

When hiring a vehicle:

Do not hand over your passport as a form of security; if a copy is needed, ensure it is made in your presence
Review the rental agreement carefully, including any clauses related to damage waivers or liability
Ensure you have adequate insurance and that the vehicle is in good working condition before use

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Final Advice for Visitors

Malaysia enforces its laws consistently, regardless of nationality. Staying informed and respectful of local regulations will help ensure a safe and pleasant visit. For accurate and up-to-date information, refer to official resources such as:

The Malaysian Ministry of Health
The Immigration Department of Malaysia
Government press releases and travel advisories

Safety and Security

Safety and Security in Malaysia: Political Unrest, Crime, and Personal Protection

While Malaysia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, it is important to remain alert and take appropriate precautions. Political demonstrations, petty crime, and scams can pose risks, especially in urban centers like Kuala Lumpur.

Political Demonstrations and Unrest

Occasional protests have taken place in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities, driven by political tensions between the Malaysian government and opposition groups. Although most protests are peaceful, situations can escalate quickly.

Avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings, even if they appear calm
Monitor local news and official government updates for the latest information
Follow instructions from local authorities and your country’s embassy if unrest occurs nearby

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Kidnapping Threats in Eastern Malaysia

While the risk is low in most of the country, kidnapping threats exist in parts of eastern Sabah, particularly near coastal areas close to the southern Philippines.

Travel advisories often discourage non-essential travel to these regions
If visiting Sabah, especially island resorts or remote coastal areas, consult local authorities and travel warnings

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Crime in Malaysia

Malaysia has a relatively low violent crime rate, but petty crime—particularly bag snatching by thieves on motorcycles—is a growing concern in central tourist districts of Kuala Lumpur.

Tips for Avoiding Theft and Street Crime:

Keep valuables like cash, passports, and cards in a secure location—do not carry them all together
Carry a copy of your passport instead of the original unless absolutely necessary
Use ATMs only in well-lit areas and avoid withdrawing cash alone after dark
Be discreet with cash and avoid displaying large sums in public
Always be aware of your surroundings in public places such as internet cafés, train stations, and bus terminals
Avoid dark, isolated areas, and arrange transportation close to your accommodation entrance, especially at night
Women traveling alone should exercise extra caution and avoid opening hotel doors to strangers
Watch for scams involving spiked drinks in bars and gambling setups, which may lead to theft or assault
Be wary of credit card fraud and ATM skimming, which are increasingly reported in urban areas

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Reporting a Crime in Malaysia

If you become a victim of crime:

Report the incident to the nearest local police station as soon as possible
Obtain a police report for insurance or embassy documentation purposes
Contact your embassy or consulate for additional support if needed

Natural disaster and Climate

Flooding

From November to March, the Northeast Monsoon brings heavy rains, particularly to Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast states and western Sarawak. This can result in extreme and dangerous flooding.

Pollution

Smoke haze wreaks havoc on Malaysia’s air quality during the year. With the arrival of the monsoon season, this changes. Owing to land and forest fires, as well as the persistent hot, dry weather, air pollution is currently worse than average for this time of year in a number of states. You should keep an eye on the Malaysian Department of Environment’s website for air quality alerts and follow any health warnings.

Volcanoes

On the morning of June 5, 2015, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit Sabah. This had an influence on Mount Kinabalu. For more information, visit the Sabah tourism website, and keep an eye on local media for updates.

Additional Information

Health

Malaysia has wide public and private hospital network. Before traveling to Malaysia, you can seek medical advice on vaccines and other preventativemeasures against various tropical diseases, as well as tuberculosis and hepatitis A and B.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is present in all Malaysian states, and you should use insect repellent and cover up to avoid mosquito bites, particularly when in jungle areasor near river water. This year, the number of dengue cases has risen drastically, especially in Kuala Lumpur.