Visitors to Malaysia must
hold a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six
months beyond the intended visiting period.
Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For
further information, please contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or
Tourism Malaysia
office.
Set in the heart
of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is easily accessible from
most parts of the world by air, surface and sea links.
Over 45 international airlines fly into the country while national carrier
Malaysia Airlines has a global network that spans six continents and a national
network that covers more than 36 local destinations.
AirAsia, Malaysia's budget airline also
services certain domestic and regional routes.
Tropical
Health
DEHYDRATION
& SUNBURN The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against
sunburn must be constantly taken. Dehydration and loss of salt through
perspiration are two other common problems for the unprepared traveller. Drink
plenty of fluids and replace your salt loss. Make sure you pack clothing
suitable for a warm humid climate.
MOSQUITOES Due to the constant humid climate, mosquitoes tend to be present throughout the
year. The three most significant diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are
Malaria, Dengue Fever and Japanese B Encephalitis. To repel mosquitoes, ticks
and other arthropods, apply an insect repellent containing DEET to your skin or
clothing.
The risk of
malaria for most tourists visiting Peninsular Malaysia is extremely small.
There is insignificant risk in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other major cities. However, in East Malaysia, the risk of malaria is present throughout
the year. Even in these regions, the risk is mainly off the coastal plains and
towards the border areas. Generally, prophylaxis is recommended for those
visiting Sabah or Sarawak.
YELLOW FEVER There is no risk of yellow fever in Malaysia. A certificate of yellow
fever vaccination is required for entry if you are coming from countries in
South America or sub-Saharan Africa.
FOOD Generally, the level of food hygiene throughout the country is high. However,
make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Food from street vendors
should be treated with care. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated
(bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. If possible, avoid tap water, fountain
drinks, and ice cubes. Bring along iodine tablets and portable water filters to
purify water if bottled water is not available. Also, wash your hands often
with soap and water. As an extra precaution, bring along anti-diarrhoea
medication and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate
to severe diarrhoea.
VACCINATIONS Recommended vaccines:Poliomyelitis (childhood booster), Tetanus (childhood
booster), Typhoid (food & water borne diseases), Hepatitis A (food &
water borne diseases).
For those
venturing outside cities and towns, further recommended vaccines are Hepatitis
B, Rabies, Japanese B Encephalitis, Tuberculosis and Meningitis. For those
visiting Sabah and Sarawak, Malaria
prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Do's
& Don'ts
Malaysia is generally a laid back
and relaxed place. However, we do have our own customs and visitors should try
to observe these practices when they arrive. Some common courtesies and customs
are as follows:
Although handshakes are generally acceptable for
both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to
gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A handshake should only be
initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a
handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both
hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, and then brings
his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The
visitor should reciprocate the salam.
It is polite to call before visiting a home.
Shoes must always be removed when entering a
Malaysian home.
Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is
polite to accept.
The right hand is always used when eating with
one's hand or giving and receiving objects.
The right forefinger is not used to point at
places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four
fingers folded under is the preferred usage.
Shoes must be removed when entering places of
worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and
scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is
usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.
Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia.
The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.
