MALAYSIA
Crime
& Safety
If you lose something in Malaysia, you're more likely to have
someone running after you with it than running away. Nevertheless,
muggings have been known, and theft from dormitories by other
tourists is a common complaint In the more remote parts of Sarawak
or Sabah there is little crime, and you needn't worry unduly about
carrying more cash than usual.
If you do need to report a crime in Malaysia, head for the nearest
police station , where there'll be someone who speaks English
- you'll need a copy of the police report for insurance purposes.
In many major tourist spots, there are specific tourist police
stations. It is very unwise to have anything to do with drugs
of any description in Malaysia. The penalties for trafficking
drugs in or out of either country are extreme - foreigners have
been executed in the past.
Medical
Care & Emergencies
The levels of hygiene and medical care in Malaysia are
higher than in much of the rest of Southeast Asia; staff almost
everywhere speak good English and use up-to-date techniques. There's
always a pharmacy in main towns, which is well stocked with brand-name
drugs. They also sell oral contraceptives and condoms over the
counter. Pharmacists can help with simple complaints, though if
you're in any doubt, get a proper diagnosis. Opening hours are
usually Mon-Sat 9.30am-7pm; pharmacies in shopping malls stay
open later. Private clinics are found even in the smallest towns;
a visit costs around RM30, excluding medication. The emergency
department of each town's General Hospital will see foreigners
for the token fee of RM1, though costs rise rapidly if continued
treatment or overnight stays are necessary .
Emergency phone numbers
Police/Ambulance 999 Fire Brigade 99
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