Malaysia Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Malaysia is generally a safe destination for travelers.

Exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south due to risk of kidnapping.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Eastern Sabah coastal islands

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping. This does not apply to the mainland of Sabah.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts.
• be mindful of your permitted length of stay in Malaysia

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Malaysia.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Malaysia

Terrorist attacks in Malaysia cannot be ruled out.

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• bars and restaurants
• hotels
• markets
• shopping malls
• tourist attractions
• places of worship
• airports

You should be especially vigilant and maintain a high level of security awareness in crowded places and at large gatherings.

Terrorist kidnap

In Malaysia, there is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping in coastal areas of eastern Sabah from terrorist groups. The threat is particularly high on islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), based in the Philippines, has previously kidnapped foreigners from the east coast of mainland Sabah, the islands and the surrounding waters. The group has murdered several hostages. Some groups operating in the southern Philippines, including factions of ASG, have pledged allegiance to Daesh and are likely to regard westerners as legitimate targets.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

This section has safety advice for regions of Malaysia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Eastern Sabah coast

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping. This does not apply to the mainland of Sabah.

Commercial shipping companies have been advised to adopt heightened vigilance when navigating the Sulu and Celebes seas. Most maritime incidents occur in the Sulu Sea in the area between Sabah (Malaysia) and Mindanao, the Sulu Islands and Palawan (Philippines).

The Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) advises all ships to re-route from the area where possible.

Risk level

Malaysia - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Malaysia.

Regional risks

East coast of Sabah - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution on the east coast of Sabah state, between Kudat and Tawau, including Lankayan Island and offshore dive locations and resorts, due to the risk of kidnapping from both terrorist and criminal groups.

East coast of Sabah

Eastern Sabah is deemed a "Special Security Area" by the Malaysian government. Despite increased security in the region, the risk of kidnapping and violence perpetrated by terrorist and criminal groups remains, especially in the coastal areas.

Criminals have targeted foreigners, watercrafts, resort islands and surrounding waters, including around Sipadan. The risk increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall. Water-based curfews, including a Movement Control Order, are in effect in the coastal areas of Eastern Sabah.

Check local media or with local police for the most recent curfew information. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Demonstrations

Large-scale demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Demonstrations are usually accompanied by a heightened police presence and traffic delays. Law enforcement officials have deployed crowd control measures such as tear gas and water cannons, and participants and bystanders have been injured. It is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

马来西亚风险等级为蓝色（低风险）