Health & Safety Guidelines
Essential health and safety information to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Malaysia.
Vaccinations
Keep routine vaccines up to date
Travel Insurance
Coverage highly recommended
Emergency: 999
24/7 services available
Recommended Vaccinations
Essential for All
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
- Polio
- Influenza
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis
Yellow Fever Certificate
Required from visitors coming from or going to or through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and from travellers who transited more than 12 hours through the airport of such a country. It follows your itinerary, not your nationality. Travellers without a valid certificate may be quarantined on arrival for a period not exceeding 6 days. The certificate is valid for life, beginning 10 days after vaccination. Based on the Ministry of Health Malaysia advisory updated 12 October 2022; check the Ministry of Health for the latest.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Dengue Fever
Present throughout Malaysia, especially in urban areas during rainy seasons.
High fever, severe headache, joint pain, rash
Malaria
Low risk in urban areas, present in rural regions of Sabah and Sarawak.
Antimalarial medication may be recommended
Zika Virus
Occasional cases. Pregnant women should consult doctors.
Can cause birth defects
Chikungunya
Same mosquitoes as dengue, sporadic outbreaks.
Fever, severe joint pain, headache
Mosquito Protection Measures
- • Use insect repellent with DEET (30-50%)
- • Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn/dusk
- • Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations
- • Use mosquito nets in rural areas
Food and Water Safety
Safe Practices
- Drink bottled or boiled water
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food
- Peel fruits yourself
- Wash hands frequently
- Use hand sanitizer
Avoid
- Tap water and ice cubes
- Unpasteurized dairy
- Raw/undercooked seafood
- Questionable street food
- Unwashed salads
Medical Facilities & Emergency
Emergency Numbers
Medical Care Quality
- Excellent facilities in major cities
- Many doctors speak English
- Modern private hospitals
- Pharmacies widely accessible
Travel Insurance
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Ensure coverage includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
General Safety Tips
Sun & Heat Protection
- Use high-SPF sunscreen
- Wear hats and sunglasses
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid midday sun
Wildlife & Nature
- Wear closed-toe shoes hiking
- Don't feed wild animals
- Cautious of monkeys
- Check for leeches
Disclaimer: This is general guidance only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before travel.
Last Updated: December