Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
around them. Flooding can also be a problem - carry an umbrella and be prepared to roll up your trousers to wade
through giant puddles.
Animal Hazards
Rabies occurs in Malaysia, so any bite from an animal should be treated very seriously. Be cautious around monkeys,
dogs and cats. On jungle treks look out for centipedes, scorpions, spiders and snakes. Mosquitoes are likely to be the
biggest menace. The risk of malaria is low and antimalarial tablets are rarely recommended but dengue fever is a grow-
ing problem, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by covering up exposed skin or wearing a strong repellent con-
taining DEET.
Scams
The most common scams involve seemingly friendly locals who invite you to join rigged card games, or shops who
trick travellers into buying large amounts of gold jewellery or gems at elevated prices. Anyone who accosts you in the
street asking 'where you come from' or claiming to have a 'relative studying abroad' may be setting you up for a scam -
the best option is not to reply at all.
At the Malaysia-Thailand border, don't believe anyone who claims that you are legally required to change sums of
money into ringgit or baht before crossing the border - no such regulation exists.
Theft & Violence
Malaysia is not particularly prone to theft or violence. However, muggings and bag snatches do happen, particularly
after hours and in the poorer, rundown areas of cities. Be wary of demonstrations, particularly over religious or ethnic is-
sues, as these can turn violent.
Use credit cards only at established businesses and guard your credit-card numbers closely.
Carry a small, sturdy padlock you can use for cheap hotel-room doors and hostel lockers, and to keep prying fingers
out of your bags in left-luggage rooms.
Telephone
Landline services are provided by the national monopoly
Telekom Malaysia
(TM;
www.tm.com.my
)
.
